The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new partnership with Google Wallet on Wednesday. Travelers can now use Google Wallet to opt into TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, a program that allows you to breeze through security checkpoints without any physical government ID or paper boarding pass.

Your TSA PreCheck membership fast-tracks you through the wait line (and shortens the screening process), but you still need to stop and show ID at a security checkpoint before you can go to the screening area. Touchless ID uses facial recognition technology, not a security agent and physical ID, so you can go through a faster-moving line and get through the checkpoint more quickly.

With the new Google Wallet partnership, all of that becomes a little bit more seamless than it already is. If you're a TSA PreCheck member who's already used Touchless ID, you might be wondering how this is any different from your current experience. Here's what you need to know.

What Google Wallet changes about TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is available at 65 airports nationwide. But, until now, you had to opt into the service through a participating airline.

That meant enrolling in a frequent flyer program (provided the airline you're flying with is eligible for Touchless ID), manually adding your passport details to that frequent flyer account, and then opting into TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.

That's easy enough if you've done it before with your typical airline, but what about when you're not flying with your regular airline, or if you forget to check ahead of time? Do you need to be enrolled in the frequent flyer program of every participating airline you fly with and then set up Touchless ID with each one individually? Not anymore.

The new Google Wallet integration simplifies the process. If you're flying on any of the 100 airlines participating in the program (and you have TSA PreCheck), you can opt into Touchless ID just once through Google Wallet and use it every time you fly, with any airline, without joining 100 frequent flyer programs.

How to set up TSA PreCheck Touchless ID in Google Wallet

First, you need to enroll in TSA PreCheck if you haven't already done so. Many travel rewards cards offer statement credits that effectively make the program free to you. So, if you're on the fence about whether or not enrolling is worth it and you have one of those travel credit cards, there's no question. It's free to you so any time saved at the airport is a bonus.

Next, you need to add your passport to Google Wallet.

On the day of your flight, here's what your Touchless ID process will look like:

• Check in for your flight online. After you've finished checking in, save your boarding pass to your Google Wallet.
• Opt into Touchless ID. When viewing your boarding pass in your Google Wallet, you should see a "get started" button if you're eligible for this program. Tap it and follow the prompts.
• Look for the TSA badge on your pass. After agreeing to share your digital ID and boarding pass with the TSA, you should see a little TSA PreCheck Touchless ID badge on your boarding pass. This indicates that you've finished the process and you're good to go.

That's all there is to it. You just opt into the program after checking in and you can now skip the hassle of digging around in your bag for your wallet when you reach the TSA checkpoint. Instead, you'll just scan your boarding pass, do the facial recognition process and move on to the security screening.

What else to know about Google Wallet and Touchless ID

Google Wallet is available to Android phone users. If you have an iPhone, there is no Google Wallet app available.

Understandably, some people have security concerns about the use of facial recognition technology. You do have to opt in for Touchless ID, and TSA says: "Images are not used for law enforcement, surveillance, nor shared with other entities. Your photo and personal data are deleted within 24-hours of your scheduled flight departure."

On privacy concerns, Google says your information is shared with the TSA only after you opt in and authenticate. The company adds that digital IDs in the Wallet "are always encrypted and stored directly on your phone."

The Google Wallet Touchless ID option is "rolling out over the coming weeks," according to Google.

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Airport lounges are the best places to spend your layover or kill that extra time you have after breezing through airport security with TSA PreCheck and Clear. While the cushy seating, complimentary food and open bars are all designed to help guests relax before their flights, there is such a thing as being a little too comfortable in an airport lounge.

Some of the unspoken rules of an airport lounge are common sense, but others might not be so obvious to everyone. There are certain mistakes you might make that are a dead giveaway that this is your first visit. If you're planning to kick back in an airport lounge ahead of your next trip, take this short quiz to find out if you know how to behave inside one.

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We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. 

Are you tired of juggling complex bonus categories and jumping through hoops to earn travel miles? Introducing the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

This card is refreshingly simple. You earn a flat rate of two miles per dollar on everything, giving you an effortless way to accumulate miles in a hurry. And it's your perfect travel-saving companion, earning you five miles per dollar on car and vacation rentals and hotel bookings through Capital One's travel portal.

Is it the right fit for your needs? I'll break down who this card benefits the most. I'll also recommend strategies to turn this card from a basic wallet staple into your ultimate travel cheat code.

Which travel perks does the card offer me?

Here's a breakdown of some of the card's main travel perks:

Here's another perk: You'll have flexible redemption. As long as your account is active and in good standing, your miles will not expire for the life of the account.

This card is best if you…

• Travel at least a few times per year
• Want simplicity in rewards
• Don't want a high annual fee (this card's is $95)
• Need the ability to transfer miles to airline and hotel partners

Meanwhile, this card won't be a good fit if you…

• Want a card with airport lounge access (consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for this feature)
• Need other incentives like shopping and streaming offers
• A jet setter who wants to maximize luxury rewards

If you fit the profile of someone who would use and benefit from the card, here are some strategies to get the most out of it.

How to transform your card into the ultimate travel cheat code

This card's strength lies in its flexibility and simplicity. Here are a few ways to leverage both to your advantage.

Strategy 1: Use it as your everyday card to achieve the intro bonus

The card comes with a generous introductory bonus of 75,000 miles (a $750 value) when you open the card and charge at least $4,000 in the first three months.

I recommend hitting this mark by shuffling purchases that make sense over to it. This could be streaming, groceries or other expenditures. Once you reach that bonus mark, not only will you have 75,000 miles, you'll also earn another 8,000 miles just for using the card as intended. This gives you $830 off the bat for trips.

Strategy 2: Travel wisely using the perks

Normally, I am not a big proponent of using credit card portals to book travel. They tend to be more expensive than purchasing directly through the airline. However, The Points Guy found Capital One's travel portal to be among the best rates.

When you book, make sure to do so through Capital One's travel portal for hotels and rental cars, where you'll earn five times the miles on every dollar spent.

Strategy 3: Redeem your way

Another perk of this card is that you can choose how to redeem your miles. You can do so by:

• Reimbursement for travel purchases: How this would work is you pay for a travel purchase, like a hotel booking, using your card. Once it processes, you can log in to your Capital One account to get reimbursed for the purchase or a portion of it, with the miles you have. Miles are redeemable at one cent per mile, giving you an easy way to pay off purchases.
• Maximize value: If you travel regularly and want to transfer your points to airlines or hotel partners, you're in luck. Capital One has more than 15 travel partners you can use. This is where the real value is, because in some cases (Air Canada Aeroplan or Turkish Airlines), you can earn higher redemption limits.

All told, the Capital One Venture Rewards card is a fantastic under-the-radar card for the occasional traveler who wants simplicity in rewards and flexible travel partners. While it won't be the right fit for every wallet, it does offer ample value, especially when you transfer to Capital One's travel partners.

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If booking a flight lately feels more expensive and more confusing, that’s because it is.

Airfare prices are rising again, driven largely by higher jet fuel costs tied to geopolitical tensions, including the war in Iran. At the same time, airlines are leaning more heavily on dynamic pricing systems that adjust fares in real time based on demand, competition and even browsing behavior.

As a result, there are fewer predictable "sweet spots" for booking and more sudden price swings that can leave travelers second guessing whether to buy now or wait.

If you're planning summer or fall trips, the key question isn't just where to go. You'll also want to get strategic about when to book and how to avoid overpaying. Here are some tips to help.

How much more travelers are paying for flights

Airfare hasn't increased evenly across the board, but the trend is clear: Prices are trending higher, especially for peak travel periods and international routes.

Jet fuel prices surged from about $85 to $90 per barrel to as high as $150 to $200 per barrel in recent weeks, creating significant financial pressure across the airline industry, according to Reuters.

Domestic fares have seen moderate increases in many markets, while international flights, particularly long-haul routes, are seeing sharper spikes due to higher fuel consumption and constrained capacity. Flights to Europe and parts of Asia have been especially volatile, with prices fluctuating week to week.

Some routes are being hit harder than others. Flights from major hub cities might remain relatively competitive due to airline competition, while smaller regional airports often see steeper increases due to limited flight options and reduced seat inventory.

Another factor is that airlines have become more strategic about limiting discounted seats. That means travelers are less likely to stumble on the ultra-low fares that were more common even a year or two ago.

Why airfare prices are increasing

Several forces are converging to push ticket prices higher and keep them unpredictable.

Rising fuel costs are feeding directly into fares

Jet fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for airlines, often accounting for 20% to 30% of total costs. When oil prices climb, especially amid geopolitical tensions involving Iran and other key energy-producing regions, airlines typically pass at least some of those costs on to consumers.

What makes this cycle different is the speed. Fuel prices have been fluctuating quickly, and airlines are responding faster than they used to, adjusting fares in near real time rather than waiting weeks or months.

Dynamic pricing

Airlines have long used demand-based pricing, but newer algorithms are far more aggressive and responsive. Prices can now shift multiple times per day based on booking patterns, seat availability, competitor pricing, even seasonal demand signals.

This means travelers are less likely to see stable pricing trends. A flight that looks reasonably priced in the morning could jump significantly by evening if demand ticks up.

Strong demand (despite higher prices)

Even with inflation affecting household budgets, travel demand hasn't slowed as much as expected. Many people are still prioritizing vacations, experiences and visiting family, particularly during peak seasons such as summer and holidays. This sustained demand gives airlines less incentive to discount fares, especially when flights are already filling up.

Tighter seat inventory

Airlines are still operating with tighter capacity in some markets compared with prepandemic levels. That includes fewer routes, reduced flight frequency and, in some cases, staffing or aircraft limitations. Fewer available seats naturally push prices higher, particularly on popular routes or during high-demand windows.

Airlines are managing inventory more strategically

Another subtle shift is that airlines are holding back the lowest fare classes for a shorter period or releasing fewer discounted seats altogether. In other words, the "cheap seats" sell out faster, leaving more travelers choosing from higher-priced options.

7 best ways to save money on airfare right now

Even in a rising price environment, there are still ways to keep costs under control, but it requires a more proactive and flexible approach than in the past. Here are some things smart travelers are doing in an attempt to cut costs.

1. Book earlier, but still monitor prices

The traditional advice to book flights six to eight weeks in advance doesn't always hold up in today's market. For many routes, especially international trips, booking several months ahead can help you avoid last-minute price spikes tied to demand and fuel costs.

That said, it's still worth tracking prices after you book. Some airlines now offer fare credits if prices drop, and third-party tools can alert you to potential rebooking opportunities.

2. Be flexible with timing (even by a day or two)

Small adjustments to your itinerary can lead to meaningful savings. Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, is often cheaper than weekend travel. Early morning or late-night flights can also come with lower fares.

If your schedule allows, shifting your trip by even one day in either direction can sometimes reduce costs significantly.

3. Use fare alerts and price-tracking tools consistently

Platforms such as Google Flights, Hopper and Skyscanner allow you to monitor routes and receive notifications when prices change. These tools are especially useful in an unpredictable market for travel, since it helps you spot dips rather than guessing when to book.

4. Check multiple airports and routing options

Flying out of or into a nearby airport can sometimes lead to lower fares. For example, choosing a secondary airport within driving distance might open cheaper routes or better airline competition.

Consider flights with layovers instead of nonstop service; it can reduce costs, particularly on long-haul trips.

5. Leverage points, miles and credit card perks

With cash prices rising, travel rewards can stretch further. If you've accumulated points through a travel credit card or loyalty program, this might be an ideal time to redeem them, especially for expensive routes where cash fares are inflated.

Some cards also offer travel credits, companion fares or built-in trip protections that can offset overall costs.

6. Watch for bundled fees and compare total cost

Base fares don't always tell the full story. Budget airlines may appear cheaper upfront but charge for carry-on bags, seat selection and other add-ons. Before booking, compare the total cost across airlines, including fees, to avoid surprises.

7. Consider shoulder seasons and off-peak travel

If your plans are flexible, traveling just before or after peak season can deliver better value. Early fall and late spring often offer a balance of good weather and lower demand, which can translate into lower airfare.

Should travelers book now or wait?

This is where many travelers are getting stuck, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. If fuel prices continue rising or geopolitical tensions escalate, airfare could increase further. In that case, waiting could mean paying more later.

On the other hand, prices can still fluctuate, and occasional dips do happen.

As a general guideline, for:

• Domestic flights. Aim to book one to three months in advance
• International flights. Aim for two to six months ahead

If you find a fare that fits your budget and travel plans, it might be worth locking it in, especially if the airline offers free changes or credits.

A good rule of thumb is that if a fare is within your historical expectations (or slightly above), it’s often safer to book than gamble on future drops.

Are budget airlines still the cheapest option?

Budget airlines can still offer lower base fares, but the gap isn't always as wide as it seems. Many discount carriers charge additional fees for carry-on bags, seat selection and even printing boarding passes. Once those costs are added in, the total price can rival or even exceed traditional airlines.

Some budget airlines have reduced routes or frequency as well, which limits availability and flexibility. That said, they can still be a good option for short trips or travelers who can pack light and avoid add-ons.

How travelers can stay ahead of rising airfare prices

Airfare pricing is likely to remain unpredictable in the near term. Between fuel costs, global uncertainty and evolving airline strategies, travelers should expect continued fluctuating prices and options.

The good news is that you don't need perfect timing to save money. If you plan ahead, stay flexible and use the right tools, you can still find reasonable fares even in a rising market. Because in today’s environment, waiting for the "perfect deal" might be the most expensive move of all.

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The Iran war has already triggered soaring gas prices, with drivers paying an average of over $4.14 per gallon. But gasoline isn't the only fuel that's gotten more expensive since the conflict started.

As oil prices keep climbing, so does the cost of jet fuel. Since March 6, the price of jet fuel has surged nearly 33%, hitting $209 per barrel by April 3, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). That's an even sharper spike than drivers are seeing at the pump, where the cost per gallon has risen roughly 21% in the same time period.

With United paying more to fill its tanks, it's looking for ways to offset those costs. For travelers, that means higher fees. Starting today, the cost per checked bag will go up to $45 for United passengers, a $10 increase over previous fees.

United Airlines isn't the only airline to increase fees because of fuel costs

The $10 fee hike United customers will see comes as the Iran war continues to push oil prices higher, raising the prices of jet fuel in turn. It's not the only airline to hike fees citing the higher costs of fueling planes.

Earlier this month, JetBlue announced that checked bag fees would be going up as much as $9 per bag. And Delta will tack an extra $10 onto its own checked bag fees, too.

While the idea of paying more to check a bag is unwelcome news for customers already being squeezed at the gas pump and the grocery store, this may actually be a better option. By raising fees on optional services, airlines hope to keep base fares more competitive.

How to avoid checked bag fees

Whether you're flying United, JetBlue, Delta or any other airline, honing your strategy to avoid rising baggage fees is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can avoid paying for a checked bag altogether. Here are a few of your best options:

• Travel with a carry-on only. The most straightforward way to avoid a checked bag fee is to avoid having to check a bag in the first place. Get refillable travel-size bottles to hold your hygiene products without having to bring full-size bottles. Coordinate your wardrobe so you can mix and match a few simple pieces for multiple outfits. Get a spacious weekender bag to serve as your "personal item" where you can pack any overflow that doesn't fit in your carry-on luggage.
• Join a mileage club. Most airlines have mileage clubs that allow you to earn points and perks for flying. While you won't instantly get free checked bag perks with any of them, joining now can open up some options for you. One is to chase airline status until you qualify for a membership tier that does come with free baggage perks. Another is to pair your membership with an airline credit card that offers free checked bags right away.
• Get an airline credit card. Many airline credit cards will offer at least one free checked bag to cardholders. Of course, many of these cards also come with annual fees. If you don't fly often, eating the cost of a baggage fee now might be cheaper than paying for a card with an annual fee. But even passengers who only fly a couple of times a year may be able to earn that fee back from saved checked bag fees after two or three flights, depending on the card you choose. If you go this route, compare the checked bag perks as well as the other perks that you would actually use between a couple of cards. Then calculate how often you would have to fly and use those perks to make the annual fee worth it.
• Book a higher class if you have a lot of bags. Upgrading from economy to business to save money might sound counterintuitive, but if you're flying with a lot of baggage, it can actually work out in your favor. Premium fares tend to come with more generous checked bag perks. So, before eating the cost of add-on fees, just peak at the cost of upgrading your fare and compare the price difference to the amount you'd be paying in baggage fees. If it's the same or less, you might as well enjoy a more luxurious flight if you're spending the money anyway.
• Factor in all fees when comparing airline fares. Spirit or Frontier often look like the cheapest option when shopping airfares online. But sometimes, when you add on the carry-on fees, seat selection fees and all the other not-so-optional add-ons, the price can end up being even higher than a major airline. Before you ditch United because of the higher checked bag fees, compare the fare price (baggage fees included) to the all-in pricing of competitors. Even if you can't avoid the fee, it might still end up being the most cost effective option.

Airfare has always been sensitive to fuel costs, and this is a reminder that those shifts can show up in ways that are less obvious than ticket prices. As airlines look for ways to manage rising expenses, fees are likely to remain in focus.

For travelers, a little planning can go a long way. Understanding how airlines price add-ons, and choosing the right strategy for how you fly, can help you keep more of your money.

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When you rent a car, the company almost always tries to add additional rental car fees, including offering supplemental coverage that costs extra. When you get to that stage of the booking process, you're probably wondering if it would be irresponsible of you to decline to save a few bucks.

The good news is that the answer is probably no. Most people can safely decline the added coverage. Technically, what rental car companies are offering you is usually not insurance, but a waiver. Basically, for a fee, you can waive responsibility for damage to the rental car while you have it.

The benefit of this is that, if something happens, you can just return the car and be done with it. There's no claims process and no deductible to worry about. The drawback is that these waivers can be pricey and, depending on what's in your wallet and where you're driving, probably unnecessary.

If you already have car insurance and especially if you have a credit card that covers rental car insurance, it probably isn't worth the added cost. Feeling unsure about whether you should deny that damage waiver the rental car company is offering you? Here's what you need to consider as you decide.

Your regular car insurance likely applies when driving a rental car

If you already have car insurance, your coverage likely extends to a rental car. That is, whatever you'd be covered for when driving your personal car should apply when driving a rental as well.

But, there are always exceptions and the limits may differ depending on where you're renting the car.

If you're booking a car rental soon, call your insurer and ask the following questions to find out what coverage you have and whether or not there are any gaps you might need to address before getting behind the wheel:

• Does my current coverage extend to a rental car?
• If you pay for roadside assistance or other special coverage, too, do they also extend to a rental car?

If the answer is yes to both of these questions, review your policy just to remind yourself what is included.

If your regular car insurance is a minimum coverage policy, for example, you wouldn't be covered for damages to the rental. In that case, paying for the collision damage waiver might be worth it.

If you're driving this rental car for an extended period, it might be worth getting a quote to add collision insurance to your existing policy. Those waivers can get expensive fast, so it might be cheaper to just add the coverage to your policy.

You probably aren't covered if you're driving in a foreign country

If you're renting a car in another country, your U.S. policy likely doesn't extend beyond the United States (and sometimes Canada or Mexico). In this case, you'll need to check the insurance requirements of the country you're driving in.

Since you'll also probably need to apply for an international driving permit in order to drive there, you can check into insurance requirements while you're doing that. This is also something you can ask the car rental company about.

Your credit card might also fill any gaps in coverage

Many travel credit cards offer rental car protection as a perk. This benefit kicks in after your own car insurance pays out whatever it has to pay in an accident. While credit cards vary, the protection is usually similar to the damage waiver the rental car company wants to charge you extra for.

In most cases, activating this coverage is as simple as booking the rental with the credit card that offers rental car protection. If you're in an accident, it may reimburse you for any deductible you had to pay on your own insurance and it may cover damage or theft to the car you're renting.

If you have a travel card already, read the fine print on how its rental car protection benefit works and what it covers. If you don't, consider applying for a card before you book the rental.

Rental car reimbursement coverage is different (and not usually included)

If you're wondering whether your car insurance will pay for the rental car you need because you were in a car accident, that's a different story. Unless you made sure to add something called "rental car reimbursement coverage," you're probably going to be stuck paying out of pocket for that rental.

Of course, you can still decline the damage waiver because your insurance will cover you while you're driving that rental and, if you use the right credit card, you may not even be on the hook for the deductible if you're unlucky enough to get in another accident while driving that rental car.

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If rising travel costs are holding you back, the right credit card could help. The best travel rewards credit cards feature many unique perks that allow you to save on travel costs, from booking flights to dining out.

Beyond savings, some cards can also upgrade your experience, offering late check-outs, resort credits and room upgrades when you book through their travel portals.

To show how much value these cards can deliver, we’ve broken down how much you could save on a $10,000 trip using two top travel rewards cards.

For spend categories, we kept things simple by breaking down costs into four categories:

• Flights: $3,000
• Hotel: $2,500
• Dining: $2,000
• Misc: $2,500

From there, we factored in special points, cash back and miles incentives for each spending category. We also included sign-up bonuses and annual travel credits where available, while subtracting each card’s annual fee to give a clearer picture of its true value.

With that in mind, let’s compare one luxury travel card and one lower-fee option to see how much each could save you on a $10,000 trip.

Platinum Card® from American Express 

Best for: Luxury travelers

Platinum Card® from American Express is one of our favorite cards because it offers many luxury travel perks to make up for its $895 annual fee. See rates and fees.

For starters, you might be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first six months of membership. Welcome offers vary, and you might not be eligible for an offer.

The conversion rate for this card is one point equals $0.01, meaning if you qualify for the 175,000 points, you'll earn up to $1,750 just for meeting this threshold, which your $10K trip would do. Here's a breakdown of what you would earn in each category:

In addition to these savings, you'll earn a $200 airline credit for booking eligible flights. Therefore, on a $10K trip, if you qualify for the highest intro bonus, you'll earn $1,750 for the bonus, $200 for the airline credit and cashback rewards of $320.

Subtract the annual fee of $895, and it leaves you a total savings of $1,375.

Bonus perk: This card earns you up to $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Regular travelers looking for elevated perks without the higher annual fees.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card works well for the seasoned traveler who's looking for a travel credit card with a lower annual fee. The card features an annual fee of $395, but also comes with plenty of cost-savings to help you lower your total trip costs.

The card offers a sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening the card. This is a value of $750 at a conversion of one point equals $0.01. You'll also gain more savings for travel purchases through its generous perks:

Capital One also rewards Venture X cardholders with a $300 annual travel credit you can use on this vacation.

Breaking this down, you'll receive $750 for the introductory bonus, $300 for the annual travel credit and cashback incentives of $490 on travel expenses, giving you a savings of $1,540.

Once you subtract the annual fee of $395, you'll save $1,145 on your trip.

Bonus perk: Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary. This, coupled with your annual travel credit, offsets your annual fee.

Things to consider with travel credit cards

Before signing up for one of our top picks, there are a few things you should consider:

• Use wisely: Paying off your balance each month ensures you're maximizing your perks.
• You might not receive the best deal: Credit cards offer better perks when you book through their travel portals; however, they might not offer the best prices on bookings.
• Fees: If you travel overseas often, consider a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, as it can help you save significantly.
• Brand loyalty: Some travelers prefer a certain airline or hotel brand. Should this apply to you, consider a credit card with that company, as you can maximize travel perks much more easily.
• Consider travel habits: Examine how you travel and match your preferences to a card that maximizes value, such as Uber rides, car rentals, dining out and more.
• Is it worth it? For less frequent travelers, you might not use the perks enough to justify the annual fees imposed. If this applies to you, consider one of our best cash back credit cards that rewards you more for everyday purchases.

Overall, travel credit cards are expensive, but they come packed with valuable perks. As this example shows, both these cards can save you more than 10% on a $10,000 trip

In addition, it's important to match your travel needs to a card that maximizes your value. That way, you can enjoy the perks you want and save on future travel purchases.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities. This article only reviews select credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.

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In an email to Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders this week and confirmed on the Capital One website, the card issuer announced that its airport lounge access rules – among the most generous of any travel rewards card – would be changing.

Beginning February 1, 2026, cardholders will no longer be able to bring guests into Capital One lounges or Priority Pass lounges for free. The credit card issuer is also taking away complimentary lounge access for authorized users added to your card.

While the primary cardholder can still kick back in Capital One’s popular lounges for free, you’re going to have to pay extra if you want your traveling companions to join you. The changes are sure to disappoint existing cardholders, but the new rules are still pretty generous compared to others. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming lounge restrictions and how you can adapt your travel plans next year.

Is Capital One Venture X lounge access going away?

Capital One Venture X cardholders will still be able to access airport lounges after February 1, 2026. The biggest difference is that any authorized users on your account will no longer enjoy the same complimentary access, and you won’t be able to bring in up to two free guests for free.

But your days of lounging with friends and family in a Capital One or Priority Pass lounge aren’t done. The card issuer said that cardholders can still bring guests in. It’ll just cost you $25 to $45 per person, depending on age and whether you’re visiting a Priority Pass lounge or one of Capital One’s own lounges. Though children under two still get in for free.

Those new guest fees are still cheaper than buying a single visit pass to the lounges, which normally costs $90 for visitors without a Venture X or Venture X Business credit card.

As for those authorized users sharing your account, they can keep their lounge privileges for an extra $125 per year. Authorized users who are currently enjoying their complimentary lounge access will see their Priority Pass Select membership expire on February 1, 2026, unless you opt into that additional $125 annual fee.

What should Capital One Venture X cardholders do before losing guest lounge access?

Even with these stricter rules, the Capital One Venture X credit card still has some of the most generous airport lounge access perks of any travel credit card. For example, travelers with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card just saw their Delta Sky Club access slashed to a handful of free visits per year – and they pay $50 per person for guests.

Still, losing free access is going to be a hit to cardholders and figuring out the best way forward will depend on how you use this particular perk right now. Here are a few things to consider as you brace for next year’s new rules:

• If you have additional authorized users who often travel without you, paying the $125 annual fee per user will be the most cost effective way to preserve their lounge privileges.
• If your authorized user typically only visits the lounge when traveling with you, it would be cheaper to pay the $25 to $45 guest fee if you visit the lounge fewer than three times per year.
• If you’re more likely to visit a Priority Pass lounge than a Capital One lounge, consider trading your Venture X for an alternative like the American Express Platinum card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Both include complimentary Priority Pass membership (along with access to their own branded lounges) and still allow you to bring up to two guests for free.

Bottom line

While the news is disappointing for existing cardholders, the Capital One Venture X credit card is still one of the best deals for travelers who love airport lounges. It has one of the lowest annual fees among credit cards that include unlimited access — especially for solo travelers who don’t often bring guests anyway.

But if you do visit airport lounges with guests regularly or share your perks with an authorized user, you’ll need to weigh the extra fees you’ll have to start paying against competing credit cards to see whether the Capital One Venture X still gets you the most value for what you’re paying in fees.

Related content

• 5 Best US Airport Lounges for Your Money
• Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• What To Take on a Plane for a More Comfortable Trip
• 10 Credit Cards With Travel Insurance

In an air travel shakeup, two major airlines announced a new collaboration in May. Dubbed "Blue Sky," United and JetBlue are partnering up to give frequent fliers of either airline's loyalty program more ways to earn and use miles, along with more ways to enjoy the perks of any airline status you've earned.

Before it could be rolled out, however, Spirit Airlines urged the Department of Transportation (DOT) to block the deal, saying it "raises serious competition and public interest questions" in a complaint filed with DOT in June.

The complaint also noted the similarities between this partnership and the JetBlue-American Airlines partnership that the agency had blocked last year. Despite Spirit Airlines' concerns, DOT gave JetBlue and United the go-ahead to roll out this deal.

While the partnership is slated to offer a ton of perks and new ways to maximize your points, the features aren't all rolling out at once. In fact, most of the reciprocal benefits loyalty program members are expected to enjoy don't have an official launch date yet. The airlines said the timing on the rollout of these benefits will be announced later this year.

Now that the deal has passed regulatory review, here's what you can expect to roll out later this year or next year.

What we know about the United and JetBlue partnership

For customers, the biggest news coming out of the United and JetBlue partnership is the ability to earn or use points or miles on flights with either airline. This will significantly expand your access to award deals and give you the flexibility to earn more on a wider network of flights – all without having to deal with transfer fees.

But even without the loyalty program perks, the new partnership is set to bring new flight options to travelers. As part of the alliance, for example, JetBlue and United will share access to slots at JFK and Newark airports in the New York area.

The John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens was once a United hub, but the airline had to suspend its flights out of the major New York airport due to stiff post-pandemic competition from other carriers in late 2022. So this piece of the deal, which grants United up to seven round-trip flights out of JFK starting in 2027, is a big deal.

In exchange, JetBlue will have access to United's slots at Newark Liberty International Airport, allowing for up to eight round-trip flights out of the New Jersey airport.

Meanwhile, the deal will also see United's vast travel booking options merge into JetBlue's user-friendly Paisly platform, creating a hybrid travel booking portal that'll make it easier to plan and book your entire trip in one place.

Is United buying JetBlue?

No, United is not buying JetBlue, nor is JetBlue buying United.

Both airlines will remain independent, setting their own prices and managing their own schedules and networks. The two are simply collaborating with one another.

That independence is key to making this new alliance survive legal scrutiny. Anyone who remembers the now-defunct JetBlue and American alliance might remember that the partnership was dismantled by federal courts, which ruled that the terms of that alliance violated antitrust laws.

What the Blue Sky collaboration means for TrueBlue customers on United

If you're a JetBlue TrueBlue member, here are some of the perks you can eventually expect when you fly with United Airlines. (Note that there is no word yet on exactly when you'll be able to enjoy these perks on United flights.)

• The same priority check-in privileges your status grants you on JetBlue flights.
• The same priority security screening your TrueBlue Mosaic status grants you at airports.
• TrueBlue Mosaic 1 members board with Group 2 on United flights, while all other Mosaic levels board with Group 1.
• One free checked bag on United flights, and priority bag handling.
• The same eligibility to book preferred seats or upgrade to Economy Plus seats (United's equivalent to JetBlue's EvenMore seats) that you currently enjoy with your Mosaic status.

What the Blue Sky collaboration means for MileagePlus customers on JetBlue

If you're currently a United MileagePlus member, here's how some of your membership perks and privileges will translate to JetBlue flights under the new partnership. (Note that these perks might not be available to you on JetBlue bookings yet, but the airlines are planning to announce more concrete timing later this year.)

• The same priority check-in and priority security privileges your current MileagePlus Premier level grants you.
• Those with Premier Silver board with Group C on JetBlue flights while Premier Gold fliers board with Group B. If you have Premier Platinum or 1K status, you board with Group A on JetBlue.
• One free checked bag on JetBlue flights, and priority bag handling.
• The same eligibility to book preferred seats or upgrade to EvenMore seats (JetBlue’s equivalent to United’s Economy Plus seats) that you currently enjoy with your Mosaic status.

New Blue Sky perks rolling out for both JetBlue and United fliers

In addition to the ability to earn and use miles from either airline on either airline as well as the reciprocal perks for frequent fliers with status, Blue Sky will create a streamlined booking experience and new features for both United and JetBlue customers.

Here are a few highlighted in this week's announcement:

• You'll be able to see both United and JetBlue flight options when booking on either airline's website. That'll make it easy to compare options and find the best travel deals on your trip, although it does mean you should pay closer attention when booking if you have a plane preference.
• JetBlue's Paisly platform will host United's travel booking features, including all the hotels, vacation packages, rental car bookings and travel insurance options currently available on United's website. The move doesn't just consolidate the rival travel booking websites, but makes it easier for you to book. Currently, United's site is split into separate services for hotels, cars, cruises and vacation packages. Once it's migrated to Paisly, you'll be able to plan and book your entire trip in one platform.
• Business travelers may be able to enjoy the same terms (including any discounts) of a corporate program negotiated with one airline on flights operated by the other airline. That's especially exciting news now that both United and JetBlue are upgrading and expanding their first-class seating this year.

Can you merge your MileagePlus and TrueBlue points into one account?

No: While you will be able to redeem either balance at either airline, you won't be able to combine your existing accounts altogether.

That said, both loyalty programs do allow you to pool miles with family and friends in a joint account. So you will have the opportunity to earn your preferred points on an expanded range of flights – and then pool those with your spouse or traveling companions.

Which airline's points will you earn on bookings?

If you're a TrueBlue member booking on United, will you earn TrueBlue points or MileagePlus miles on the flight? If you're enrolled in both loyalty programs, how do you determine which program your points or miles will be credited to?

While no official announcement on these details is out yet, it's likely that it will work like other partnership agreements. That is, a MileagePlus member booking a flight on any other United partner would earn MileagePlus miles, not the partner's points.

For those enrolled in both programs, it'll likely come down to which loyalty program membership number you attach to the reservation. While you can't merge the accounts, that should still give you the flexibility to add to whichever balance you prefer, based on your goals.

Still, you'll need to wait on the airlines to provide more details on exactly how this will work before you can adjust your earnings strategy accordingly.

Can United Club members access JetBlue lounges and vice versa?

This is another detail we're still waiting on the airlines to clarify. However, it is doubtful.

Lounge operators have been cracking down on airport lounge access across the board in recent years, so a change that expands access seems unlikely. But, if you want to check out JetBlue's new airport lounges opening in New York and Boston, you can get complimentary access with the JetBlue Premier Card.

Related content

• Five Best US Airport Lounges for Your Money
• Is Delta's New AI Pricing Bad News for Your Wallet?
• What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
• The Five Best (and Worst) US Airports for Flight Delays

About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards 2025
The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps. For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Travel Credit Cards

These cards typically offer extra points or miles on travel spending. And many heap on additional perks, such as statement credits for hotel, airline or dining purchases. Readers rated travel rewards cards on the strength of customer service, the likelihood they’d recommend the card to others and overall satisfaction.

OVERALL WINNER: Platinum Card® from American Express

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a high annual fee of $895, see rates and fees. But one survey respondent says that for frequent travelers, the fee “absolutely pays for itself” thanks to the abundance of benefits the card provides.
You get up to $600 annual statement credits on select prepaid hotel bookings (which may require a minimum 2 night stay) through American Express Travel, up to $200 statement credits for incidental fees (such as for checked bags or in-flight refreshments) with one qualifying airline of your choice, $155 (up to $12.95 statement credits each month) for a Walmart+ membership subject to auto renewal, up to $240 statement credits for certain digital entertainment subscriptions (including select TV streaming and newspaper subscriptions). Cardholders also get complementary access to several airline lounges, including Amex’s own Centurion lounges and partner lounges in the Delta Sky Club® (subject to visit limitations), Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Select networks (terms apply and enrollment required for select benefits).

Cardholders earn five points per dollar on prepaid hotel bookings through AmexTravel.com and on airfare purchases. Other spending earns one point per dollar. Terms apply.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

One reader says that getting a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (annual fee $95) was a “no-brainer” because of its impressive welcome bonus (60,000 points, worth roughly $750 in travel booked through Chase) for anyone who spends at least $5,000 in the first three months. You also get five points per dollar spent when you book reservations through Chase Travel℠, three points per dollar on dining, two points per dollar on other travel purchases, and one point per dollar on other spending.

You can transfer points you earn to partner airline loyalty programs, including Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and United MileagePlus, and hotel programs, such as World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and IHG Rewards Club.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a $395 annual fee, but you can take advantage of plenty of perks to offset it. Chief among them is the $300 annual travel credit you receive when you book travel through Capital One.

You’ll also earn 10,000 miles, worth $100 in travel bookings, each year on your account anniversary. Hotel stays and rental cars booked through Capital One earn 10 miles per dollar, and flights and vacation rentals reserved through Capital One earn five miles per dollar; other spending earns two miles per dollar.

One survey respondent commended Capital One for its service: “The company is responsive to inquiries. Their website is user-friendly and easy to use.”

American Express® Gold Card

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Like other premium cards, the hefty annual cost for the American Express® Gold Card($325) see rates and fees, is offset by a host of benefits. Cardholders get four points per dollar on worldwide restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases (yearly spending caps of $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, apply to those rewards then drops to one point per dollar), three points per dollar on flights booked through American Express Travel, two points per dollar on prepaid hotel and other eligible bookings through the AmexTravel.com portal, and one point per dollar on other spending.

You’ll also receive up to $120 in Uber Cash annually and up to $100 statement credits when you dine at U.S. Resy restaurants and there are no foreign transaction fees, see rates and fees. Terms apply and enrollment required for select benefits.

Capital One Venture Rewards

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended

With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card($95), you earn five miles per dollar spent on vacation rentals, hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One and two miles per dollar for all other purchases.

Cardholders also receive a statement credit of up to $120 to reimburse the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and automatic Five Star status with Hertz, allowing you to skip long lines at the rental counter.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Visa

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

One reader with high household spending on dining out and travel says Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card ($550) “offers a ton of value.” It rewards cardholders with a $300 travel credit each year for bookings through Chase Travel and access to more than 1,300 airport lounges in the Priority Pass Select network.

Cardholders also get 10 points per dollar on hotel reservations and car rentals booked through Chase Travel, five points per dollar on flights reserved through the portal, three points per dollar on other travel spending and on dining and one point per dollar on other purchases.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Readers' Choice Full-Service Brokers
• Readers' Choice Wealth Management
• Readers' Choice Cash Back Credit Cards
• Readers' Choice Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs
• Readers' Choice Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs
• Readers' Choice National Banks
• Readers' Choice Internet Banks
• Readers' Choice Auto Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Homeowners Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Annuity Providers
• Readers' Choice Tax Software
• Readers' Choice Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

Kiplinger readers are a savvy bunch, especially when it comes to making smart choices with their money. So for the third year running, we asked you to rate financial providers based on your experiences with them. More than 2,700 readers completed our survey earlier this year, judging the products and services they use in 13 categories, from brokers and wealth managers to annuity providers, tax software, and home and auto insurance companies.

In the survey, respondents scored providers on certain criteria, such as their experience with the company’s customer service team, the likelihood they would recommend the product or service to others, and their overall satisfaction with it. Readers also had the option to leave comments about their experience, and we have shared some of them in the full category guides (remarks may be lightly edited for length and clarity).

For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest total score. We’ve also listed other products and services that earned above-average scores for the various criteria we asked readers to assess. Many thanks to all of you who participated in the survey.

Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards Categories

Best Full-Service Brokers

We asked readers to evaluate brokerage firms whose offerings run the gamut of services to customers, whether online, by phone, through in-person assistance at brick-and-mortar branches, or some combination. Readers rated the strength of their broker’s customer service, how likely they are to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the broker.

The overall winner is Fidelity Investments.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best full-service brokers.

Best Wealth Management

These firms take a holistic look at your finances and offer advice tailored to you. Beyond assisting with investment strategies, advisers may help you manage credit and debt, savings, estate and tax planning, and more. Readers rated wealth managers based on the quality of financial advice they received, the trustworthiness of the advisers, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the wealth manager.

The overall winner is Fidelity Wealth Management.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best wealth management services.

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Cash back cards usually offer simple terms and the opportunity to earn rewards on everyday purchases. We asked readers to rate cash back cards on the responsiveness of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and their overall satisfaction with the card.

The overall winner is Fidelity Rewards Visa.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best cash back credit card.

Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

These cards typically offer extra points or miles on travel spending. And many heap on additional perks, such as statement credits for hotel, airline or dining purchases. Readers rated travel rewards cards on the strength of customer service, the likelihood they’d recommend the card to others and overall satisfaction.

The overall winner is the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best travel rewards credit card.

Best Airline Card Rewards Programs

Airline credit cards reward brand loyalty. You’ll get miles or points for every flight you book with the airline, and with some programs, you can earn free airline tickets, access to airport lounges and other travel perks. We surveyed readers in three areas: strength of customer service, whether they would recommend the credit card program to others and overall satisfaction.

The overall winner is the Southwest Airlines credit card rewards program.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, airline credit card rewards programs.

Best Hotel Credit Cards Rewards Programs

As with airline card programs, hotel credit card programs reward you for being loyal to a particular hotel chain. The more you stay, the more perks you can receive, such as free nights, upgraded rooms, late checkouts and more. These hotel credit card programs earned top marks from our readers, who rated the programs on the strength of customer service, the likelihood they’d recommend the program to others and overall satisfaction.

The overall winner is the Marriott Bonvoy credit card program.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice 2025, Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs.

Best National Banks

These large institutions have a presence in many states and offer branches where you can conduct transactions. We assessed readers’ overall satis­faction with their bank, their opinion of its customer service and the like­lihood they would recommend the bank to others.

The overall winner is Chase Bank.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best national banks.

Best Internet Banks

Internet banks often provide higher yields than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. The reason? Internet banks don’t have physical locations, so their overhead costs are lower, allowing them to pay out better rates. Survey respondents judged these institutions on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the bank to others and how satisfied they are overall with the bank.

The overall winner is Charles Schwab Bank.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best internet banks.

Best Auto Insurance Companies

We asked readers to weigh in on auto insurance, judging their primary provider based on how competitive the rates are, their experience with filing claims and how likely they are to recommend the insurer to others. The following companies stood out from the rest in our survey.

The overall winner is USAA.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, auto insurance companies.

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies

Readers rated their homeowners insurance provider based on how competitive the rates are, how positive the experience is when filing a claim and how likely they would be to recommend the insurance company to others. Most of the providers that collected accolades for homeowners insurance are also honorees for their auto insurance services.

The overall winner is USAA.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, homeowners insurance companies.

Best Annuity Providers

Annuities are contracts that allow you to pay an amount up front or over time in exchange for the opportunity to create a steady stream of income in retirement; they may be fixed or variable, and they may provide income immediately or in the future. We asked readers to assess their annuity provider based on customer service, their overall satisfaction with the company and how likely they are to recommend it to others.

The overall winner is New York Life.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best annuity providers.

Best Tax Software

These programs guide taxpayers through the ins and outs of preparing and filing a tax return. The offerings vary depending on your return’s complexity and whether you want help from a tax pro. We asked readers to rate their preferred tax-filing software based on ease of use, how likely they are to recommend the service to others and overall satisfaction with it.

The overall winner is FreeTaxUSA.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, tax software.

Best Peer-To-Peer Payment Apps

Peer-to-peer payment apps allow you to digitally send and receive money with friends and family from your smartphone. We asked readers to evaluate their preferred payment app’s ease of use, their overall satisfaction with it and how likely they are to recommend it to others.

The overall winner is Apple Cash.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best peer-to-peer payment apps.

How Readers Chose Their Winners

Kiplinger readers were invited to take the Readers’ Choice Awards survey on Kiplinger.com between February 20 and March 21, 2025. The survey asked respondents to choose the financial product or service that they most frequently use in 13 categories: full-service brokerage firms, wealth managers, cash-back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, airline credit card rewards programs, hotel credit card rewards programs, national banks, internet banks, auto insurers, homeowners insurers, annuity providers, tax software and peer-to-peer payment services.

We asked readers to rate each provider they selected on a scale of one to 10 based on a few criteria. In many categories, readers rated the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the product or service to others, and how satisfied they are overall with the provider.

In some categories, we included more-nuanced criteria. With wealth management firms, we asked respondents to rate the trustworthiness of a firm’s advisers and the quality of its financial advice. For peer-to-peer payment apps and tax software, respondents evaluated ease of use, and for auto and home insurance companies, readers judged the competitiveness of rates and strength of the claims experience.

We calculated an average (mean) score for each criterion with each provider. We also calculated an overall mean score for all providers for each criterion we asked readers to judge. We compared individual provider mean scores with the overall mean, and the three highest-scoring pro­viders that had a score above the overall mean won an “outstanding” accolade; in cases of a tie, more than three providers are named, and if fewer than three qualifying providers achieved an above-average score, only those providers are named “outstanding.”

In each category, providers are generally listed in descending order by the number of criteria for which they received the “outstanding” designation — so a product or company that is deemed “outstanding” in three areas, for example, is listed before a provider with one or two “outstanding” awards.

To choose an overall winner in each category, we added together the mean scores for each criterion rated for each product or service. The provider with the highest total score in each category took the prize for overall winner.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Readers' Choice Full-Service Brokers
• Readers' Choice Wealth Management
• Readers' Choice Cash Back Credit Cards
• Readers' Choice Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Readers' Choice Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs
• Readers' Choice Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs
• Readers' Choice National Banks
• Readers' Choice Internet Banks
• Readers' Choice Auto Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Homeowners Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Annuity Providers
• Readers' Choice Tax Software
• Readers' Choice Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards 2025
The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps. For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs

As with airline card programs, hotel credit card programs reward you for being loyal to a particular hotel chain. The more you stay, the more perks you can receive, such as free nights, upgraded rooms, late checkouts and more.

These hotel credit card programs earned top marks from our readers, who rated the programs on the strength of customer service, the likelihood they’d recommend the program to others, and overall satisfaction.

OVERALL WINNER: Marriott Bonvoy cards

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Marriott’s program features four credit cards. Two are issued by Chase Bank and two by American Express.

• The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card ($95, see rates and fees)
• The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card ($0, see rates and fees)
• The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card ($250, see rates and fees )
• The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card($695 fee, see rates and fees)

One reader commends the program for offering quick and easy point redemptions. “The points are usable at any hotel almost immediately for an available room on the same day. Very, very flexible.” You can also transfer points to the frequent flier programs of 39 airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest and United.

The cards offer extra points when you stay at Marriott properties. And all but the Bold card come with a free night award each year, either after your account anniversary or after you spend a certain amount on the card.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended

Issued by Chase, the World of Hyatt card ($95) provides nine points per dollar spent on Hyatt stays, two points per dollar on travel and dining purchases, and one point per dollar on other spending.

Each year on your cardmember anniversary, you get a free night at an eligible Hyatt hotel or resort, and you can earn an extra free night by charging at least $15,000 annually on the card. Plus, cardholders get complimentary Wi-Fi and late checkout of 2 p.m. (when available) during Hyatt stays.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Readers' Choice Full-Service Brokers
• Readers' Choice Wealth Management
• Readers' Choice Cash Back Credit Cards
• Readers' Choice Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Readers' Choice Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs
• Readers' Choice National Banks
• Readers' Choice Internet Banks
• Readers' Choice Auto Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Homeowners Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Annuity Providers
• Readers' Choice Tax Software
• Readers' Choice Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards 2025
The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps. For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Airline Card Rewards Programs

Airline credit cards reward brand loyalty. You’ll get miles or points for every flight you book with the airline, and with some programs, you can earn free airline tickets, access to airport lounges and other travel perks.

We surveyed readers in three areas: strength of customer service, whether they would recommend the credit card program to others and overall satisfaction.

OVERALL WINNER: Southwest Airlines Cards

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Southwest offers a trio of consumer credit cards tied to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program. And now that Southwest is charging fees for checked luggage, cardholders get a new perk: one free checked bag for you and up to eight passengers.

The credit cards, issued by Chase, come with varying annual fees and rewards, including a heap of bonus points on each yearly cardmember anniversary: 3,000 points with the Rapid Rewards Plus card ($69 annual fee), 6,000 points with Premier ($99) and 7,500 points with Priority ($149).

The Priority card also comes with four upgraded boardings per year (when available) and a $75 Southwest travel credit, among other benefits. One reader says, “The points bonus for signing up was incredibly high.” (Recently, all three cards offered a 50,000-point bonus if you spend $1,000 in the first three months.) “Plus, getting a free upgrade to Business Select was nice.”

Delta Air Lines Cards

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

The Delta SkyMiles program features four credit cards issued by American Express: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

One reader praises the program for offering “lots of features and benefits” that go beyond the miles you earn on purchases.

Benefits vary by card, with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve card providing the most perks in exchange for the high annual fee ($650). Perks include a companion certificate (which allows an additional passenger to fly with you once per year on a round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America, taxes and fees apply), access to Amex’s Centurion airport lounges and 15 visits to Delta Sky Club lounges each year. Rates and fees apply.

JetBlue Cards

Outstanding for:

• Overall satisfaction

JetBlue offers a few consumer credit cards, issued by Barclays: the JetBlue Card, JetBlue Plus ($99) and JetBlue Premier ($499). All the cards provide a 50% discount on in-flight refreshments, and the Plus and Premier cards offer a 5,000-point bonus on your yearly cardmember anniversary and one free checked bag for you and up to three other passengers.

With all JetBlue cards, you can pool points you earn with friends and family to get more travel perks.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

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I might be what you call "cheap." When I first started using credit cards, I never signed up for ones with annual fees.

After all, why pay a bank to use their credit card? But over time, my approach changed once I realized how many perks cards with fees have to offer.

Case in point: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card comes with a $395 annual fee. That might seem steep on the surface, but I've found it pays itself back. Here's how you can use the card's travel perks to offset its annual fee.

1. Take advantage of the intro bonus

Many credit cards come with introductory bonuses, where you receive a bonus if you spend a certain amount. The bonuses can be in the form of cash back, points or miles. This is a great way to use the card on everyday purchases and be rewarded for expenses you were going to make anyway.

The Capital One Venture X card offers an excellent intro bonus. You'll earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

2. Maximizing miles redemption

The intro bonus is nice, but if you're like me, you might be wondering if you will get enough use out of the card to justify its annual fee after the first year.

This is where elevated travel rewards cards like Capital One Venture X really excel. The card allows you to earn an unlimited 10 miles per dollar for hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; five miles per dollar on vacation rentals and flights purchased through Capital One Travel and two miles per dollar for all other purchases.

So, what are miles worth? It depends on how you redeem them.

You can redeem miles for travel purchases through the Capital One portal at a rate of one cent per mile. That's not great on the surface, but if you travel regularly and book most aspects of your travel, especially flights and hotels through Capital One, these rewards can add up fast.

You can also use these miles at the same ratio to pay for previous travel booked the last 90 days through Capital One.

Further, you can transfer your Capital One miles to other participating airline and hotel programs, like Wyndham Rewards or Air Canada Aeroplan®, with most having a 1:1 ratio.

Here's an illustration of how transferring works: You earned the Venture X intro bonus of 75,000 miles and transferred them to your Wyndham Rewards account. You'll have 75,000 points to use, entitling you to two free nights at the Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen Adults Only All Inclusive in Mexico.

Wyndam offers free nights at resorts worldwide at 30,000 points per night. This illustration shows you can really elevate your trips the more you use your card.

Other redemption methods include using your miles for Amazon purchases, at a rate of 0.8 cents per mile. The less ideal option is to cash out your miles for a check or statement credit, as the rate of redemption is half a cent per mile.

Overall, the cash-back rewards are going to work best for avid travelers. However, if you only take a few trips per year, there are other ways to offset the annual fee.

3. Anniversary bonuses for the win

Capital One rewards its Venture X cardholders with two anniversary bonuses every year you have an active account.

The first is a $300 annual credit to use through Capital One Travel. The best news is there are no spending hoops to jump through. It's just a perk for having the card.

The other bonus is every year you have an active Venture X card, Capital One gives you 10,000 miles, starting on the first anniversary of opening the card. That's akin to $100 in travel credits every year.

Combined, these two anniversary bonuses give you $400 in travel credits, thus easily offsetting the $395 annual fee.

4. Elevated travel perks

The Capital One Venture X card elevates stays with an abundance of travel perks. And when you book through their Premier Collection, not only will you stay at exceptional hotels, you'll also earn perks that make the trip more enjoyable.

To demonstrate, say you want a weekend getaway at the Regent Santa Monica Beach. Using the Venture X card, you could book the hotel through Capital One Travel to earn 10 times the miles.

Given the hotel's average price is around $800 per night, you'll earn 8,000 points, or $80 in travel credits for every night you stay there. On top of that, you'll gain the following:

• A $100 experience credit you can use for eligible purchases during your stay
• Free breakfast for two
• Room upgrades when eligible
• Early check in and late check out
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Is the Capital One Venture X card worth its fee?

The Capital One Venture X card comes with tons of perks to elevate your travel. And therein lies the key: This card works best for avid travelers.

If you travel often, then the perks do offset the annual fee, provided you book your trips through Capital One Travel or transfer the miles to participating airlines or hotels.

Along with the generous miles for hotel and flight purchases, you'll earn anniversary bonuses that will continually offset your annual fee for as long as you have the card.

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Travel rewards credit cards come with many enticing perks. You can load up on points and miles on everyday purchases, then use them to score discount travel.

And tucked in many credit card programs are other perks. Some reward you with complimentary hotel upgrades, free attractions, even resort credits.

Moreover, if you enjoy the finer things in life like visiting art museums, this one perk from Capital One deserves a closer look.

Get 50% off The Cultivist membership

One of the lesser known perks for Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders is a discounted Enthusiast membership to The Cultivist.

What's The Cultivist? It's a membership club that entitles members and one guest to free art museum access to some of the best spots in the world.

Experience the classic works of the Renaissance in London at the Royal Academy. Or take in Amy Sherald: American Sublime at SFMOMA.

Of course, to receive a discounted membership, you'll need a Capital One Venture X card.

How does redemption work?

If you have a Venture X card, you can buy The Enthusiast membership for 50% off the regular price. The Enthusiast membership normally costs $440 annually, but cardholders receive a one-year subscription for only $220.

For the second year, it auto renews at $220. In essence, you're getting a two-year membership for the price of one year.

With the membership, you can visit more than 60 museums around the world for free. This works better if you plan to travel to larger U.S. cities like Chicago or San Francisco, or if you plan to go to Europe.

You can use The Cultivist app to book tickets ahead of time so you don't have to wait in longer lines. And your membership grants you other perks, such as in-person private hours, online guest talks and destination itineraries.

Which museums are included?

Some of the top destinations include:

• Musée Picasso: Paris, France
• Doge's Palace: Venice Italy
• Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): New York City, New York
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Los Angeles, California
• The Royal Academy of Arts: London, England

The Cultivist has a full list of eligible museums. That way, when you plan your next getaway, you have one or several attractions you can take advantage of, while saving time and money.

The bottom line

Travel is the gift of exploration. And if you have the right travel reward credit cards, you can save on unique experiences you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Capital One Venture X cardholders can use their card to score a 50% discount on The Cultivist membership. This entitles you and a guest to free tickets to some of the world's best art museums for less.

Just remember that many travel reward cards come with annual fees. So, using programs like this is a great way to offset some of that expense.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities. This article only reviews select credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.

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Flexibility is a luxury that can be difficult to come by when you travel. From airline seats that might fit a toddler comfortably to early check-out times at hotels, trips usually require the traveler to find their own workarounds.

However, if you have the right travel rewards card, you place flexibility back in your favor. Some travel cards offer perks, such as flexible check-in and check-out times, free Wi-Fi, room upgrades and more, so it makes your trip feel more comfortable and less hurried.

One of the better travel programs offered is by American Express. Through their Fine Hotels + Resorts Program, eligible cardholders can book 49 new destinations around the world, bringing the total to more than 3,100 curated hotels in 114 countries. This marks the largest global footprint of any credit card issuer’s hotel program.

If you aren't aware of the perks, you're missing opportunities and not making use of what you get with the annual card fee.

Whether you already have one of the eligible cards and want to see what the program has, or you're considering getting one of the cards and want to see the value, it's helpful to see some examples to get the full picture.

We look at what the American Express Fine Hotels + Rewards Program has to offer, as well as what that looks like if you're traveling to Las Vegas, Sydney or Lisbon.

What the American Express FHR Program gives you

Through the FHR program, you receive some nifty perks:

• Early check-ins: When available, you'll be able to check into your hotel at noon, giving you time to drop your bags, explore your surroundings or take a well-deserved breather.
• Late check-outs: Eligible cardholders receive a guaranteed 4 pm checkout. This gives you more time to explore attractions or rest before going on a later flight.
• Breakfast for two: In a cozy mood when you wake up and don't want to leave the hotel? You don't have to, as you receive a complimentary breakfast.
• $100 credit: At select hotels, cardholders receive a $100 credit you can use for dining, spa and any other hotel services.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Stay connected on the go with complimentary Wi-Fi at select locations.

How does the FHR program work?

Start by visiting American Express's Hotel Finder. If you know where you'd like to go, enter the destination and see if they have eligible properties in the area.

What's unique about Amex's hotel finder is that it allows you to filter to find a hotel matching your desired travel experience. You can choose from ambience, such as family-friendly, historic, private stays and more.

Another option is experience. If you want a hotel with a casino, EV charging capabilities, golfing, even safari experiences, they have you covered.

Who is eligible for the Amex FHR Program?

To be eligible for the FHR program, you'll need one of the following cards to make the reservation:

• American Express Platinum Card®
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Here are some examples of where you can stay and how these benefits can enhance your trips.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas with Amex

The Fontainebleau is a newer Las Vegas hotel. Sitting at the edge of the Strip, it gives you breathtaking views of the glitz and glamour of the city without the hustle.

The hotel, like many in Vegas, has everything you need under one roof. From sipping cocktails at the luxurious Bleau Bar, to sampling fares from one of the 30 onsite restaurants, to enjoying live music, Fontainebleau provides as much excitement or relaxation as you want.

Using the FHR program, you'll qualify for a $100 food and beverage credit, noon check-in, late check out and room upgrades without the typical "Vegas handshake." When you use an American Express Platinum Card, you can save more.

Convent Square Lisbon Hotel with the Amex program

Situated in one of Europe's gems, the Convent Square Lisbon Hotel is the perfect nod to the historic while adding contemporary touches to give it its vibrant vibe.

The Memorable Tea Ritual is a notable event in which you can take part, and when you leave the beautiful premises, stroll on cobblestone streets and marvel at the breathtaking architecture at São Domingos Church and the Belém Tower.

If you're searching for something to do at night, the hotel doesn't disappoint, from live DJ sets to amazing meals at the Capítulo Restaurant. With the FHR program, you'll receive a $100 resort credit to spend on dining, spa and other resort activities.

Add in the early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades, and your Lisbon trip becomes even cozier.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for Amex cardholders

The Sofitel Sydney shows you magnificent views of one of Australia's most popular sites: Sydney Harbor.

What separates the Sofitel from many hotel brands I've stayed in is their attention to detail on the little things: From contemporary stylings with French accents to the Club Millésime, this hotel is a visual treat.

If you use the FHR program, you earn early check-in, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast for two, room upgrades (perhaps you'll strike it lucky and get a sought-after harbor view), a $100 resort credit and a late check-out. In turn, you'll receive perks that make your trip that much more luxurious, without any extra cost.

The bottom line on Amex's FHR program

The FHR program from American Express allows you to enjoy perks without jumping through hoops or doing the $20 handshake. You'll receive early check-ins, late check-outs, resort credits, free breakfast and optional room upgrades, all included.

It makes a special trip even more memorable. When you use the America Express Platinum card, you earn five times the membership points, giving you more leverage to book your next trip.

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

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United Airlines announced major changes to its United Club program, which gives members access to airport lounges. The United Club updates came alongside changes to the Chase and United credit cards.

With a United Club membership, you can get into lounges at airports when you travel. It used to cost $650 for an annual lounge membership, which would include access for guests. Now, though, the price is getting much steeper.

To get an individual United Club membership, you'll have to pony up $750 or 94,000 United miles per year. If you want to take two guests, that'll cost you $1,400 or 175,000 miles.

How does United Club membership work?

Going forward, United Club will have a tiered membership scheme.

Individual membership ($740 or 94,000 miles) gets the passholder unlimited entry to United Club locations. Note, however, that that doesn't mean access to Star Alliance and partner lounges.

All Access membership ($1,400 or 175,000 miles) gets two people access to United Club locations as well as Star Alliance and other partner lounges.

There are over 45 United Club locations, mostly within the U.S., and there is one in London Heathrow, Mexico City and Tokyo. The clubs have free food and internet access.

What are other ways to get airport lounge access?

Of course, United Clubs aren't the only lounges out there and there are plenty of ways to get into airport lounges these days.

For United Clubs themselves, you can get membership and access through the airlines' branded credit cards. You can also get into United lounges on a one-time basis with certain ticket classes.

Outside of United, you can buy day passes to certain airport lounges or invest in Priority Pass, which gets access to airport lounges with an annual membership fee starting at $99.

Airlines making changes

United's Club changes comes amid many other changes to what customers get at various airlines. Just last month, Delta's new Sky Club rules went into effect, which largely revoke or restrict ways to access their lounges.

And there have been further changes at United. I wrote earlier this year about giving up on airline status in part because United raised the thresholds you need to meet to qualify for its Premier tiers.

In the post-pandemic travel boom, airlines have been reigning in freebies and perks — even Southwest ditched its free checked bag policy. As CNBC reported, the latest moves from United seem aimed at getting flyers to sign up for the lucrative branded credit cards rather than just get club membership alone. While the Department of Transportation under President Joe Biden put frequent flyer programs under scrutiny in the hopes of protecting fairness for customers, what will happen now under the current administration is up in the air.

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Travelers who love premium amenities will be excited to learn that Delta is slated to expand its lounge network this year, adding three premium lounges and two more Delta Sky Clubs across the United States. But you’ll need to double check your credit card perks or SkyMiles loyalty program benefits before lining up to visit the new locations. The major U.S. carrier has been steadily cracking down on complimentary lounge access perks.

Last year, Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express cardholders lost their free visits altogether. As of this month, other American Express cardholders saw their previously unlimited access capped to a limited number of free visits each year. Meanwhile, Delta also revoked or restricted other ways of snagging a free Sky Club visit when you fly.

Despite the crackdown, travelers still have ways to access their favorite airport lounges this year. It’s just harder to visit them for free. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Delta Sky Club rules and how to get access to the airport lounges under the new restrictions.

What the Delta crackdown on complimentary lounge access means for travelers

Airport lounges are more popular than ever, and Delta’s Sky Clubs are among the best U.S. airport lounges around. Unfortunately, that’s exactly why the airline has started to chip away at complimentary access.

Delta’s premium airport lounges receive approximately 30.3 million visits per year across the airline’s 55 lounge locations. Of those, an estimated 40% are from travelers with a co-branded credit card that grants free lounge access.

So, what’s changed in Delta’s Sky Club policies? For those with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and the Platinum American Express Card, your previously unlimited access to Sky Clubs when flying Delta or one of its partners is now capped at just 15 visits and 10 visits per year, respectively.

Last year, the airline also eliminated lounge access for anyone with a basic economy ticket, regardless of credit card benefits, loyalty status or Sky Club membership. Those hoping to gain access by reaching Diamond or Platinum Medallion status will also find it harder to do so.

Sky Club membership is no longer one of the perks you can select for your Choice Benefit at the Platinum tier. Meanwhile, Diamond Medallion members will have to use two Choice Benefits to claim an individual membership or three to claim an executive membership.

How to visit Delta Sky Club under the new rules

Depending on which card you have, Delta’s new lounge access limits might still be generous enough to travel as usual. If you have the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express or Platinum American Express, the 10 or 15 free visits per year might be plenty for how often you travel through an airport with one of Delta’s lounges.

Other credit cards that still include some level of Sky Club access include Delta SkyMiles Trust Club Platinum and Gold Visa Cards as well as hard-to-get cards like the Delta SkyMiles Diners Club Card or the American Express Centurion Card.

Your credit card isn’t your only ticket into the Sky Club, though. If you no longer have access or you exceed your limit in a year, you can simply buy a single visit pass for $50. You can also pay for a Delta Sky Club membership. Prices start at $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles for one year of unlimited lounge access.

But be careful. Even with that membership, you can no longer visit the lounge if you’re flying on a basic economy ticket. You’ll also enjoy complimentary same-day lounge access when you buy a Delta One ticket or select business-class and first-class tickets.

Capital One cardholders also saw their lounge perks get slashed this year

Delta isn’t the only one tightening its rules on who can access its airport lounges. In January, travelers using the Capital One Venture Rewards or Capital One Spark Miles for Business cards lost the two free visits per year that used to come with owning either card.

While two free visits per year may not seem like a lot, these two cards were among the cheapest available that included lounge access. Both carry an annual fee of just $95 per year, while most travel rewards credit cards offering any kind of free lounge access come with annual fees as high as $695.

The bottom line

While you still have options for buying access to Delta Sky Club lounges, complimentary access is now rare for all travelers. If you live near or frequently visit a Delta hub city, it may be worth upgrading to a card with some free visits included or paying for an annual membership.

Otherwise, you might want to check out other travel rewards credit cards with lounge access, like the new JetBlue Premier Card launched this year. Other brands might not include Delta Sky Club access specifically, but you could find a more affordable way to access other airport lounges and discover a new favorite lounge network.

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JetBlue kicked off the year by launching a new elite credit card with perks that rival some of the best travel rewards cards on the market today. The JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard offers cardholders exclusive perks that you can’t get with any of the airline’s other cards. That includes complimentary lounge access, a variety of statement credits and new ways to earn TrueBlue points.

As part of the launch, JetBlue is also offering a generous bonus offer of 70,000 TrueBlue points and five tiles to help you reach Mosaic elite status faster this year. To qualify for the intro offer, you need to spend $5,000 on your new card and pay the annual fee within the first 90 days.

With TrueBlue points valued at an estimated 1.3 cents each, that sign-up bonus is worth over $900. Since TrueBlue loyalty program members earn one tile for every $100 on JetBlue flights or vacation packages, that five tile bonus will put you $500 closer to Mosaic elite status.

While the perks and bonus offer on the new JetBlue Premier Card look great, it’s worth noting that the airline’s newest card also comes with a $499 annual fee. That’s $400 more than its JetBlue Plus and JetBlue Business cards. With that dramatically higher fee, travelers need to do the math to figure out if the perks are really worth it.

The new JetBlue Premier Card offers exciting new perks for travelers

The latest addition to JetBlue’s credit card lineup comes with a slate of brand-new perks not offered on any of the airline’s lower-tier cards. One of the most noteworthy new perks is airport lounge access. Premier cardholders can get Priority Pass Select, a program that grants access to over 1,500 airport lounges around the globe. You’ll also get access to JetBlue’s new airport lounges in New York and Boston when they open in late 2025 and early 2026.

Lounge access aside, the new JetBlue Premier Card also comes with a $120 statement credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck so cardholders can get to their favorite airport lounges faster. Travelers can also earn up to $300 in statement credits on Paisly purchases each year. The travel booking platform allows you to book cars, hotels, vacation packages and more. Cardholders earn $50 in credits for each purchase of $250 or more on the travel booking site. So you would need to make six separate qualifying purchases to maximize that benefit.

Earn TrueBlue Points faster with the JetBlue Premier Card

For travelers who care more about racking up points toward free flights than lounge access, the elite credit card offers more ways to earn and redeem TrueBlue points. In addition to the 6x points JetBlue Plus and Business card holders earn on JetBlue purchases, Premier cardholders will also earn 6x points on Paisly purchases. That means you can enjoy that 6x point bonus on your hotel booking, car rental and other trip-related purchases rather than just your flight.

With the new card, travelers also have the option to redeem TrueBlue points for statement credits, effectively turning them into a cashback rewards program. While that perk is available on the JetBlue Plus card, there’s a $1,000 credit cap per year. The Premier Card has no limit.

JetBlue’s $499 Premier card – a good deal or too expensive?

While the new perks are nice, the JetBlue Premier Card also carries a $499 annual fee. That seems exorbitant when you consider that the credit card one tier down only costs $99 per year. The JetBlue Plus Card has many overlapping benefits with the Premier Card, including a 5,000-point bonus every year, a free checked bag and the ability to earn 6x points on JetBlue purchases.

The key benefits exclusive to the Premier card include the $120 Global Entry credit, up to $300 Paisly credit, the Priority Pass Select membership and the ability to earn 6x points on Paisly purchases.

For travelers who would make use of those perks, the value would be more than enough to offset the $499 annual fee. However, for less frequent fliers or travelers who aren’t interested in lounge access, sticking with one of the lower-tier cards may make more sense.

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Over the holidays, my uncle-in-law asked my husband and I about our big year of travel: A honeymoon across Australia and New Zealand, then a few weeks jet-setting Europe to celebrate weddings and birthdays, as well as a handful of domestic trips.

He suggested we must have a lot of airlines points now, and I told him I qualified for Premier Silver at United.

"What does that get you?" he asked. "Free flights?"

"Nope," I told him, "mostly it gets me three extra inches of legroom."

I'm not a business traveler, but I typically take a handful of flights each year paid out of my own pocket. I often fly United because, more often than not, they have the flight routes I need. It took the biggest — and most expensive — year of travel of my life to reach the lowest tier of United's Premier status, and while I'm enjoying the free checked bag, I won't be chasing status in 2025. Here's my thinking.

United's Premier status is harder to get now

Now, don't get me wrong, I understand the value of status with an airline: I was raised by a father who mocked George Clooney's mileage aspirations in Up in the Air as low. But the reality is that while I travel what I consider a healthy amount, I'm not a consultant flying out to a client every week or booking a first-class ticket through my employer once a month. And for us lowly leisure travelers who merely fly abroad once or twice a year, I just don't know how realistic airline status is.

So, first and foremost, I won't be pursuing airline status, or really thinking about it much at all, because I know I won't be able to attain it.

Last fall, United announced changes to how you can qualify for its Premier tiers, largely make it harder to meet the thresholds. United uses a system of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) to track status (more on those definitions later). In 2024, to reach Silver, you needed 4,000 PQPs and 12 PQFs, or just 5,000 PQPs. In 2025, you need 5,000 PQPs and 15 PQFs, or just 6,000 PQPs.

Similar moves have happened on other airlines post-pandemic. Delta controversially increased its SkyMiles program in 2023; after overhauling its program in 2023, JetBlue is still tinkering with Mosaic.

So if I barely eked in last year, I just don't think I'll be passing the higher thresholds this year. This all brings me to my next point...

Airline status is too complicated to keep up with

PQP, PQF, Mosaic, Medallion, Companion Pass, give me a break. There's a lot of complication to airline status, miles and points.

For United's program, you need "Premier qualifying flights," literally legs of a flight. So to qualify for Silver this year, you need to take 15 (qualifying) flights. PQPs refer to "points," which is different from miles, and generally corresponds to how much actual money you spent on a flight — if you pay for an upgraded seat or fare, for example, you'll get more points. Last year, I spent a good amount of time tracking down my flights to make sure those on allied airlines got counted towards my United status.

Then add on top of that travel rewards credit card points. You can get a United credit card, changing up the equation as you can earn PQPs in different ways, and I can't tell you how many times I've tried to follow a TikTok travel rewards influencer (yes, they exist) explain how to transfer points from my Amex gold card to another Star Alliance airline to book a United flight.

Really, I get it, you can save money by going down these rabbit holes and taking one extra flight to reach the PQF you need and making sure you get a J-class ticket not an S-class ticket and etc., etc., etc. But life is so short, and I want to have time to read books and talk to my family and not spend hours researching before I book a flight and use up brain space memorizing airline status rules.

So my philosophy this year is that if it happens, it happens. I'll book the flights I want, and if they qualify as a PQF and get me to Silver again, great — but I'm not going to spend more time than that trying to track it all down.

Is airline loyalty worth it?

Having loyalty to an airline can give you perks, but it also means you're limited in your flight choices. The Wall Street Journal recently reported on people giving up on chasing airline loyalty programs. One flier told the reporter he "finds it increasingly hard to justify the often higher cost of flying with a preferred carrier in the name of maintaining status."

That's something I can relate to. Living in New York City, I'm surrounded by airline options, so when I look for flights, I can see many different carrier options. If I were to always book the same airline for the sake of status, I might end up losing money in the long-run.

Let's say I book a United flight that's $250 more expensive than an American Airlines flight so I can maintain Silver and, with it, my free checked bag and extra-legroom seat. But maybe I don't need to check a bag for a weekend trip and the seat upgrade on American would be $50. Did I really save by sticking with the brand?

So this year, when I saw the extra-legroom fare for a Delta flight was less expensive than its United economy counterpart, I went ahead and booked it without worrying about my United status.

The bottom line for me on chasing airline status

If you naturally travel a ton, attaining airline status is easier, and using it is a blessing. Seat upgrades, checked bags, lounge access, early boarding and so on are all very nice and make traveling that much easier, more comfortable and potentially less costly.

I've written before about Clear vs TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry and how I let my Clear membership lapse because the lines at airports were getting too long. It was a similar calculation: Yes, I understand getting to the front of a TSA line is valuable, but if my experience was that it didn't always get me there faster and it came with a price-tag despite discounts from airline memberships and credit cards, I accepted that it's not worth it to me.

I definitely think having loyalty accounts with airlines is a good idea as you can rack up miles that can be redeemed and sometimes get better fares. Likewise, loyalty accounts are good to keep around for car rental companies like Enterprise, hotel companies like IHG, and even Amtrak.

Similarly, I'll use my credit card rewards points (and, indeed, I learned how to transfer them to airlines, it's really not that hard) and, if it makes sense, maybe someday I'll open a credit card with an airline rather than working with a broad Amex Gold or Chase Sapphire.

But if it's going to be a hassle to reach loyalty status levels, do you really travel enough for it to be worth it? Personally, I'm not going to sweat it.

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Americans lose billions of dollars every year to stealthy fees that are added to bills for everything from airline seats to concert tickets.

These so-called junk fees have been targeted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has been rolling out new rules to rein in excessive and unnecessary charges.

Now that the Trump administration aims to shutter the CFPB, consumers may have to be more vigilant about spotting (and avoiding) sneaky fees.

Here are steps you can take to minimize those extra fees or skip them altogether.

How to avoid fees at the airport

Airline seat-selection fees

Typical amount: $10 to $50 for standard seats; $20 to $100 or more for seats with extra legroom or in preferred locations, such as at the front of the plane or in exit rows

Southwest Airlines recently announced that it is shifting from an open seating policy to assigned seats and seats for purchase — the model other major airlines use.

The primary way to avoid a seat-selection fee is to opt out of choosing a seat. But if you're traveling with friends or family and want to sit together, you'll need to purchase a ticket that includes seat selection.

With the exception of budget airlines like Spirit, most major airlines include some degree of seat selection with main-cabin tickets. You’ll usually have your pick of many seats on the plane, especially if you book well ahead of time.

However, you may still have to pay extra for the most desirable seats. And if you book a basic economy fare, fees are usually unavoidable if you want to choose where you sit.

Some airlines, including American and JetBlue, guarantee that parents can sit next to their children on a flight at no extra charge. With others, family members who want to be sure that they’ll be seated together have to book tickets that include seat selection or pay fees to choose their seats.

If you're traveling with kids, check the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airline Family Seating Dashboard. The department created this central hub to make it easier for flyers to compare family seating policies across major airlines at a glance.

If you've already booked a flight with a carrier that has no family seating guarantee and you don’t want to pony up for seat selection, try asking to be seated with your family at the gate before boarding the plane.

Airline baggage fees 

Typical amount: $25 to $35 for first checked bag; $50 to $150 each for additional checked baggage. One checked bag per ticket is typically included with the fare for an international flight; additional fees for international flights vary widely.

After Southwest ditched its free checked bag policy earlier this month, there are officially no domestic airlines left that allow you to check your bag for free.

You can usually avoid checked baggage fees by packing everything you need in a carry-on and a personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of you.

However, some airlines, including JetBlue and United, do not include a free carry-on bag with basic economy tickets.

Some credit cards that are co-branded with airlines — including Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express ($150 annual fee, waived the first year), United Explorer ($95, waived the first year) and Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite ($99, waived the first year) — offer a free checked bag as a perk.

And if you have elite status with an airline, you can often check bags at no extra charge.

In-flight Wi-Fi fees 

Typical amount: $8 to $10

Overall, in-flight Wi-Fi has gotten faster, better and less expensive, says Sean Cudahy, aviation reporter for travel website The Points Guy.

JetBlue has offered free Wi-Fi for years. Delta Air Lines plans to have free Wi-Fi on most of its domestic mainline flights by the end of 2024 and on most international and regional flights by the end of 2025. You need a Delta SkyMiles account to access it, but there’s no charge to join.

If you’re flying with an airline that charges for Wi-Fi, see whether your credit card will reimburse or discount the fees. For example, the United Quest card ($250) offers up to $125 in statement credits each year for United purchases you make with the card, including in-flight Wi-Fi.

How to avoid other travel fees

Hotel resort fees 

Typical amount: $20 to $50 per night

About 6% of hotels and resorts charge resort fees, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

These properties — which are typically located in cities that are popular with tourists, such as Las Vegas, Miami and Orlando — tack on the charges to cover amenities such as Wi-Fi and access to a fitness center.

At ResortFeeChecker.com, you can look up properties to see how much they charge. If you don’t expect to use the amenities the fee covers, ask the hotel to remove it from your bill.

Hilton and Hyatt hotels waive the fee if you book a stay with loyalty rewards points or a free-night award.

Rental car insurance 

Typical amount: Between $13 and $30 per day

If you own a car, you likely don’t need additional insurance when you rent a car in the U.S. because your own auto insurance policy will cover loss or damage to the rental car.

However, if your personal auto policy lacks collision and comprehensive insurance, your rental car may be underinsured in an accident or mishap.

For travel both inside and outside of the U.S., you might be covered if you pay for the reservation with a credit card that offers rental car insurance, although most cards exclude Italy, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Australia, Israel, Jamaica and New Zealand.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95) and Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550) offer some of the strongest car-rental benefits among credit cards.

Additional driver fees 

Typical amount: $5 to $15 per person, per day

Many rental car companies charge a fee to allow someone other than the person listed on the contract to drive the car.

But some, including Dollar, Hertz, Sixt and Thrifty, don’t charge this fee if the other driver is a spouse or domestic partner who is also a member of their loyalty or rewards programs.

Avis and Budget waive the fee for Costco Wholesale members who rent through Costco Travel. Alamo and Enterprise don’t charge the fee at all in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Ireland and Spain.

Foreign transaction fees 

Typical amount: 1% to 3% of the transaction amount

When you make a purchase with a merchant outside the U.S. or withdraw money from an ATM abroad, you’re often subject to a foreign-transaction fee. Recently, Uber even added 1.5% fee to its app when ordering a ride somewhere that uses a different currency than your home country.

In the Uber app, you'll need to set your currency preferences to "no preferred currency" to avoid the extra charge.

For everything else, use a debit or credit card with no foreign-transaction fees to avoid the added costs on every transaction.

Many travel-focused credit cards offer this perk, and Capital One and Discover don’t charge the fee on any of their credit cards.

Among checking accounts, customers who use Schwab Bank Investor Checking or Capital One 360 Checking don’t pay foreign-transaction fees when they use their debit cards.

One more tip: If a merchant abroad asks whether you’d like to pay in U.S. dollars or in the local currency, always choose the local currency.

If you don't, you’ll likely be charged a dynamic currency conversion fee, which is typically higher than a standard foreign transaction fee because you are being charged for the convenience of paying in your home currency.

How to avoid dining and entertainment fees

Food-delivery fees 

Typical amount: Delivery fees range from about $2 to $8, and you may pay a service charge of 15% to 30%, too

You’ll pay extra for the convenience of having services such as DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats deliver restaurant meals to your doorstep.

You may be able to dodge delivery fees by searching for deals in the “offers” section of the delivery service’s app. Restaurant chains such as Cheesecake Factory and Jimmy John’s, for example, offer free delivery when you place your first order with them on DoorDash.

If you order takeout frequently, consider joining a subscription plan such as DashPass, Grubhub+ or Uber One (all are $9.99 a month), which waive the delivery fee on eligible orders.

Sometimes, you may be able to get these subscription plans for free if you have the right credit card or membership. Amazon Prime members, for example, can use GrubHub+ free. Some Chase credit cards provide a free DashPass subscription.

Otherwise, ordering food directly from restaurants’ apps and websites may help you skip extra fees. Applebee’s delivers food free if your order totals at least $40, for example, and McDonald’s provides free delivery for new users of the McDonald’s app.

Peer-to-peer transfer fees 

Typical amount: 3% of the amount transferred to send money with a credit card; about 0.5% to 1.75% for an instant transfer from the app to your bank account

Peer-to-peer payment apps, such as Cash App, Venmo and Zelle make it remarkably easy to transfer money to friends and family — say, to split the bill after a dinner out.

However, if you use a credit card to send money through a payment app, you’ll often pay a fee of about 3%.

You can usually skip the fee by transferring funds directly from your bank account or debit card (note, however, that PayPal charges a fee for debit card transfers).

When your friends send money to you, be aware that an instant transfer from the app balance to your bank account costs extra in most cases. If you’re not in a hurry, use a standard transfer instead — it may take one to three business days for the funds to reach your bank account, but you pay no fee.

One exception: Zelle allows customers of participating banks to send money instantly to each other’s checking accounts — even among different institutions — typically for free.

Ticket convenience fees 

Typical amount: An average 27% of the ticket price, according to the Government Accountability Office

Ticketmaster, StubHub and other online sellers of tickets for concerts, movies and other events often charge service or convenience fees, as well as a facility charge to cover the venue’s costs. If you resell a ticket on Ticketmaster’s platform, you’ll pay a resale fee, too.

Try buying tickets directly from the venue’s box office instead. It may be less convenient than purchasing tickets online, but you’ll likely pay less in fees.

How to avoid credit card fees

Late-payment fees 

Typical amount: An average of $32, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Credit card companies usually charge a late fee if you fail to make the minimum bill payment by the due date.

To avoid paying late, set up automatic payments to at least cover the minimum payment due. You can always make extra payments later to pay off the balance. If you don't like the idea of autopay, put a monthly reminder on your calendar.

If you miss a payment, call your card issuer and ask to remove the fee, says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate. A 2024 LendingTree survey found that 89% of cardholders who asked their card company to waive a late fee were successful.

As a policy, some issuers, such as Discover, will waive the fee the first time you make a late payment. But missing a payment by 30 or more days will likely hurt your credit score, so you shouldn’t make a habit of it.

Annual fees 

Typical amount: $105, according to the CFPB

Some credit cards charge an annual fee in exchange for rewards that are more plentiful than those you’d get with a no-fee card, such as travel perks or extra cash back, points or miles on certain purchases.

Before signing up for a card with an annual fee, make a list of the perks you'll actually use. Then, do the math to decide whether the value of your card’s rewards outweigh the annual fee. If they don’t, switch to a card that charges no annual fee.

Another idea: Try asking the issuer to remove the fee for one year, Rossman suggests. If you’re a long-term cardholder and pay your bills on time, you may have better odds of getting the fee waived, he says.

Cash-advance fees 

Typical amount: The greater of 3% to 5% of the transaction amount or $10

A cash advance is a quick way to tap into your credit line if you need to get cash in a pinch, but you’ll typically pay a hefty fee for the convenience. Worse, interest starts to accrue immediately. Whenever possible, withdraw cash from your bank account instead.

Likewise, if your card issuer mails you convenience checks, don’t use them, says Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst for LendingTree. If you cash one of these checks, it will likely be treated as a cash advance, which means you’ll pay fees and higher interest rates on the money.

Surcharges for credit card purchases 

Typical amount: 1.5% to 3.5% of the transaction, according to Bankrate

While the practice is illegal in a few states, most states allow restaurants, gas stations and retailers impose a surcharge when customers pay with a credit card.

The surcharge is meant to cover the payment processing fees that merchants pay to card networks each time a customer uses a credit card.

Depending on where you are, you'll either see a notice of how much extra you'll pay for using a credit card or you'll see a "cash discount" price — the lower price you'll pay if you use cash or a debit card.

If you're unsure what a particular merchant's policy is, you can either ask or just pay with cash or a debit card instead. According to rules established by card issuers like Visa and Mastercard, businesses can’t charge you extra for using a debit card.

How to avoid banking fees

Overdraft fees 

Typical amount: About $35

If you overdraw your checking account, your bank may hit you with a costly overdraft fee.

You can opt out of overdraft protection to avoid the fee. But, if you do, be aware that if you attempt a debit card purchase that would cause your account balance to go into the red, it may be declined.

Another way to circumvent overdraft fees is to link your checking to your savings account. If you make a payment and there are insufficient funds in your checking account, the funds can be automatically withdrawn from your savings account. Call your bank first to see if it offers this service and, if so, what specific steps you need to take to set it up.

While some financial institutions impose a fee for these transfers — often of $10 to $12 — it’s significantly cheaper than a $35 overdraft charge.

ATM out-of-network fees 

Typical amount: An average $4.73 in combined charges from the bank and the ATM’s owner, according to Bankrate

When you use an out-of-network ATM, your bank may hit you with a fee, and the ATM operator will likely charge you, too.

You can beat the charges by limiting withdrawals to ATMs within your bank’s network. Your bank may operate its own machines, participate in a broad network such as Allpoint or MoneyPass, or both.

If you can’t find an in-network ATM, you may be able to sidestep ATM fees by making a debit card purchase with a merchant and asking for cash back. Many stores will do this for free, but some charge up to about $3.

A final option: Use a checking account that reimburses you the fees for using out-of-network ATMs. Axos Bank, for example, provides unlimited domestic ATM rebates with its CashBack and Rewards checking accounts.

Account maintenance fees 

Typical amount: For interest-bearing checking accounts, an average $15.33, according to Bankrate; $5.31 for checking accounts that don’t pay interest

The easiest way to skip monthly maintenance fees is to open an account that doesn’t charge them. Several online banks offer free accounts. Ally Bank, for example, charges no monthly fee on its checking, savings or money market deposit accounts.

If your account does levy maintenance fees, you may be able to bypass them by meeting certain requirements, such as keeping a specified minimum balance or making a certain amount in monthly direct deposits.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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• JetBlue Baggage Fees Changing: New Perks for Blue Basic Fliers

Alaska Airlines, based in Seattle, just dropped a new deal on one-way flights from dozens of cities across the U.S. Find deals from $69 (or lower) or 4,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles. You must book your flight by the end of the day on Monday, August 12, but the travel window is quite accommodating — with most flights available from August 13 through December 18, 2024, although some blackout dates apply to some flights. 

That said, there are no change fees on Main and First Class flights, but certain restrictions do apply. The airline may impose blackout dates and travel from some cities is limited to specific days only.  

These deals expire at 11:59 PM on August 12, 2024; you can book flights directly on Alaska’s website. If you book at an Alaska Airlines airport location or through one of their reservation call centers, you will pay an additional $15 per person over the advertised fare. Also, Saver Fares are eligible for the 24-hour cancellation policy, or a credit of 50% when canceled at least 14 days prior to your departure. 

Alaska's mileage plan

Ranked best airline credit card miles program by Kiplinger readers in a 2024 survey, Alaska's Mileage Plan program partners with 28 airlines, flying to more than 900 destinations and you earn miles through numerous airline, rental car and hotel partnerships and accrue miles through distance flown rather than dollars spent. But, keep in mind that the airline does impose blackout dates on reward travel and seating and availability on reward flights is limited. 

Free Companion Fare

If your a fan of Alaska Airlines, you can earn a free Companion Fare and 50,000 bonus miles (worth about $550) after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of opening an Alaska Airlines Visa® card. Plus, Bank of America customers get a nice little boost too, bagging a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned on card purchases.

For the $95 annual fee, you’ll earn three points for every dollar spent on Alaska Airlines travel, two points on gas, cable, streaming and local transit, and one point on all other purchases. Miles do not expire on active accounts. You can also earn and redeem miles through a variety of Alaska Airlines retail and travel partners.

Other travel benefits include one free checked bag (plus get a free checked bag for up to six guests on the same reservation), priority seating and annual companion fare. In addition, with oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska's Global Partners, you can fly to over 1,000 destinations worldwide, including American Airlines and others. 

We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

This Chase Ink business card could line your pocket with a welcome bonus worth $900, or more. With the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months. That's $900 cash back, $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠, or up to $1,845 value when transferring points to some Chase partners.

Before you pull the trigger on this card, be sure to check out its closest competitor, the Capital One Venture X Business Card, now offering 150,000 bonus points for new cardholders.

And be sure your business really needs a credit card and not a small business loan, as we explain in the section "Should you get a business card?"

Chase Ink Business Card

• Other cardholder perks

What can you spend the bonus points on?

You may use the 90,000 bonus points in several ways.

Cash Back ($900 value) – By logging into your Chase Ultimate Rewards account, you will see options for cash back at the rate of one penny for each point. You may redeem any amount for deposit into your checking or savings account – at Chase or other major banks – or as a statement credit on your Chase Ink account. And with the Chase Pay Yourself Back program, you can get 1.25 cents back per point when donating to certain charities through December 31, 2024.

Transfer points to a partner airline frequent flyer or hotel program ($900 to $1,845 variable value) – Chase Travel℠ partners with eleven airlines and three hotel chains, so you can easily transfer your Chase points to your preferred partner program at a one-penny-per-point ratio. Since the points on these partner programs may vary in value depending on how and when you use them, the actual value of your transferred Chase points may be more or less than 1:1.

According to The Points Guy, the value of 90,000 points you'll earn from the Ink card offer is worth $1,845 (or 2.05 cents per point) when used strategically with travel partners. I wouldn't count on getting that value; not everyone has the time or energy to maximize their points.

Purchase airfare, hotel or other travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal ($1,125 value) – You may redeem the points through the Chase Travel portal at a 25% higher value.

Once you’ve spent at least $8,000 in the first three months of owning the card, you will need to wait an additional six to eight weeks for the bonus points to post to your account, so don’t plan on redeeming the bonus points immediately.

Let’s say you have a frequent flyer account with United Airlines. You may transfer the bonus 90,000 points to your United account, adding the equivalent of 90,000 miles. However, if you book your flight through the Chase Travel portal, you may redeem them at a 1:25 rate, rather than 1:1.

If anything goes wrong on your trip, you will interact with customer service agents from Chase Travel rather than United. That’s why understanding how credit card travel portals work is important. Chase tends to get average to high marks for its travel portal customer service.

Should you get a business card?

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited. Be sure you understand the details of what makes up a good credit score.
• Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you may want to consider a small business loan instead. Also, don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

Read More

• $2,775 Capital One Business Card Intro Offer
• United Airlines Card Launches $900 Offer
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses With a Free Ticket
• Five Best U.S. Airport Lounges for Your Money

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

This article only reviews select Southwest business card offers. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.

Southwest business cards are currently offering their largest intro bonus yet. To get the full 120,000 Rapid Rewards Points, you'll need to spend $15,000 in purchases in your first nine months. That's a value of $1,800 when redeemed for travel; it's one of the best deals in the competitive world of rewards credit cards right now.

Plus, with the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, you get 9,000 "anniversary points" each year (worth about $135). This yearly benefit softens the pain of a $199 annual fee, meaning you'll spend about $64 a year to own this card.

Southwest business card overview

• Sign-up bonus: Earn up to 120,000 points. Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional 40,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.
• Rewards rates:
• Annual benefits: Four upgraded boardings when available and 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
• Other benefits: Add employee cards at no cost. There's no limit to the amount of employee cards you can request, and their cards also earn points.
• Redemption: Points may be redeemed for travel on Southwest Airlines or through its Rapid Rewards program; points may also be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, and entertainment.
• Interest rate: 20.74% to 27.74% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers.
• Annual fee: $199.
• Foreign transaction fee: None, so this is a good card to use abroad.
• Member FDIC

FAQs

Is the Rapid Rewards loyalty program free?

Yes, joining Southwest's loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, is free.

Do the points expire?

No, Rapid Rewards points do not expire. If you close your account, however, you'll forfeit the points.

Are there blackout dates?

There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions on Rapid Rewards points.

How much is a Rapid Rewards point worth?

A recent Bankrate valuation shows that each point is worth 1.5 cents when redeemed for travel. That means that 1,000 points are worth up to $15.

Where does Southwest fly?

Southwest flies throughout the U.S. (including Hawaii, but not Alaska), Mexico, the Caribbean and most of Central America. Southwest does not partner with other airlines, so these aren't the points that will get you a European vacation.

How far can I fly with the 120,000-point bonus?

The points required for each flight will vary according to distance, time of day and other factors. When you book with points, you must also pay taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges of at least $5.60 per one-way trip.

How is the program improving in 2024?

Southwest recently modified the Rapid Rewards program to make it easier for members to achieve elite status. You can earn A-List status by flying one-way 20 times in a year (down from 25) and A-List Preferred status by flying one-way 40 in a year (down from 50).

Is the Rapid Rewards travel app any good?

The Southwest Mobile App won the second-best airline travel app ranking in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study.

Other cards to consider

The intro offer on the Capital One Venture X Business card is 150,000 bonus miles, worth between $1,500 and $2,775 when redeemed for travel. To qualify for the offer, you'll need to spend $30,000 on the card in the first three months. Although Southwest is not one of Capital One's travel partners, the Capital One Miles are very flexible. You may get reimbursed for travel on any airline for up to 90 days after you have traveled.

If you want a co-branded Southwest card but don’t feel comfortable paying $199 per year for an airline credit card for your business, consider the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card. This card will cost you just $99 per year, yet you’ll earn the same sign-up bonus and a similar rewards rate.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $199 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $199 should be mostly offset if you travel enough to use the anniversary bonus points.

Reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely. However, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to hit any trigger. The last thing you want to do is chase credit card rewards when you're in debt.

Read More

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• Earn $900+ with IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card Bonus
• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance

This article reviews our picks of the best rewards credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Fans of United Airlines should consider this limited-time offer from Chase. It is the best deal we've seen lately from the suite of four United cards, which have finally caught up to other lucrative sign-up bonuses that many competing cards now offer. We think you'll like the top-tier United Club℠ Infinite Card. It provides many high-end benefits, like lounge access. And Chase cards are known for being industry leaders in rental car insurance and travel insurance benefits.

New cardholders earn a bonus of up to 80,000 miles (worth about $900) in the United MileagePlus program after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer more than offsets the $525 annual fee in the first year. You'll also get a United Club℠ membership, valued up to $650 per year from perks like free checked bags.

United Airlines: United Club℠ Infinite Card Overview

Travel benefits and fees

• Limited-time offer: Earn 80,000 bonus (worth about $900) miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Rewards rates:
  • Earn four miles per $1 spent on United® purchases.
  • Earn two miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining.
  • Earn one mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Other benefits:
  • Free first and second checked bags — a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) — and Premier Access® travel services.
  • 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada.
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases).

• Limitations: This card is subject to the "Chase 05/24 rule." That means you will not qualify for this new Chase card if you have opened five new credit cards (from Chase or any other credit card company) in the past 24 months.
• Interest rates: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable APR
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Annual fee: $525
• Member FDIC

What does United Club℠ membership get you?

Are you a lounge lizard? (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) Then, this card should spark some joy in your wallet; the card gives you annual lounge access at a discount. If you were to purchase United Club access, you'd shell out $650 each year, or $125 more than the annual $525 fee of the Infinite card.

United Club gives you access to 45 United Club Lounge locations,  and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide. One United Club lounge in the Denver airport made our list of the best airport lounges for your money.

To access a United Club lounge, present your same-day boarding pass and your membership status. The Infinite card allows you, the cardholder, and up to two adult companions to enter the lounge. Traveling with children? Then, you can enter a lounge with one adult guest and dependent children under 21. 

How much are miles worth?

Setting the valuation of airline rewards miles can be tricky, as there are often many ways to redeem or convert them for flights, hotels and other services. In the case of United Mileage Plus Miles, we've used the average value as calculated by The Points Guy (1.35 cents per mile) and Bankrate (0.9 cents per mile), or 1.125 cents per mile.

Airline Partners

United is a member of the Star Alliance network of 26 airlines.

Hotel partners

You can earn miles by staying in some MileagePlus partner hotel network properties. Although you can convert hotel points to MileagePlus miles, you likely won't get a good value for your trade. A better route is to book through IHG or Hyatt hotels for a miles bonus or reward.

• World of Hyatt: Earn 500 award miles per stay at the following World of Hyatt brands: Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Andaz®, Hyatt Centric®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt™, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Ziva™ and Hyatt Zilara™. Just provide your MileagePlus number when you check in.
• IHG Hotels: Earn two award miles per dollar spent at Six Senses® Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Regent® Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental® Hotels & Resorts, Vignette™ Collection, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, and other brands. If you frequently stay at IHG hotels, consider the IHG One Rewards Premier Card.

Other United credit cards

If the annual fee is too much for your budget, Chase has several other United co-branded credit cards that could be a better fit. 

United Gateway℠ Card. This no-annual-fee card's limited-time offer: earn 20,000 bonus miles (worth about $225) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. No annual fee. The standard APR is 21.99% - 28.99% variable.

United℠ Explorer Card: The card's limited-time offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles (worth about $563) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. The annual fee is $0 Intro for the first year, then $95. The interest rate is 21.99% - 28.99% variable APR.

United Quest℠ Card. Limited-time offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles (worth about  $675) and 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. The annual fee is $250 and the interest rate is 21.99% - 28.99% variable APR.

For more about travel credit cards, check out our selection of the best travel rewards cards. See also Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Travel Rewards Credit Cards.

Travel rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $525 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $525 is a high annual fee but may be worth it for those who fly frequently on United or its partner airlines. That's especially true given that the complimentary United Club membership costs $650.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to hit any trigger; otherwise, rewards cards can be a false economy as you’d be overspending. 

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And make sure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score. 

Read More

• American Airlines Card Launches $1,000 Limited-Time Offer
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses With a Free Ticket
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $720
• Five Best U.S. Airport Lounges for Your Money

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

This article reviews the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers.

Citi has several co-branded cards with American Airlines offering attractive sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. There’s one deal in particular that will appeal especially to frequent travelers and big spenders. For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of opening the account. According to Bankrate, that equates to an estimated value of $1,000.

The card is also the only cobranded credit card that offers free Admiral Club access for you and your immediate family or up to two guests traveling with you — an added value of $850. To score this deal, search for American Airlines AAdvantage Card 100,000 and click on offers for the "Executive" level of the card. Or follow the link in the box below.

Before you apply, consider this card’s other features to determine if it’s a good fit for you. Also, compare it to competing cards using our list of best rewards cards or use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to get personalized credit card offers.

Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard Overview 

Frequent American Airlines flyers can reap many benefits from the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard — as long as they can offset the card’s steep annual fee of $595 and variable purchase APR of 21.24% to 29.99%.

Travel benefits

• Priority boarding, check-in and airport screening for you and up to eight travel companions.
• No foreign transaction fees
• Up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits every four years
• After taking three eligible rides in a calendar month, earn a $10 Lyft credit, for a total of up to $120 Lyft credits annually
• Earn a statement credit of up to $10 per monthly billing statement on eligible Grubhub purchases, for a total of up to $120 every 12 billing statements
• Earn a $1 statement credit per $1 spent on eligible Avis or Budget rental car purchases, up to $120 every calendar year
• First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
• Earn a 10,000 Loyalty Points bonus after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year. Earn another 10,000 Loyalty Points bonus after reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year

Partner hotels and airlines

Frequent travelers value Aadvantage points highly for their flexibility and transferability to other solid airlines and for hotel stays. Hotel partners include IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt. Here are the airline travel partners in the Aadvantage program.

• Air Tahiti Nui
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Cape Air
• Cathay Pacific
• China Southern Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Fiji Airways
• Finnair
• GOL Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Iberia
• Japan Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Qantas Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Air Maroc
• Royal Jordanian Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines

Other American Airlines and travel cards

If the annual fee is too much for your budget, Citi has several other co-branded American Airlines cards that could be a better fit. For example, the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard has no annual fee, earns 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and at grocery stores and has a sign-up bonus of 15,000 bonus miles after spending just $500 in the first three months of the account opening.

For more about travel credit cards, check out Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Travel Rewards Credit Cards.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $595 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $595 is a high annual fee but may be worth it for those who fly frequently on American or its partner airlines. 

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest which can dwarf the gain. And only spend any more than usual to hit any trigger; otherwise, rewards cards can be a false economy as you’d be overspending. 

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And make sure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score. 

Related Content

• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses With a Free Ticket
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,140
• Five Best U.S. Airport Lounges for Your Money

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

I just had one flight left to book on a multi-city trip to Europe when I got stumped: I couldn't figure out how to get home. All I needed was to get from Paris to New York, but the one-way ticket prices at places like United and Delta were over $1,000 and I didn't have airline or credit card points to play with. 

There were some European budget airline options, but I hadn't flown on any of the available airlines and so didn't feel like I could trust the seat comfort, food options or how much it'd cost to check the large suitcase I knew I was bringing. But then I saw something interesting: a nonstop from CDG to JFK by JetBlue, for half the price of the other American airline flights. 

Most people I talked to have been surprised to hear I was flying home on JetBlue, so I figure it's my duty to spread the news. Yes, indeed, JetBlue has transatlantic flights, at generally good prices, especially through the summer. 

Where do JetBlue's Europe flights go?

JetBlue's transatlantic flight era started in 2021, when they began offering service from New York City's JFK to London's Heathrow. That expanded to include flights between New York and London-Gatwick as well as between Boston and London. 

The expansion of itineraries has just continued over the last few years. Now, JetBlue has flights between the U.S. and Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh and Paris, in addition to London. In late May, JetBlue announced even more transatlantic flights, with a daily flight between JFK in New York and Edinburgh Airport in Scotland through Sept. 30, 2024. 

These are nonstop flights, but only if you can fly direct from Boston and New York. Otherwise, you'll have to connect within the U.S. 

At their earnings call in April, JetBlue said unit revenues were up more than 25% year-over-year in transatlantic performance. "We are currently serving what we believe are sort of the top underserved markets for JetBlue out of Boston and New York. So we'll look to continue doing this," CEO Joanna Geraghty said, emphasizing that some transatlantic markets are seasonal. 

How are the JetBlue transatlantic fares and costs?

Generally speaking, they're alright.

When JetBlue first announced the New York-Paris route last year, tickets started at $479 round-trip, per Business Insider, while American Airlines and Delta Air Lines' round-trip costs were over $600. But that was a low fare to kick-off the route, and fares are typically higher than that. 

Taking a look at the travel website Google Flights, prices on JetBlue are comparable to Delta or United round-trip this summer between New York and Paris. On that route, though, there is a major different if you're in my position looking for a one-way flight from Paris to New York. Taking a look at a Saturday in August, a one-way flight from American Airlines is $1,135; from United is $1,397; from Delta $1,594. But the JetBlue flight is $888. 

In my experience, I bought two seats from Paris to New York on JetBlue and upgraded us to "Blue Extra" with additional legroom for less than what I would've paid for one seat at basic fare on United. 

JetBlue also has a card, akin to a travel rewards credit card, that gets you points for travel. Kiplinger readers are fans, ranking it among their favorites in this year's Readers' Choice Awards for airline credit card rewards programs. 

How are JetBlue's transatlantic flights?

The JetBlue transatlantic routes are flown on Airbus A321LR and A321neo aircraft. The A321LR has 114 seats and 24 suites, which, JetBlue says, "means more personalized attention, more personal space (instead of more persons in your space), and less hassle boarding and deplaning." 

If you've flown JetBlue before, you have an idea of what to expect. The airline usually has relatively spacious seats and promising food options. JetBlue took first, second and third place for customer satisfaction in the categories of first/business class, premium economy, and base economy, respectively, in the J.D. Power 2023 North American Airline Satisfaction Study.

Again, speaking anecdotally, my Blue Extra seats were so spacious the stranger sitting next to me exclaimed excitedly when she sat down. My husband is tall and thus usually cramped on airplanes, but he was more than comfortable on the JetBlue flight. 

In terms of food, there are regular meal services as well as a "pantry" of snacks available at any time. There are headrest televisions with plenty of entertainment options, as well as power outlets at seats. You can pick your meal option using the headrest console. 

I'm not the only person impressed by these JetBlue transatlantic flights: Business Insider's travel reporter Joey Hadden called it "the best long-haul flight I've taken," while Kyle Potter at Thrifty Traveler said JetBlue Mint is "my new favorite way to fly to Europe."

So if you're heading to Europe this summer, keep an eye out for those JetBlue options.

Related Content

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As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Have time to kill before a flight? An airport lounge can provide a perfect place to relax. The best lounges pamper you with access to fast WiFi, fresh food, drinks, and other amenities while you wait for your boarding time.

Once a perk exclusively for business and first-class flyers, airport lounges have become havens for all types of travelers. What’s more, a growing number of credit cards offer airport lounge access to certain cardholders. For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards and the Chase Sapphire Reserve include complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, a network of over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide. (You can find out more details about these cards and other credit cards with travel rewards below and in our roundup of the best travel credit cards.)

Don’t have a travel rewards credit card? Don’t worry — you can access many airport lounges by getting a day pass, with prices typically ranging from $40 to $100 a day, according to Kayak. But which lounges offer the best value?

5 Best Airport Lounges

Here are five airport lounges in the U.S. that are well worth your travel dollars.

1. Escape Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Day pass: $45, or $40 if you pre-book at least 24 hours in advance

Location: Terminal 3

Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

“It doesn’t get any more bang for the buck than this,” says Scott Leazemby, a San Diego-based travel blogger who chronicles his travel experiences at SANSpotter. Although it lacks private areas, the lounge’s selection of food is “excellent for a small independent lounge, featuring a variety of hot and cold entrées and plenty of snacks,” Leazemby says. The bar offers complimentary drinks including lattes, draft beer, and wines.

2. Admirals Club at Miami International Airport

Day pass: $79

Location: North Terminal, Concourse D

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily

This two-story lounge offers no shortage of ways for families to pass the time. It features Android tablets, where you can play games, catch up on the news, and browse the Web; an enclosed kids’ room, where the little ones can get their energy out; and a main sitting area with great views of the tarmac, according to a review on the travel site Upgraded Points.

3. Capital One Lounge at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport

Day pass: $65

Location: Terminal D

Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Featuring a cycling and yoga room with Peloton bikes, nap pods, shower suites, and luggage lockers, this buzzy airport lounge from Capital One almost feels like a wellness retreat. After a nap, shower, or workout, visitors can head to the bar which offers a wide assortment of beverages, including craft cocktails, local craft beer, and cold brew coffee on tap. There’s also a grab-and-go cooler with salads, sandwiches, juices, sparkling water, and desserts. Plus, “The décor is sleek and modern, and most areas offer a view of the runway,” writes Stacy Brooks, a Minneapolis-based blogger, in a review of the lounge on her travel and food blog Tangled Up In Food.

If you're considering a Capital One card with lounge access, the Capital One Venture X card, was voted the best airline credit card in the Kiplinger 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for best travel credit cards.

4. United Club B East at Denver International Airport

Day pass: $59

Location: Terminal B

Hours: 5:00 am to 9:30 pm.

This 35,000-square-foot, 600-seat lounge, unveiled in 2023, captures the essence of the Mile High City. Beer lovers can sip on a flight of beers from Colorado breweries in the second-floor bar, which has shuffleboard tables and an exposed ceiling for an industrial vibe. When you get hungry, the lounge offers three buffets, serving up unique dishes like maple-mustard chicken thighs, vegetarian green chili, and an egg frittata inspired by the Denver omelet.

Throughout the two-story space, you’ll find a wide array of furnishings and artwork from Denver artists, including photography, paintings, sculptures, and murals. Both levels feature floor-to-ceiling glass views of the airfield and a gas fireplace with neatly stacked logs.

5. Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York LaGuardia Airport

Day pass: $100

Location: Terminal B

Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily

This is the highest-priced lounge on our list, but it’s an all-around winner. Opened earlier this year, the 21,850-square-foot lounge offers two floors packed with amenities. The seasonal menu, from West Village bistro chef Joseph Leonard features fresh pastries, Korean fried chicken bites, vegan spinach bowls, and other dishes that you can have served directly to your seat using a QR code.

Ben Schlappig, of the One Mile at a Time travel blog, called the seared salmon and lentil ragout "phenomenal” in a review of the lounge. In addition, the lounge features private rest pods, wellness treatment rooms with complimentary facials, and a retro-inspired game room with a photo booth, pinball machines, a jukebox, and shuffleboard.

Tips for Saving on Lounge Access

Credit cards with lounge privileges and sign-on bonuses

If you plan to visit your favorite lounges often, some airlines offer discounted lounge memberships to frequent flyers or travelers who have the airline’s credit card. Below, we've listed a few of these cards that are also offering generous welcome bonuses to new cardholders. But not all cards provide lounge access and some require you to enroll in the benefit to activate it, so read the terms carefully.

For example, new cardholders can earn points worth up to $750 with a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, but they won't get lounge privileges. Only the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers lounge access.

And don't forget credit cards that are co-branded with hotels. For example, the Hilton Honors Surpass card offers premium airport lounge access in the form of a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Enrolled members get ten free airport lounge visits each Priority Pass Membership year. Just remember to enroll in the perk after you sign up.

Hot tip: Some of the best bonus and lounge offers are for business credit card customers.

• $1,500 to $3,000 Amex Card Intro Offer (for the Business Platinum Card)
• $2,775 Capital One Venture X Business Card Intro Offer
• Alaska Airlines Credit Card: $660 Bonus Offer
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $840 (note only the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card includes lounge privileges)
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket
• Hilton Honors Bonus Offer Worth $780 Plus Free Night

Getting access through memberships

Frequently fly on a particular airline? A number of major carriers, including Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, and United, offer annual memberships that provide access to their network of lounges. This year, JetBlue is adding itself to that list, opening its first lounges and offering complimentary access to those with the airline's new JetBlue Premier Card.

Memberships typically cost anywhere from $400 to $850 per year. For example, a one-year Delta Sky Club membership, which offers access to more than 50 airport lounges, costs $695. A one-year United Club membership, with access to more than 45 locations, costs $650.

Compare the cost of the membership with the cost of a day pass to that airline's lounge network to figure out how many visits you need to make per year for the price of membership to be worth it.

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The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards Categories

Best Wealth Management

Readers rated wealth managers based on the quality of financial advice they received, the trustworthiness of the advisers, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the wealth manager. 

The overall winner was J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best wealth management services winners.

Best Donor-Advised Funds

We asked readers to assess the donor-advised funds they use based on how suitable the investment options are, the likelihood they would recommend the fund to others and their overall satisfaction with the fund.

The overall winner was Fidelity Charitable. Read our full guide to Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best donor-advised funds to see all of the winners.

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Many of those who use a rewards credit card prefer simple, straightforward rewards in the form of cash back. That's no surprise, given that a cash back credit card is the simplest and most effective way to earn credit card rewards. We asked respondents to rate their cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall.

Our overall winner was Fidelity Rewards Visa. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best cash back credit card winners.

Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

These cards provide the greatest value to frequent travelers, who can redeem points or miles for flights, hotel reservations, car rentals and more. Some come with perks such as rental car insurance and access to airport lounges. Readers judged travel rewards credit cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card. 

Our overall winner was Capital One Venture X. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best travel rewards credit card winners.

Best Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs

Airline cards provide miles or points on purchases, which passengers can put toward flights. Readers evaluated airline card programs on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card program to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card program 

Our overall winner was the Alaska Airlines credit card rewards program. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 airline credit card rewards programs winners.

Best Hotel Credit Cards Rewards Programs

Readers evaluated hotel card programs on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card program to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card program. 

The overall winner was the World of Hyatt credit card program. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice 2024 Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs winners.

Best National Banks

These large brick-and-mortar institutions have a presence in many states, and they offer a range of products and services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and loans. We assessed readers’ overall satisfaction with their bank, their opinion of its customer service, and the likelihood they would recommend the bank to others. 

Our overall winner was KeyBank. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best national banks winners.

Best Internet Banks

Survey respondents judged these institutions on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the bank to others and how satisfied they are overall with the bank.

Our overall winner was Discover Bank. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best internet banks winners.

Best Full-Service Brokers

We asked readers to assess brokerage firms that offer a breadth of services, whether online, by phone, through in-person assistance at branches, or some combination. Readers rated the strength of their broker’s customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the broker.

Our overall winner was Fidelity Investments. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best full-service brokers.

Best Auto Insurance Companies

Readers weighed in on their auto insurance provider based on how competitive the rates are, their experience with filing claims and how likely they would be to recommend the insurer to others.

Our overall winner was Erie Insurance. Read our full guide to see all the winners of the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 auto insurance companies.

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies

Readers assessed their homeowners insurance provider based on how competitive the rates are, how positive the experience has been when filing a claim and how likely they would be to recommend the insurance company to others. Several of the winners here are also winners in auto insurance, making it easier for you to select a bundled service with one outstanding company.

The overall winner was USAA. See Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Homeowners Insurance Companies to learn more about the companies you chose as winners.

Best Peer-To-Peer Payment Apps

Peer-to-peer payment apps have developed a wide reach as they have become faster and easier to use. Readers rated the P2P service that they use most based on ease of use, the likelihood they would recommend it to others and their overall satisfaction with the service.

Our overall winner was Apple Cash. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best peer-to-peer payment apps.

Best Tax Software

We asked readers to rate their preferred tax-filing software based on ease of use, how likely they would be to recommend the service to others and overall satisfaction with the software.

Our overall winner was FreeTaxUSA. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 tax software winners.

How Readers Chose Their Winners

Kiplinger readers were invited to take the Readers’ Choice Awards survey on Kiplinger.com between February 20 and March 15, 2024. The survey was fully completed by 4,528 people. 

The survey asked respondents to choose the financial product or service that they most frequently use in 13 categories: full-service brokerage firms, wealth managers, donor-advised funds, cash-back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, airline credit card rewards programs, hotel credit card rewards programs, national banks, internet banks, auto insurers, homeowners insurers, tax software and peer-to-peer payment services. (Because of a scripting error, the survey did not collect scores for Wells Fargo in the national banks category. We apologize for the omission.) 

We asked readers to rate each provider they selected on a scale of one to 10 based on a few criteria. In many categories, readers rated the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the product or service to others, and how satisfied they are overall with the provider. In some categories, we included more nuanced criteria. With wealth management firms, we asked respondents to rate the trustworthiness of a firm’s advisers and the quality of its financial advice. For donor-advised funds, respondents evaluated the suitability of investment options. For peer-to-peer payment apps and tax software, respondents evaluated ease of use, and for auto and home insurance companies, readers judged the competitiveness of rates and strength of the claims experience. 

We calculated an average (mean) score for each criterion with each provider. We also calculated an overall mean score for all providers for each criterion we asked readers to judge. We compared individual provider mean scores with the overall mean, and the three highest-scoring providers that had a score above the overall mean won an “outstanding” accolade; in cases of a tie, more than three providers are named, and if fewer than three qualifying providers achieved an above-average score, only those providers are named “outstanding.” In each category, providers are generally listed in descending order by the number of criteria for which they received the “outstanding” designation — so a product or company that is deemed “outstanding” in three areas, for example, is listed before a provider with one or two “outstanding” awards. 

To choose an overall winner in each category, we added together the mean scores for each criterion rated for each product or service. The provider with the highest total score in each category took the prize for overall winner.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor Advised Funds
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Hotel Rewards Credit Card Programs
• Airline Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Homeowners Insurance Companies 
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards

 The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs

Each hotel chain below earned top marks from our readers for their credit card programs. Frequent guests can get great value from these cards, earning extra points for hotel stays and other purchases. Plus, enjoy benefits such as free-night awards and elevated loyalty status. Readers evaluated hotel card programs on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card program to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card program. 

OVERALL WINNER: World of Hyatt Credit Card

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Our readers gush about the World of Hyatt credit card. “Best rewards of any card, as far as I can tell. If only there were more Hyatts!” one survey respondent says.

For a $95 annual fee, cardholders earn nine World of Hyatt Bonus points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels; two points per dollar on restaurant spending, airline tickets, local transit and gym memberships; and one point per dollar on other spending. You also get a free night at an eligible property yearly, an additional free night if you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year and automatic Discoverist loyalty status.

IHG 

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

IHG brands include well-known hotels such as Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Kimpton. Chase issues two personal cards on behalf of IHG: IHG One Rewards Traveler and IHG One Rewards Premier ($99). You can rack up points quickly—cardholders earn up to 17 and 26 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts, respectively — but point values are generally lower than with competing programs. 

The Premier card also rewards five points per dollar spent on travel and hotels, at gas stations, and at restaurants, and three points per dollar on all other spending. Plus, Premier cardholders get one free hotel night each year and a fourth night free after you redeem points for a consecutive four-night stay.

Marriott Bonvoy cards

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Frequent guests of Marriott hotels can get good value out of the credit card program. Cards issued by Chase include Marriott Bonvoy Bold, Boundless ($95) and Bountiful ($250). American Express has two co-branded cards, Bevy ($250) and Brilliant ($650), with Marriott. Several readers expressed appreciation for the free one-night stay the Boundless card offers yearly. 

“You definitely get the value out of the fee,” says one respondent. Marriott Bonvoy points are quite flexible: You may redeem them at Marriott properties or transfer them to the frequent-flier programs of 38 airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest and United.

Choice Privileges cards 

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended

The Choice Privileges credit card program rewards stays at a wide variety of hotel brands, such as Radisson, Quality Inn and EconoLodge. Wells Fargo issues two cards for the program: the Choice Privileges Mastercard and the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard ($95). Each card offers strong earnings rates on hotels, gas, phone plans, grocery stores and home improvement stores. The Select card provides a 30,000-point bonus each year.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor Advised Funds
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Airline Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Homeowners Insurance Companies 
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards

The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs

Each of the airlines below earned top marks from our readers for their credit card programs. Airline cards provide miles or points for purchases, which passengers can put toward flights, upgrades or related travel perks.

OVERALL WINNER: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

What sets the Alaska Airlines credit card ($95 annual fee) apart from most other travel cards is the annual Free Companion Fare. It allows you to purchase one round-trip coach companion fare on Alaska Airlines for a flat rate of $99 plus fees (starting at $23, for a total price starting at $122). Get three points for every dollar spent on Alaska Airlines travel; two points on gas, cable, select streaming services and local transit; and one point on all other purchases. 

Other card perks include free checked bags and the chance to travel with your pet in the cabin (for a $100 fee). As one respondent wrote, it is “just a really fine all-around card that affords discounts in-flight, a luggage allowance and a companion pass.”

JetBlue Cards

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Barclays issues two tiers of JetBlue cards: the JetBlue World Mastercard and the JetBlue Plus World Elite Mastercard ($99 annual fee). Both cards offer JetBlue TrueBlue points on every purchase, with variations in the number of miles offered per dollar in different categories. 

The Plus card comes with a 10% bonus on points redeemed for JetBlue flights, 5,000 bonus points each year, and a free first checked bag for the primary traveler and up to three travel companions on one reservation.

Southwest Airlines cards 

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

The Rapid Rewards credit cards from Southwest Airlines, issued by Chase, get plaudits from readers for offering ample perks. Of the Priority card ($149 annual fee), one respondent wrote, “I love the fact that you get four priority boardings per year and a $75 flight credit yearly, essentially cutting the actual yearly fee in half.” 

Other Priority card benefits include a bonus of 7,500 Rapid Rewards points on each yearly anniversary of card membership and 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year. (A Companion Pass allows you to fly with one person free of airline charges each time you purchase or redeem points for a flight.)

Southwest’s other credit cards include the Plus card ($69 annual fee) and the Premier card ($99).

Delta Air Lines cards

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Delta offers four consumer credit cards issued by American Express: Delta SkyMiles Blue, Gold ($150 annual fee, waived the first year), Platinum ($350) and Reserve ($650). All of the cards offer Delta SkyMiles on every purchase, with variations in the number of miles offered per dollar in different categories. 

The Platinum and Reserve cards also offer reimbursement of the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, as well as a companion certificate for a round-trip flight each year you renew the card, among other perks.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor Advised Funds
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Hotel Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Homeowners Insurance Companies 
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards

The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Travel Rewards Credit Cards

These cards provide the greatest value to frequent travelers, who can redeem points or miles for flights, hotel reservations, car rentals and more. Some come with perks such as rental car insurance and access to airport lounges. Readers judged travel rewards credit cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card.

OVERALL WINNER: Capital One Venture X

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

This card handily beats the competition for delivering many of the benefits you would expect from a premium travel card but with a relatively low annual fee of $395. “The annual fee pays for itself if you do almost any travel,” wrote one reader.

Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, five miles per dollar for flights reserved through Capital One Travel, and two miles per dollar on all other spending. Cardholders also get a $300 annual credit toward travel bookings through Capital One, a bonus of 10,000 miles on each yearly account anniversary, reimbursement of the application fee for expedited airport security screening with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and free access to three lounge networks: Capital One’s airport lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium.

To learn more or apply for this card, read our extended review.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

This travel card wins honors for each aspect readers judged. One respondent wrote that it offers the “best benefits, like primary car rental insurance and travel insurance.”

Chase Sapphire Preferred, which has a $95 annual fee, offers five Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel that you purchase through Chase Travel (two points per dollar on other travel spending); three points per dollar on restaurants, online grocery purchases and select streaming services; and one point per dollar on other spending. You can transfer points to the card’s travel transfer partners, including Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt. Or redeem points for travel bookings through Chase, among other options.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Chase’s premium credit card, which charges a $550 annual fee, provides benefits including a $300 yearly statement credit for travel purchases, membership with Priority Pass Select for airport lounge access, credit of up to $100 every four years for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee, and perks such as room upgrades at certain luxury hotels. “This card pays for itself,” one reader says.

Cardholders also get 10 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal and five points per dollar for flights booked through Chase Travel. These rewards kick in after you’ve spent $300 on travel. You also earn three points per dollar at restaurants and on other travel worldwide. As with Sapphire Preferred, you can transfer points to travel partners or redeem them for travel bookings.

American Express Gold

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Earn four points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent per year; one point per dollar thereafter). Cardholders also earn four points per dollar on dining or food delivery, three points on air travel, and one point on other spending. The most lucrative way to redeem points is for airfare booked through Amex Travel or as transfers to hotel or airline partner programs. The annual fee is $250.

Capital One Venture Rewards

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Cardholders, who pay a $95 annual fee, get five miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and two miles per dollar on all other spending. Redeem miles for statement credits on travel purchases or travel bookings through Capital One, or transfer miles to partner airline and hotel loyalty programs. 

“The website makes it easy to use rewards benefits to cover travel purchases,” one reader says. An additional perk: Reimbursement of the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Readers especially appreciate this card for its excellent customer service. “You can always talk to a human who can help,” says one respondent. “In 30+ years, I have found that American Express always has my back!” says another.

Frequent travelers can offset the card’s $695 annual fee by taking advantage of its bountiful perks and valuable points structure. Travelers enjoy access to a range of airport lounges, including Amex’s Centurion lounges as well as those in the Airspace, Delta Sky Club, Escape, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Select networks. “The lounge access is hard to beat,” says one survey respondent. 

You get up to $100 in application-fee reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, too. Plus, get yearly credits of up to $200 for incidental fees with one airline you choose, $200 for select hotel bookings through Amex, and $189 for membership with the CLEAR airport security screening program.

Cardholders earn extra points on various purchases, including five Membership Rewards points per dollar for flights booked with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 spent per year) and on prepaid hotel bookings through Amex. Exchanging points for flights booked through Amex or for certain gift cards are among the most favorable redemption options.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor-Advised Funds
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Airline Rewards Credit Card Programs
• Hotel Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services
• Homeowners Insurance Companies

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has the grandaddy of all intro rewards card offers.

Apply and find out your welcome offer: You might be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in your first three months of Membership. Terms apply. Welcome offers vary, and you might not be eligible for an offer.

Assessing the average value of American Express Membership Rewards® is tricky, because there are many ways to redeem them. American Express values each point between 0.6 cents and a penny. Bankrate and The Points Guy value each point at up to two cents, assuming cardholders employ the best redemption strategies. This article assumes each point is worth between one and two cents. We estimate that 300,000 points are worth from $3,000 to $5,000.

The intro offer requirement of $20,000 spent in the first three months is steep. Before you apply, make sure your business can easily spend this amount on purchases that can be made on a card.

Business Platinum Card Overview

The fine print

• Find out your offer: You might be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in your first three months of membership. Terms apply. Welcome offers vary, and you might not be eligible for an offer.
  • Earn five-times points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com. One-times points on other eligible purchases 
  • Two-times points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • One-times points on other eligible purchases
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal). 
• Hotel credits: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards aren't an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required. 
• Lounge access. The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting.
• Annual fee: $895.
• Interest rates: Variable APR based on your creditworthiness as determined at the time of account opening. See Rates & Fees.
• Terms Apply.
• If you want a cheaper card, try the American Express® Business Gold Card, with an annual fee of $375. See Gold Card rates and fees.

Platinum Card FAQs

How can I redeem points?
You can redeem points on travel, trips, gift cards, or shop via the amextravel.com platform. To get the best value, you should stick to travel or transit purchases and track the best redemption rates by category. If you redeem points at Amazon or other online retailers, for example, you will only get 0.7 cents per point, but buying a trip from a New York taxicab will get you the full one cent per point.

You might also transfer points to partner airlines or hotel chain rewards programs, typically for about one cent per point. Terms apply. The transfer partner airlines skew toward international carriers such as Air France, but three domestic carriers participate, including Delta, JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines.

What is the value of a point?
Assessing the average value of American Express Membership Rewards® is tricky because there are many ways to redeem them. American Express values each point from 0.6 cents to a penny. Bankrate and The Points Guy value each point at up to two cents, assuming cardholders employ the best redemption strategies. This article assumes each point is worth between one and two cents. We estimate that 200,000 points are worth from $2,000 to $4,000. The final value of the points will depend on how dedicated you are to getting the most value from your rewards cards.

What are the travel benefits?
This card offers excellent travel benefits. For example, a WalletHub study found that American Express cards provided some of the best rental car insurance benefits. In addition to standard coverage, American Express offers Premium Car Rental Protection for a small fee per rental period, not per day. Unlike many other plans, this benefit also extends to SUVs and luxury cars.* Terms apply.

Insurance Disclaimer: Eligibility and Benefit level vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Are American Express cards good?
Amex cardholders are generally happy with their cards. The personal Platinum Card from American Express was named outstanding for customer service in the 2024 Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards. Terms apply.

Other Business Cards

If the Business Platinum Card's annual fee is too dear for your wallet, consider alternatives such as the American Express® Business Gold Card or the Capital One Spark Miles for Business card.

American Express Business Gold Card

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

What to Consider Before Getting a Business Card

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited.
• Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you might want to consider a small business loan instead. Don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

Related Content

• Best Business Credit Cards
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.*American Express Card disclaimer on insurance benefits. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

Credit card bonuses really can get you a free airline ticket or line your pocket with some extra cash. But as is the case with many rewards credit cards, the devil is in the details. Since you want to keep your credit cards active and avoid having them closed by the issuer, you should only sign up for credit cards that you want for the long term.

Here are the personal cards that will land you the biggest sign-up bonuses as measured by cash back or the value of miles or points (as calculated by Bankrate). Each card offers the top value in the categories of general travel credit cards, hotel cards, airline cards and cash back cards.

Some cards have low annual fees, while others have high fees that we have deemed worth the cost.

Best general travel card bonus: Up to $1,750 for Amex Platinum

Best free stays: Earn three nights with Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

Best airline card bonus: $660 + free ticket from Alaska Air

Best cash back card bonus: $300 from Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Other sign-up bonus offers

• Southwest Credit Cards Launch $750 Bonus Deal
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,200
• Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $1,020 Bonus Offer
• Hilton Honors Bonus Offer Worth $990 (also get an annual $200 credit)
• Jet Blue Credit Card Offer Worth over $650
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees and ensure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, cardholders who max out a card's reward benefits may offset the annual fee.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.

All information about the Platinum Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has been collected independently by Kiplinger. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Read more

• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• How to Save on Booking a Cruise

We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.Rates and bonus offers checked as of September 15, 2024.

A Wyndham credit card is one of the latest rewards credit cards to offer tempting bonuses to new cardholders. Get a Wyndham Earner Plus Visa credit card, and you can earn up to ten free nights after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. The card also improved its earning rate and made other changes to stay competitive in the cut-throat travel rewards credit card space.

You will also receive 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year after payment of the annual fee; that's enough for up to one free night every year and can offset the $75 annual fee.

If the Wyndham brand conjures up memories of budget hotels or dog-eared resorts, think again. Wyndham has over 60,000 properties worldwide. In addition to family-oriented brands, Wyndham offers an array of luxury hotels, such as Registry Collection Hotels and Dolce Hotels and Resorts. Mid-tier offerings include Vienna House locations in Europe and Tryp hotels. It also partners with Caesar's hotel brand; you can redeem points at Caesar's, Harrah's, Planet Hollywood and other locations.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus

The fine print

• Rewards earning rates: 
  • Six Wyndham Rewards points per dollar spent on gas and with Hotels by Wyndham.
  • Four points per dollar on dining and grocery-store purchases (excluding Walmart and Target).
  • One point per dollar on all other spending. 
• One free night per year: Cardholders get a 7,500-point bonus for each anniversary year.
• Other benefits: You’ll also get an additional discount on the best available rate when making reservations at participating properties, and automatic Platinum loyalty status.
• Redemption: Points may be redeemed at thousands of Wyndham properties worldwide, including hotels, resorts, casinos, vacation homes, and European parks; points expire if your Wyndham Rewards account is inactive for 18 months.
• Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. That's typically enough for six nights at participating properties. According to Bankrate, the value of this offer is about $675. Free nights can require between 7,500 and 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
• Interest rate: The standard purchase rate is 20.99%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable APR.
  The card has two 0% APR offers. 
  • For purchases: get a 0% promotional APR for six billing cycles on all Wyndham Timeshare Purchases (see Terms and Conditions for details). After that, your APR will be 20.99%, 25.24% or 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. 
  • For balance transfers (not recommended): the card offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening, then 20.99%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable APR on purchases, with 0% on purchases for 6 billing cycles on all Wyndham Timeshare Purchases. Given the high balance transfer fee, you should look for a different card if you hope to offload some credit card debt onto a balance transfer card.
• Balance transfer fee: 5% of the amount you transfer, which is higher than many other cards. For this reason, you should look for another card with a balance transfer fee of no more than 3%.
• Annual fee: $75; for a no-fee option, look to the Wyndham Rewards Earner Visa.
• Foreign Transaction fee: None.

FAQs

Is the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program free?

Yes, there is no fee to join the loyalty program, and members are currently offered 15% off their next stay.

Do Wyndham Rewards points expire?

Points will expire after 18 months of inactivity. One benefit of having a Wyndham credit card is that you can keep your loyalty account active with small purchases, even if you don’t travel for 18 months.

How much is a Wyndham Rewards point worth? 

According to Bankrate valuations, one point is worth 0.9 cents. That means the 75,000-point sign-up bonus is worth roughly $675 when redeemed. Reward hotel stays fall into three tiers: 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points per bedroom, depending on the property and location. 

Is the Wyndham Rewards travel app any good?

The Wyndham Mobile app is free to download and has good reviews. The app has a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating on Google Play and 4.8 stars in the Apple App Store. 

What is Status Match?

Status Match allows you to match your status from other hotel rewards programs to the corresponding Wyndham tier from lowest to highest: Gold, Platinum or Diamond. For example, if you have a top-tier World of Hyatt status of Globalist, Wyndham will bump you up to the top-tier Wyndham Diamond level.

Wyndham will honor the hotel loyalty program status from the following hotels: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Choice Privileges, Best Western Rewards, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Radisson Rewards, Radisson Rewards Americas and Omni Select Guest. 

Can I transfer points from other credit cards to Wyndham?

Yes. You can transfer Capital One miles to your Wyndham Rewards account at a one-to-one ratio. Popular Capital One travel cards include the Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Should I buy a Wyndham timeshare?

We don't generally recommend timeshares. They may be difficult to book for your own use and hard to unload when you want to sell.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $75 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $75 may be more than offset by those maxing out the benefits. 

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score. 

Read More

• Hilton Honors Increases Bonus Offer Worth $780 
• Marriott Bonvoy $875 Bonus Offer 
• Southwest Credit Cards Launch $750 Bonus Deal
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,200

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Traveling families and groups can generally save on Airbnb and VRBO rentals compared to hotels. And longer stays are often cheaper when booked at vacation rentals. However, if you’re a frequent traveler and you’ve racked up points or miles on travel rewards credit cards or through other loyalty programs, you typically won’t be able to use them to book a vacation rental. But you can harness Airbnb and VRBO co-branded loyalty programs to earn even more points, which you can use for airfare or other travel expenses.

Here’s a guide to earning and redeeming points or miles by booking an Airbnb or VRBO.  And not to get too existential, but are Airbnbs really cheaper than hotels? We have answers.

How to earn points or miles on an Airbnb stay

Two airline loyalty programs will allow you to earn points or miles for Airbnb stays. 

• Earn Delta SkyMiles®: Book your Airbnb stay through a special portal provided by the SkyMiles program and enter your SkyMiles member number. Earn one mile for each dollar spent on your Airbnb rental, excluding taxes and fees. Each Delta SkyMile is worth about 1.2 cents, according to Bankrate. If you pay with a SkyMiles American Express Platinum Card, you can double the miles you earn and get a 15% discount on Delta flights (booked with the card). 
• Earn British Airways Avios points: Book your Airbnb stays or Airbnb Experiences through the British Airways Airbnb program website. Be sure to enable cookies and follow other directions on the site. You will earn two Avios for each Dollar, Euro or British Pound you spend. Each Avio is worth about 0.7 cents. Use a credit card with British Airways as a travel partner to maximize your rewards. For example, book using cards issued by Capital One and those that offer American Express Membership rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy points. 

Earn rewards for a VRBO stay

VRBO, the vacation rental competitor to Airbnb, also has partnerships that can earn you rewards.

United MileagePlus: Book your VRBO property through the United/VRBO portal to earn three United MileagePlus miles for each dollar spent at VRBO. MileagePlus miles are each worth about 0.9 cents. Access the portal through the terms and conditions page of the program.

One Key Rewards: VRBO participates in the One Key Rewards program. When you sign up for the free program, you earn OneKeyCash when you book eligible travel on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. One Key bookings earn 2% points back for each dollar spent. You can use these rewards on future bookings. If you book on Expedia.com, you may be able to use your travel card or enter your airline loyalty program to stack your rewards. 

Can you redeem rewards for an Airbnb or VRBO stay?

Some travel experts may recommend buying Airbnb gift cards with reward credit card redemptions, but that approach is complicated and rarely worth the trouble. Others may suggest cashing out miles or rewards to pay for Airbnb or VRBO rentals, but that's a waste of rewards that will likely get a better return when spent on travel. For example, if you have a lot of Chase Ultimate Rewards, you could cash them out for one cent per point to pay for an Airbnb rental, but depending on your card, you might get 1.25 or 1.5 cents for purchasing other travel on the card.

If your travel credit card has an annual travel credit, you may be able to get credit for your Airbnb or VRBO purchase. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card provides $300 in travel credits per year, allowing you to get reimbursed for up to $300 in Airbnb or VRBO expenses. Be sure to check with your credit card company that these vacation rentals will qualify for the travel credit, as terms change often.

Another way to make your Airbnb or VRBO stay count is to use a flat-rate cash back credit card; at least you will earn 2% or 3% back on your stay.

Are Airbnb and VRBO rentals cheaper than hotel rooms?

It has been a given that vacation rentals like Airbnb would save money over a hotel room. That assumption, at least for one or two travelers, may now be wrong. A 2023 study by the U.K. consumer website, Which?, found that a hotel room is cheaper than a one-bedroom Airbnb or VRBO rental in 38 of 50 destinations. 

However, the study did not consider how much travelers could save by having a kitchen in a vacation rental. For those staying in expensive cities like London or Paris, eating in can save substantially over dining out. And many vacation rentals have washing machines and dryers. If you're in a hotel, you could pay a premium to have a laundry service wash your clothes. Or you might have to trek to a laundromat  — the last thing anyone wants to do on their vacation.

The study also failed to compare the cost of large vacation rentals to the corresponding number of hotel rooms. Families often opt for vacation rentals because they tend to get a better deal than on multiple hotel rooms.

However, the outlook for Airbnb and VRBO properties is in flux, especially in large cities.

Given the tight housing market and lack of affordable housing in the U.S. and abroad, several cities are trying to reduce the number of vacation rentals, which could raise prices in the long term. 

For example, New York City implemented strict short-term rental rules last September, saying that the 10,000 such units diminished the city's supply of rental housing. By the end of September, the city had approved just over 400 applications from landlords seeking to register their apartments legally as Airbnb or VRBO properties, according to Gothamist. 

Other locations are changing development laws to discourage Airbnb or VRBO. The city of Providence, RI has approved a new housing development with the caveat that the apartments can never be used for vacation rentals.  

Vacation rentals have also piled on the fees in recent years. Those fees for cleaning a property after you leave or for extra guests can add up. And starting on April 1, Airbnb is adding a 2% cross-currency fee. This fee applies to guests who book rentals in a different currency than that of the host country. 

To Airbnb or not to Airbnb?

If you are traveling as a large family or group, Airbnb or VRBO may still be your cheapest bet in some locations, especially if you plan on doing your own cooking and laundry. But with current market conditions and fees, it makes sense to compare the price of a vacation rental with a hotel. 

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American Express (Amex) and point.me announced a partnership this week that should help travelers hunting for the best way to use their Amex points for travel. Cardholders typically transfer American Express Membership Rewards® points to a partner airline once they have determined the best deal for their upcoming trip. But that may require a lot of research to find the best flight. Point.me does the search for you so you can transfer your Amex points to a loyalty program — at more than 150 airlines — knowing that you've found the right deal for you.

“We’re ecstatic to be connecting with American Express Card Members through ‘point.me for Membership Rewards points’,” Adam Morvitz, CEO of point.me said. “This partnership provides American Express Card Members with an easy way to search and compare the incredible airline loyalty transfer options offered through their Membership Rewards Program. It will help them find the best way to travel — from first and business class seats to dream trips for the entire family.”

A standard point.me subscription usually costs $12 per month or $129 per year, though there is also a free version with limited service and a $200 per year concierge service.

Is point.me worth it?

If you are an Amex cardholder, there's nothing to lose by giving the point.me standard service a try. To get started, log in to the Amex point.me portal. Don't know where you want to go? You can ask point.me to suggest ideas with the "Explore" feature.

The service provides Amex customers with unlimited searches and the chance to sync your account balances across different reward and loyalty programs. You'll also get booking instructions and access to exclusive destination tips.

The real benefit of point.me? It just might keep you from losing your mind when calculating the different value points on multiple loyalty programs. Most airline rewards programs will redeem Amex Membership points on a one-to-one basis, but those points might be worth more or less given how generous the programs are. For example, one Amex Membership point transfers to one Emirates Skyward Miles point, but the transferred value is only 0.7 cents. On the other hand, one Virgin Atlantic Flying Club point is worth 1.8 cents, according to NerdWallet.

There are two downsides to this version of point.me. 

• You must still visit the airline or loyalty program's website to book the travel; point.me doesn't let you book through their site.
• The version of point.me you can receive via your Amex card will only work with Amex transfer partners. You won't be able to see the transfer partner airlines associated with a different credit card issuer. So, for example, if you have accumulated a lot of Citi ThankYou points, your search won't turn up flights associated with the Citi loyalty program unless it overlaps with the American Express program.

The search experience

Once you're logged into the Amex point.me portal using your usual Amex login username and password, you can easily search for flights as you would on any booking site, such as Kayak.com. If you feel overwhelmed, you can activate the "point.me.pick" option. This function employs an algorithm based on ten proprietary factors, generates an ideal itinerary for your goals, and then displays different redemption options from best to worst.

Other credit card programs participate

Amex is the latest card loyalty program to join point.me. The service can also search for the best flights with the following credit card rewards programs: 

• American Express Membership Rewards®
• BILT Rewards
• Brex
• Capital One
• Citi ThankYou
• Chase Ultimate Rewards

You won't be able to search on all of the airlines affiliated with these loyalty programs with the free Amex subscription. If you are interested in testing out the full point.me experience, you could purchase a $5 day pass for 24-hour access to the full search engine.

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We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.

Rates and fees checked as of March 20, 2024.

The BILT credit card is unlike any other rewards credit card. It lets you pay your rent without fees so you can pocket serious travel rewards and polish your credit score. If you are renting in retirement, the card could help finance a free vacation. And if you are renting to save money for your own home, the BILT card may help you improve your credit score and qualify for a mortgage when the time comes. The card has no annual fee.

The BILT credit card: no fees for paying rent

If you enable BiltProtect, your rent payments are drawn directly from your linked bank account, and you earn points on the payments without using your available credit. While a few other credit cards will allow rent payments, they charge a hefty fee, typically around 2.5% to 3.5%. 

"Many landlords charge service fees for using a credit card to pay rent, and those costs add up," explains Alexandra Svokos, senior digital editor at Kiplinger. "For example, if you pay $2,000 in monthly rent, a 2.99% service fee adds up to an extra $720 spent annually. That $720 doesn't really come back to you in the form of a credit score or rewards points. As a renter, that's why I avoided paying with a credit card. To me, the elimination of that service fee is the most significant part of the BILT card, because now you're not paying the extra $720 and you get the benefits of credit and rewards points."

• Top rewards rate: Three points per dollar on dining.
• Other rewards: Get two points on travel, one point per dollar on rent payments (up to 100,000 points each year), and one point on other purchases.
• Required spending: You must make at least five transactions using your card in one month to receive rewards.
• Redemption: Transfer points that you earn with it on a one-to-one basis to 16 different transfer partner programs, including those of American Airlines, Marriot Bonvoy, United Airlines and World of Hyatt. Or you can redeem your rewards toward a down payment on a property, in which case points are worth 1.5 cents each.
• Rent Day bonus: On the first of each month, or "Rent Day," the card will double your rewards, in addition to the one point you receive for paying rent. So, instead of getting three points on dining purchases, you get six points for every dollar you spend on that day, and so on. The card also offers a surprise benefit each Rent Day, such as transfer bonuses to airlines or extra points for purchasing sporting event tickets.
• Bonus for linking loyalty programs: Link your BILT rewards account (via the app) to one of your travel partner loyalty plans and get 100 BILT points for each program.
• Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance. Get up to a maximum of $1,800 for a trip delay. Get up to $5,000 for non-refundable fares booked with your card.
• Cellphone protection: Get up to $800 to repair or replace a damaged or stolen phone. You may file up to two claims per year.
• Sign-up bonus: None
• Annual fee: None.
• Foreign transaction fee: None.
• Interest rates: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR.

BILT is really a travel rewards card

Bilt cardholders can transfer their Bilt Points 1:1 to select travel partners, where one Bilt Point equals one mile or point at the following loyalty programs:

Airlines

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines AAdvantage
• Avianca Lifemiles 
• United MileagePlus®
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue®
• Virgin Red®
• Emirates Skywards®
• British Airways Executive Club
• Cathay Pacific
• Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Iberia Plus
• Air Canada Aeroplan®

Hotels

• Marriott Bonvoy™
• World of Hyatt®
• IHG® One Rewards

Could the BILT card increase my credit score?

One of the most valuable features for would-be homeowners? The chance to boost your credit score with the BILT credit card or loyalty program. That's because your landlord does not typically report on-time rent payments to the three credit bureaus that generate your credit reports. This disadvantages renters; they cannot demonstrate responsible financial practices with one of their biggest monthly expenditures — their rent. 

Keeping your credit line clear of rent payments can help lower your credit-utilization ratio (the amount of available credit that you use), and that’s also good for your credit score.

When you get your BILT credit card, download the BILT Rewards app to pay your rent. If you pay your total BILT card monthly statement balance (the total amount due, not the minimum payment) and ensure your payments are on time, you may gradually increase your credit score. When it comes time to buy a property, a higher credit score can snag you a lower mortgage rate, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars each month on your mortgage payment. 

The real estate technology firm Zillow recently launched a similar program. Tenants renting through Zillow can ask the company to report their rental payments to credit bureaus. Zillow will not report late payments.

Will BILT rewards get me a down payment on a house?

You can redeem BILT points for cash when used toward a down payment.  In this case, points are redeemed at a rate of 1.5 cents per point, and you can work with any lender you want. Could that be enough to help you buy an apartment or house?

Say your monthly rent payment is $3,000, or $36,000 a year. If you bank these as BILT points, you can redeem them at 1.5 cents each, or $540 annually towards a down payment. Assume you rent at the same rate for ten years, then your total BILT down payment rewards would total $5,400. That's a tidy sum, but if you hope to put 20% down to avoid mortgage insurance, you can only afford a property priced at $27,000. Good luck finding a property worth that amount!

"The idea of points towards a down payment is clever, but I wouldn't rely on it to make the jump from renter to buyer, given the weak exchange rate," said Svokos. "Instead, I'd use this card to let my rent rack up points for travel. Given that housing is usually people's biggest expense, that's a lot of points."

You can earn rewards without the BILT card

There are three ways that you can get BILT rewards on rent: through the BILT credit card, by renting an apartment in one of the BILT-affiliated properties called the BILT Alliance, or by joining the BILT Rewards program as a loyalty member.

Kick the tires

Although BILT partnered with Wells Fargo to issue its credit card, BILT is not a bank but a financial technology company. The startup studio Kairos HQ launched BILT in 2021. That raises an important question: is BILT financially sound? You don't want the company arranging your rent payments to go out of business or cut services due to financial troubles. 

Although the company is young, it appears to be thriving. BILT has benefitted from three venture capital (VC) funding rounds. In January 2024, the latest round gave BILT an additional $200 million and increased its valuation to $3.1 billion. According to TechCrunch, the company is profitable and growing and has plans to expand to student and multifamily housing. 

Pros and cons of the BILT card

Pros:

• No annual fee
• The only credit card to pay for rent without fees
• Excellent transfer partners and travel benefits
• High redemption rate with transfer partners
• Rent day bonus
• The option to report rent payments to credit bureaus
• The Bilt Rewards app gets excellent ratings on the Apple Store (4.9 out of 5 stars) and Google Play (4.6 of 5 stars).

Cons:

• No welcome bonus
• The rewards rate is low compared to some of the best travel cards
• You must make at least five transactions with the card every month to earn points
• BILT is a financial technology company that relies in part on venture capital funding

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. While reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score. 

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As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline, etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities. 

We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.Rates and bonus offers updated on November 21 2024.

A Marriott credit card is one of the latest rewards credit cards to offer new bonuses for new cardholders. Get a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card and you can earn three free night awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.

Plus, you get a free night on each anniversary of opening your account, which can offset the $95 annual fee.

If the Marriott brand conjures up memories of budget hotels full of children, think again. In addition to family-oriented brands, Marriott offers an array of luxury hotels, such as The Ritz-Carleton and St. Regis.

• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months of opening the account.
• Rewards at Marriott: Earn up to a total of 17x bonus points by layering reward categories for stays.
• Other rewards:
• One free night per year: Earn a free one-night Marriott stay per year after each account anniversary, valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property with a redemption level up to 35,000 points; note that certain hotels have resort fees.
• Redemptions: Marriott Bonvoy points are redeemable for stays at Marriott properties, but you can also transfer them to the frequent-flier programs of 35 airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest and United; plus, you get 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points you transfer; among the card’s benefits are Silver Elite status with Marriott and a one-night hotel stay each year; points expire if your account is inactive for 24 months. And check the website for other transfer deals, such as the current offer of 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points you transfer to United MileagePlus® award miles.
• Interest rate: 20.99% to 27.99% variable.
• Annual fee: $95, or if you prefer to pay no annual fee, check out the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
• Foreign transaction fee: None.

Hot tip: Before booking a stay, it’s worth checking for extra deals at the Marriott offers website.

Where can I stay?

Marriott hotels are found worldwide, with almost 8,700 properties in 139 countries and territories. The properties include 24 hotel brands (see below), with luxury, boutique and family-friendly options.

Marriott also offers longer-stay options and vacation rentals to compete with Airbnb and VRBO. Homes and Villas , Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy and Townplace Suites are just a few examples.

The Luxury Collection includes unique properties. For example, a Spanish itinerary, suggests staying at a hotel designed by the architect Frank Gehry, the Hotel Marques de Riscal. This stunning hotel has a Michelin-star restaurant and is located on a vineyard.

FAQs

Is the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program free?

Yes, there is no fee to join the loyalty program.

Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire?

Points will expire after 24 months of inactivity. One benefit of having a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card is that you can keep your loyalty account active with small purchases, even if you don’t travel for two years.

How much is a Marriott Bonvoy point worth?

According to Bankrate valuations, one point is worth 0.7 cents, or 1,000 points are worth $70. You can typically redeem a free hotel stay by redeeming 5,000 to 95,000 points, depending on the property and location. Marriott uses a dynamic pricing system, so the number of points required may vary depending on where and when you search for a room.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy travel app any good?

The Marriott Bonvoy app is free to download. The app has a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating in the Apple App Store and a rating of 4.8 on Google Play.

Can I transfer points from other Chase cards to Marriott Bonvoy?

Yes, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards credit card points to your Marriott Bonvoy account at a one-to-one ratio. These cards include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Chase Freedom Unlimited
• Chase Freedom Flex

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $150 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $95 may be more than offset by those maxing out the benefits.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.

Other Travel Rewards Cards

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As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline, etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

Summer travel season is underway, and airline credit cards can be one of the fastest ways to reduce the cost of your next trip. Many airline cards offer generous welcome bonuses, companion fares and perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding and in-flight discounts.

While premium travel rewards cards often get the spotlight, some airline-branded cards deliver valuable benefits without charging sky-high annual fees. For travelers who fly one carrier regularly, the right card can easily offset its annual cost through savings and rewards.

We've rounded up a few of the top airline credit card bonuses that currently include a companion fare, free flight certificate or enough bonus miles to help cover the cost of a future trip. Whether you're planning a summer getaway, holiday travel or next year's vacation, these offers can help stretch your travel budget further.

What are the best airline credit card bonuses? 

Here is a summary of two cards that will give new cardholders a solid boost in frequent flyer points or miles. Each card also comes with a free or discounted companion fare and other perks.

How do the cards' perks and fees compare?

Both cards offer solid miles bonuses to new cardholders. Your decision to sign up for one card over another may be based on which airline you use most frequently and whether you need access to a wide variety of partner airlines.

Hot tip: if you already hold a Bank of America or American Express Card, it's worth considering an airline card by the same issuer. In some cases, you may be able to share or transfer the points or miles from one card to another.

What additional perks do the cards offer?

Both cards provide a companion fare for every card anniversary.

Hot tip: Check out our reviews of the other airline credit card tiers offered by the Delta SkyMiles cards. You may find a card with annual fees and perks that are better for you than the cards profiled here.

What are the card rates and fees?

*Delta SkyMiles Platinum rates and fees.

Airline cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, the top annual fee of $350 should be offset if you travel enough to benefit from card perks.

Reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely. However, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to meet the required spending amount for a given offer.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.

Other travel cards to consider

• Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $1,020 Bonus Offer
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As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

In a deal that could benefit travelers, Alaska Airlines announced it will acquire Hawaiian Airlines. Customers won't notice changes right away, but there are bonuses to take advantage of now, and a way to rack up miles in anticipation of the merger. You could even score frequent flyer miles worth $660 in airfare.

Alaska Airlines Merger

Alaska Airlines intends to purchase Hawaiian Air (Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.) for $1.9 billion. The merger will expand Alaska's destinations and assume Hawaiian's debt. Alaska expressed support for Hawaiian Airline's strong customer service, focus on sustainability and commitment to Hawaiian culture and employees.

Alaska Air's $660 Value Bonus Offer

One way to rack up Alaska Air's frequent flyer miles is to sign up for the company's credit card. The Alaska Airlines credit card recently increased its bonus offer for new cardholders. You can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of card ownership. Bankrate estimates that the value of one Alaska Airlines loyalty mile is about 1.1 cents, meaning the bonus offer is worth $660 when redeemed for travel.

For cardholders who are also Bank of America customers, the card delivers a 10% boost to frequent flyer miles earned. So, if you fly 1,000 miles on a trip, your total rewards will be 1,100 as a qualifying Bank of America customer.

This card offers three points for every dollar spent on Alaska Airlines travel, two points on gas, cable, streaming and local transit, and one point on all other purchases. That's a respectable earnings rate for a travel rewards credit card.

Travel perks include free bag checks and an annual companion fare, which easily offset the $95 annual fee. 

Hawaiian Airlines also offers a co-branded credit card with many of the same terms and perks. However, as Bankrate values Hawaiian Airlines miles at only 0.7 cents per each, the current 60,000-mile bonus offer is worth only $420.

Alaskan vs Hawaiian miles

Alaska Airlines gave only the vaguest idea of how the two companies' loyalty programs might change after the deal. In a statement in early December, the company indicated that the two frequent flyer programs will be joined. Customers of the merged airline will enjoy "the ability to earn and redeem miles on 29 global partners and receive elite benefits on the full complement of oneworld Alliance airlines [and] expanded global lounge access." 

It's also unclear if the Alaska Airline's popular companion fare benefit will survive the merger. This annual perk enables Alaska Airlines credit card customers to book a second ticket for $99 (plus fees and taxes). For those planning an expensive, long-haul flight, companion tickets can save hundreds of dollars or more on family trips.

Will you lose your Alaskan or Hawaiian frequent flyer miles after the merger? While there are no guarantees, the new company will want to retain as many customers as possible and is unlikely to strip you of your miles.

When will customers notice changes?

The deal will take another 12 to 18 months to finalize, but the boards of both companies have given their approval. Still, the acquisition could fall apart. The companies' shareholders might vote against the merger. Or the Biden Administration might block the deal as part of an effort to safeguard competition and keep airfare prices down. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has fought against other recent merger attempts; in October, for example, the DOJ sued JetBlue for its plan to acquire Spirit Air.

How will the route map change?

The merger will likely bring Hawaiian Airlines into the oneworld Alliance of airline partners (Alaska Airlines is already a member.) For a sense of how many flights the new entity would offer, see the map below from Alaska Airlines' Investor Presentation from December 3, 2023.

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The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Are you craving a free iPhone, MacBook, iMac or AirPods? If you have a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, you can purchase select Apple products using your points with an added value boost. This limited-time offer expires on May 31, 2024, while supplies last.

So, is the iPhone genuinely free? Technically, no, because you had to pay an annual fee for your Chase Sapphire Preferred® ($99) or Sapphire Reserve® credit card ($550). Still, this is as close to free as possible, especially if you snagged a sweet sign-up bonus on your card.

How to score a free iPhone

Here's how the program works. 

Chase's Ultimate Rewards points are typically worth one cent each for cash back. So, if you wanted to buy an iPhone worth $999 (not through the rewards program), you could redeem 99,000 points and then use that $999 cash redemption to purchase your phone.

If you are a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, your Ultimate Rewards points are worth an additional 50% under the promotion. So, for example, instead of "buying" a $999 iPhone for 99,000 points, you could get that phone for 66,000 points when redeemed on the Chase rewards portal. 

If you are a Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholder or a Chase Ink Preferred or Chase Ink Plus Business cardholder, your Ultimate Rewards points are worth an additional 25%. So, a $999 iPhone 15 Pro would only require 79,920 points instead of 99,000 points.

Log in to the Ultimate Rewards portal through Chase's app or website to participate in this promotion. Click on the "benefits & travel" icon, and then under "more," find the Apple® Ultimate Rewards Store®. Select the product you wish to purchase, ensuring you have sufficient points in your account, and finalize the transaction.

Source: Chase Bank, The Points Guy. Not all participating cards are listed. *Chase Ink Business Preferred and Chase Ink Business Plus cardholders are also eligible for the 25% boost.

Other Apple products

The program extends beyond the iPhone to AirPods, iMacs and other popular Apple products. The table below lists some examples. To see the full list of products, log in to the Ultimate Rewards portal. 

Source: Chase Bank. Not all participating cards are listed. *Chase Ink Business Preferred and Chase Ink Business Plus cardholders are also eligible for the 25% boost.

Is this really a good deal?

There are three potential downsides to this promotion.

First, you might be able to get more for your Ultimate Rewards points in other ways. For example, when you transfer your points to a partner airline or hotel loyalty program, you may get more than the 1.5 or 1.25 cents offered in this promotion. Some transfers will deliver over two cents per point, according to Bankrate. If you have a big trip coming up, you might pass on this promotion.

On the other hand, if you have accrued a lot of Ultimate Rewards points and don't plan to travel, this may be a great opportunity to spend your points on a tech gift for you or your family.

Second, could you purchase these new Apple products elsewhere for less? In some cases, you can come close. For example, the $29 AirTag is a helpful travel accessory that keeps track of your luggage. The AirTag one-pack is on sale at Target for $24.99. The "price" of an AirTag is still cheaper with the Chase deal; you pay the equivalent of $19.23 with a Reserve card and $23.20 with a Preferred card. 

However, you can't beat these Chase card deals for an unlocked iPhone or laptop. 

Finally, some customers have complained anecdotally that Chase uses a third party to finalize these sales, with poor customer service. There is no indication that this is a consistent problem, but it makes sense to purchase Apple Care with your product to be sure you are covered in case your product needs repair.

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This article only reviews select Chase Southwest credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. Bonus offers and rates checked as of June 16, 2025. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Chase Southwest credit cards are some of the latest rewards cards to offer enticing bonuses for new cardholders. Get a Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card and for a limited-time offer earn Companion Pass^® good through 2/28/26 plus 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Plus, get 7,500-anniversary points each year (worth about $112) and a $75 Southwest^® travel credit each year. These two annual (recurring) benefits total about $187 when redeemed for travel, more than offsetting the $149 annual fee.

Southwest Credit Card overview

• Sign-up bonus: Earn Companion Pass^® good through 2/28/26 plus 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Rewards rates: Earn three points for every $1 spent on Southwest Airlines^® purchases, two points for every $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners, and two points for every $1 spent on local transit, including rideshare. In addition, you can earn one point for every $1 spent on everyday purchases.
• Annual benefits: Cardholders receive four hefty bonuses on each account anniversary: a $75 Southwest^® travel credit, a bonus of 7,500 Rapid Rewards points, four upgraded boardings when available and a 10,000 Companion Pass^® qualifying points boost.
• Other benefits: Reimbursement for up to four upgraded airline boardings per year; 1,500 tier-qualifying points toward A-List status for each $10,000 spent on the card; and 25% back on in-flight purchases.
• Redemption: Points may be redeemed for travel on Southwest Airlines or through its Rapid Rewards program; points may also be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, and entertainment.
• Interest rate: 20.49% - 27.49% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers.
• Annual fee: $149.
• Foreign transaction fee: None, so this is a good card to use abroad.
• Member FDIC

Want a card with a lower annual fee?

We think the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card, profiled above, is the best deal of the suite of three Southwest cards issued by Chase. But if you don't travel frequently, you might want to consider a card with a lower annual fee.

Two related Chase cards have a lower annual fee but still qualify for the 50,000-point welcome offer.

• With the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card, you'll pay a $69 annual fee and earn a 3,000-point anniversary bonus each year. Limited-time offer: earn Companion Pass^® good through 2/28/26 plus 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• The mid-tier Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Credit Card qualifies for the Companion Pass^® good through 2/28/26 plus 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. With this card, you'll pay a $99 annual fee and earn a 6,000-point anniversary bonus each year (worth about $90).

FAQ

Is the Rapid Rewards loyalty program free?

Yes, joining Southwest's loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, is free.

Do the points expire?

No, Rapid Rewards points do not expire. If you close your account, however, you'll forfeit the points.

Are there blackout dates?

There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions on Rapid Rewards points.

How much is a Rapid Rewards point worth?

A recent Bankrate valuation shows that each point is worth 1.5 cents when redeemed for travel. That means that 1,000 points are worth up to $15.

Where does Southwest fly?

Southwest flies throughout the U.S. (including Hawaii, but not Alaska), Mexico, the Caribbean and most of Central America. Southwest does not partner with other airlines, so these aren't the points that will get you a European vacation.

How far can I fly with the 50,000-point bonus?

The points required for each flight will vary according to distance, time of day and other factors. When you book with points, you must also pay taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges of at least $5.60 per one-way trip.

How is the program improving in 2025?

Southwest recently modified the Rapid Rewards program to make it easier for members to achieve elite status. You can earn A-List status by flying one-way 20 times in a year (down from 25) and A-List Preferred status by flying one-way 40 in a year (down from 50).

Is the Rapid Rewards travel app any good?

The Southwest Mobile App won the second-best airline travel app ranking in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study.

Does any other credit card earn Rapid Rewards points?

Yes, it's worth comparing this card to the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, which also has an attractive welcome offer. Chase Ultimate Rewards points may be redeemed for Southwest flights.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $149 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $149 should be easily offset if you travel enough to use the annual credit and the anniversary bonus points.

Reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely. However, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to hit any trigger; otherwise, rewards cards can be a false economy as you’d be overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And make sure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.

Other travel cards to consider

• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,200
• Jet Blue Credit Card Offer Worth $650

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline, etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

Hilton Honors American Express cards are some of the latest rewards credit cards to offer enticing bonuses for new cardholders.

Here's the deal. Get a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, and enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 and earn 130,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 7/29/26.

That's worth up to $780. You also get up to $200 annually in credits for hotel expenses. That’s a total value of up to $980 in the first year, more than offsetting the $150 annual fee. Terms apply. See rates and fees.

Want a card with no annual fee? With the Hilton Honors American Express Card, earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a $100 Statement Credit after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 7/29/26. See rates and fees for that card. Terms apply.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass overview

Intro bonus: Enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 and earn 130,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 7/29/26.

Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status with your Card. Plus, spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year.

Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Get up to $50 in statement credits: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. That’s up to $200 in statement credits annually.

Car rental status: As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.

Free Night: Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.

Rewards: Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.

Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.

Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.

Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

Points pooling: Combine your Hilton Honors Points with up to ten friends or family members for free, with no fees.

Auto discounts: Get up to $10,500 discounts on new Mercedes-Benz and other vehicles through the American Express Auto Purchasing Program.

Redemption: Depending on the property, you may redeem points for a free hotel stay, which may require between 5,000 and 95,000 points. Points typically expire if you are inactive in the Hilton Honors program for 24 months, and earning points with the credit card counts as activity; expiration terms may vary by membership tier.

Interest rate: 19.49%-28.49% Variable. See rates and fees.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. See rates and fees. If you prefer to skip the annual fee, try the Hilton Honors American Express Card instead.

Foreign transaction fee: None. See rates and fees.

Terms apply.

Hot tip: Before booking a stay, it’s worth checking for extra deals at the Hilton website. For example, the current Multiply You Points promotion allows members to multiply the points they earn three times when they stay in select cities, and two times when they stay everywhere else.

FAQ

Is the Hilton Honors loyalty program free?

Yes, there is no fee to join the loyalty program.

Do Hilton Honors points expire?

Points will expire after 24 months of inactivity. One benefit of having a Hilton Honors credit card is that you can keep your loyalty account active with small purchases, even if you don’t travel for two years.

How much is a Hilton Honors point worth?

According to Bankrate valuations, one point is worth 0.6 cents, or 1,000 points are worth $60. You can typically redeem a free hotel stay by redeeming 5,000 to 95,000 points, depending on the property and location.

Where can I stay?

Hilton Honors hotels are found worldwide, with 7,000 properties in 122 countries. The properties include 19 hotel brands: luxury options like the Waldorf Astoria, urban boutique hotels like Canopy, family-friendly options like Embassy Suites and budget hotels.

Is the Hilton Honors travel app any good?

The Hilton Honors app is free to download. The app won third-best hotel app in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study.

Can I transfer points from other American Express cards to Hilton Honors?

Yes, American Express partners with three hotel loyalty programs, including Hilton Honors.

Rewards cards dos and dont's

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $150 annual fee in this case (after the $0 intro fee expires after the first year)— and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $150 may be more than offset by those maxing out the benefits.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline, etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Other Travel Card Deals

• Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $750 Bonus Offer
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Launches $750 Bonus Offer
• Jet Blue Credit Card Offer Worth $650
• Best Rewards Credit Cards

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline, etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

This article only reviews the JetBlue Plus credit card. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.Rates and bonus offers checked as of June 16, 2025.

This JetBlue credit card deal is a great option for budget travelers looking to rack up airline miles quickly. You can earn 60,000 TrueBlue points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of owning the card. According to Bankrate, 60,000 TrueBlue points have an estimated value of $780. Terms apply.

Before you apply for this card, check out our reviews of welcome bonus offers from competing cards.

JetBlue credit card overview

JetBlue is an industry leader in many respects. If you haven’t been paying attention to JetBlue, now is a good time to consider signing up for their frequent flyer program, TrueBlue. JetBlue scored exceptionally well in the J.D. Power 2023 North American Airline Satisfaction Study. It took first, second and third place for customer satisfaction in the categories of first/business class, premium economy, and base economy, respectively. Best, yet? JetBlue has the most legroom of major US airlines.

JetBlue's frequent flyer program is also strong. The company recently overhauled the TrueBlue loyalty program so that even infrequent flyers could get perks. And the program is flexible. For example, American Express card points may be transferred to JetBlue, as can Chase Sapphire cards’ Ultimate Reward points. However, JetBlue recently ended its partnership with the American Airlines AAdvantage program, and it no longer partners with any major U.S. carrier. Existing transfer partners include Hawaiian Airlines, Aer Lingus and others.

According to Bankrate, JetBlue miles are worth up to 1.3 cents per mile. That puts the value of this deal at about $780. Points are redeemed for a dollar each when purchasing JetBlue flights, but you also get 10% of your points back after you redeem for and travel on a JetBlue-operated Award Flight, giving you another 0.3 cents per point.

JetBlue recently changed its checked bag fee charges and policies for the third time this year. The good news for JetBlue Plus cardholders? The first checked bag is always free. The second one will cost you between $85 and $100, depending on whether you are flying during peak hours or not. Bag fees are discouraging but increasingly a fact of life. Most airlines have raised checked bag fees recently to cope with inflation.

• Rewards earning rates:
  • Earn six points back for each dollar spent on qualifying JetBlue purchases, like airline tickets.
  • Two points per dollar for purchases made at restaurants and grocery stores. Note that big box retailers like Costco and Target do not qualify as grocery stores.
  • One point per dollar back on all other purchases.
• Get 10% TrueBlue Points after taking award flights: With the award flight redemption bonus, you will receive 10% of your TrueBlue points back as a bonus after you redeem points and travel on a JetBlue-operated Award Flight. For example, if you redeem 30,000 TrueBlue points toward a JetBlue-operated Award Flight, 3,000 of your TrueBlue points will be deposited back into your account after you take the flight.
• Annual bonus: Get a 5,000 TrueBlue points bonus credited to your Membership Account, 4-6 weeks after your Card Account anniversary, as your Card Account remains open and in Good Standing.
• Vacation package credit: Spend at least $100 on a vacation package in a given year and get a $100 statement credit.
• First checked bag free for up to four travelers: The primary cardmember and up to three travel companions on the same reservation each receive their first checked bag free on JetBlue-operated flights. Some limitations apply. See our article on JetBlue baggage fees for more information.
• Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 TrueBlue points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. Your account will take four to six weeks to reflect the bonus, so plan to use your points accordingly.
• Redemption: Redeem points for travel on JetBlue flights. Points do not expire as long as your account is in good standing, and there are no black-out dates. You may also redeem points for travel packages.
• Interest rate: The card offers an introductory 0% balance transfer, but the fee is 5%, well above the industry average of 3%. We recommend this card for purchases and not balance transfers. The 0% introductory APR on balance transfers applies to those made within 45 days of account opening available for the first 12 billing cycles immediately following each balance transfer. This introductory APR offer does not apply to purchases and cash advances. For new and outstanding balance transfers after the introductory period and for all purchases, the variable APR is 20.24% to 29.24%.
• Annual fee: $99. If you want a similar card with no annual fee, check out the JetBlue Card.
• Foreign transaction fee: None, so this card is a good choice for purchases abroad.
• More travel perks: Read about other ways to benefit from the TrueBlue loyalty program.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $99 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $99 is a relatively small price to pay if you max the benefits.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest which can dwarf the gain. And only spend any more than usual to hit any trigger; otherwise, rewards cards can be a false economy as you’d be overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And make sure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.

Other travel credit card deals

• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $750 Bonus Offer
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Launches $750 Bonus Offer
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,140

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

This article only reviews the Chase World of Hyatt Business Credit Card. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.Fees and welcome offer checked on January 9, 2025.

World of Hyatt is the latest business rewards credit card working hard to make you a customer. The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card launched an attractive welcome offer for new cardholders.

World of Hyatt Card overview

Just how good is this deal? If you’re a new cardholder, you can earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, 1 free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening.

Since Bankrate estimates World of Hyatt points are each worth 2.3 cents, that’s a total value of $1,380, nicely eclipsing the $199 annual fee.

What's new: World of Hyatt and American Airlines announced a new partnership. Starting in 2025, AAdvantage^® members (American Airlines' frequent flyer program) will be able to choose World of Hyatt awards at various levels in Loyalty Point Rewards, and World of Hyatt members will be able to select AAdvantage^® rewards as part of World of Hyatt Milestone Rewards.

• Bonus points for new cardholders: Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, 1 free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening.
• Extra benefits: First, earn up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits by spending $50 or more at any Hyatt property and earn $50 statement credits up to two times each anniversary year. Second, earn five Tier-Qualifying night credits toward status and Milestone rewards for every $10,000 you spend in a calendar year. And finally, you qualify for World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open. Plus, you can get Discoverist status for up to five employees.
• Earning rates:
• Interest rate: 19.99% - 28.49% variable APR.
• Annual fee: $199.
• Foreign transaction fee: None.
• Redemption: You may redeem points for hotel stays, cash or room upgrades.
• Member FDIC.

Why Hyatt?

Hyatt Hotels and its World of Hyatt Rewards program have won numerous accolades. Here are just a few.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice for Hyatt Card. The World of Hyatt rewards credit card won best overall hotel card in the 2024 Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards. Readers praised the card for its customer service, overall satisfaction and as most recommended.

Award for upscale extended stay. J.D. Power recently awarded Hyatt House first place for customer satisfaction in the category of extended stays. The award is based on a survey of almost 40,000 hotel stays.

Mission Pacific Beach Resort was voted the “Best Hotel in Continental U.S.” by Travel & Leisure Hotel 2024.

Savings tip. Check out Hyatt's deals page to find discounts and other offers.

Hyatt hotel brands

What to consider before getting a business card

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited.
• Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you may want to consider a small business loan instead. Also, don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

Other Business Card Deals

• Capital One Business Card Intro Offer Worth $2,775
• $1,500 to $3,000 Amex Card Offer
• Earn $900+ with IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card Bonus
• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline, etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

This article only covers the business card offered by the Capital One Venture X business card. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. Rates and fees checked as of February 18, 2026

The intro offer on the Capital One Venture X Business is excellent. Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

Still, spending $30,000 in the first three months is a very high bar. Plenty of other good options exist if you want easier access to a bonus offer.

For example, the World of Hyatt Business card provides up to 60,000 Bonus Points by offering 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first three months and up to 30,000 Bonus Points by earning two Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first six months (on up to $15,000 spent).

Or, with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Venture X Business Card Overview

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
• Interest rate: Since this is a charge card that must be paid in full every month, there is no interest rate. Any unpaid portion of your bill will be charged a 2.99% late payment fee. There isn't a rate for balance transfers since you can't use this card for them.
• Spending limit: With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards. This does not mean you have unlimited purchasing power on your card. The purchasing power adapts based on factors such as payment history, spending behavior, credit profile and other factors, which may be external.
• Annual fee: $395. This fee is about average for a premium card but may be mostly offset by the $300 annual credit on Capital One's travel booking site.
• Foreign transaction fee: None, so this card is ideal for travel abroad.
• Top rewards rate: Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
• Other rewards rate: Five miles back on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Two miles back on all other purchases.
• Annual rewards: Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
• Business-friendly benefits: Free employee cards, with the ability to set individual spending limits on them. Authorized users do not get airport lounge access.
• Travel lounges and benefits: Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass lounges, after enrollment
• Redemption: Miles earned are worth a penny each if you redeem them for travel on the Capital One portal, or you may transfer them to participating partners, potentially delivering more value for your miles. The cash-back rate is only half a cent.
• Top-rated mobile app

What can you spend the Bonus Miles on?

You may use the 150,000 bonus miles in several ways.

• Book travel through Capital One’s portal ($1,500 value): redeem miles on the company’s travel portal on a 1:1 basis. This is the simplest way to get the full value of your bonus miles.
• Transfer miles to a partner frequent flyer or hotel program: Capital One partners with more than 15 airlines and three hotel chains at a one-penny-per-point ratio, so you can easily transfer your Capital One miles to your preferred partner program. Since the points on these partner programs may vary in value depending on how and when you use them, the actual value of your transferred Capital One miles may be more or less than 1:1. Before you transfer miles, make sure the travel you want to book is available.
  
  Two other transfer partners redeem less than on a 1:1 ratio. Taiwanese carrier EVA Air redeems at a 2:1.5 ratio, so you could redeem 10,000 Capital One miles for only $75 worth of EVA points. The French hotel chain Accor only offers a 2:1 ratio, meaning you only get fifty cents to the dollar on points transferred.
• Redeem miles for expenses on a past trip: Book your travel through your preferred travel website or travel agent using your Capital One Rewards card. Then, within 90 days from the date your travel purchase posts to your account, sign in to your account at capitalone.com and select Cover Your Travel Purchases. It may take a couple of months for the credit to post to your account.
• Shop at Amazon.com: You may redeem purchases at Amazon for 0.8 cents for each mile. Although this is slightly better than opting for cash back, it is still well below the redemption rate of many cash back credit cards.
• Cash Back: You should avoid redeeming your bonus for cash back, as it delivers the lowest value (0.5 cents per mile) of any redemption type. By logging into your Capital One reward account, you will see options for cash back at the rate of one-half penny for each mile. You may redeem any amount for a check in the mail or an account credit.

Capital One Transfer Partners

The Capital One Venture rewards program has partnerships with 15+ airlines, allowing cardholders to transfer Capital One Venture miles to the partner rewards programs. These partners cover destinations across much of the globe, including off-the-beaten-path destinations like Istanbul, Turkey and Barbados.

Capital One Venture rewards miles are worth one point on most of these carriers when you log in to your Capital One account, transfer Capital One miles to the frequent flyer account of a partner, and book your travel on the partner's website. These Capital One transfer partners are as follows:

When you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to any of these transfer partners, you’ll receive 1,000 miles or points with the following travel loyalty programs:

• Aeromexico Club Premier (based in Mexico)
• Air Canada - Aeroplan®
• Cathay Pacific - Asia Miles (based in Hong Kong)
• Avianca LifeMiles (based in Colombia)
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards (based in Dubai)
• Etihad Guest (based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
• Finnair Plus (based in Finland)
• Flying Blue (for Air France and for KLM, based in the Netherlands)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (Australia)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• TAP Miles&Go (based in Portugal)
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
• Virgin Red (based in the U.K. but partnered with Delta Airlines)
• Qatar
• EVA Air - Infinity MileageLands (based in Taiwan).
  This program carries a 2:1.5 transfer ratio, so 1,000 Capital One miles are only worth 750 miles when using this loyalty program.
• Jet Blue - The program offers a 5:3 transfer ratio. So if you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to Jet Blue, you'll receive 600 TrueBlue points.

The Capital One Ventures rewards program also partners with three hotel chains. Capital One miles are worth one point at each of these hotels, but are worth half as much if booked with Accor hotels chain.

• Choice Privileges^®
• Wyndham Rewards
• ALL - Accor Live Limitless, with a 2:1 transfer ratio. When you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to this transfer partner, you’ll receive 500 miles or points with its travel loyalty program.

Pros and cons of the Capital One Venture Rewards card

Pros:

• Generous bonus offer.
• Unlimited points that do not expire.
• No foreign transaction fee.
• Many perks are designed for travelers, including price match, price alert, up to $120 reimbursement for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck pass, and more.

Cons:

• Annual fee of $395 (though partially offset by $300 annual travel credit).
• Lack of flexibility when redeeming points.
• Most travel partners are based abroad.
• No balance transfer options.
• Low redemption value for cash back.
• Capital One and Discover may merge, which could change credit card terms for both companies' products.

How will the Discover merger impact cardholders?

Recently, Capital One's acquisition of Discover Financial Services was approved. The $35.3 billion merger positions Capital One as one the largest credit card issuers in the country.

How it will impact you moving forward? At this time, it's business as usual. You'll still rely on the same customer service, account and app access and there will be no changes to card terms, unless notified by Capital One.

What to consider before getting a business card

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited.
• Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you may want to consider a small business loan instead. Also, don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

Other credit card deals and perks

• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Launches Bonus Offer
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

This article only reviews the IHG One Rewards Premier card. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

The IHG One Rewards Premier credit card is offering a great sign-up bonus for new cardholders: earn 170,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account. That's worth about $1,190 when spent on travel.

You may never have heard of IHG, but chances are you have stayed in one of their 6,000 hotels if you travel frequently. Their brands include budget stays like Holiday Inn and luxury hotels like Kimpton, for example.

As bonuses for rewards credit cards go, this is one of the best Kiplinger editors have seen recently. Just be sure that you can spend at least $4,000 in three months and understand how travel rewards credit cards work. And be sure to compare this deal with other credit card offers. Still, with a value of about $1,190, the welcome bonus more than offsets the $99 annual fee.

IHG One Rewards Premier overview

• Best for: This card is best for frequent travelers with good to excellent credit. There is no foreign transaction fee, so the card is useful for international travel. There are hotel locations and amenities tailored to military servicemembers and contractors.
• Sign-up points bonus, limited time offer: Earn 170,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Free hotel stays: Enjoy an "Anniversary Free Night" at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay. That means you can earn up to two free nights in a year.
• Membership status perk: Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member.
• Interest rate: 19.99% - 28.49% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers. The cash advance rate is 29.24% variable APR.
• Annual fee: $99
• Rewards rate: Earn up to 26 points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels and Resorts. Earn five points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations and restaurants. Earn three points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Travel benefits: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.
• Redemption: Points don't expire, and there are no blackout dates. Redeem IHG points for hotel rewards nights, merchandise and gift cards, airfare, digital rewards and charity. You can convert IHG hotel points to frequent flyer miles on 41 different partner airlines, including Delta and United Airlines. But the redemption rate is only 2,000 miles for every 10,000 IHG points for most airlines.
• Limitations: There are two limitations on who can get the card. First, you are not eligible if you already have a personal IHG One Rewards credit card. Second, if you received a new cardmember bonus for any personal IHG One Rewards credit card in the last 24 months — even if you no longer are a cardmember — you’re also ineligible.

What is the value of IHG rewards points? 

Valuing rewards program points or miles is rarely cut and dry, but it is useful to understand how much you can expect from points.

According to WalletHub, you'll need on average 37,500 points for a free night in an IHG hotel, and each point is worth about 0.7 cents. In this case, the bonus reward will get you on average four free nights at a hotel, or it is worth about $1,190. You can, of course, get more nights by staying at more affordable hotels.

Although points are worth less than a dollar, they are easy to earn if you are a frequent traveler. You can earn up to 26 points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn five points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations and restaurants. And earn three points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

New cardholders are upgraded to Platinum Elite Status, which includes free room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out and free internet. And Platinum Elite members earn an extra 60% worth of bonus points on qualified hotel stays. Allow up to eight weeks for your Platinum Elite Status to go into effect.

Where can you stay with IHG points? 

There are 19 IHG hotel brands, including budget hotels like Holiday Inn and Avid Hotels. IHG also includes luxury resorts like Intercontinental, Kimpton, and Six Senses and mid-tier properties like Even hotels.

IHG hotels have properties in over 6,000 locations worldwide. The card has no foreign transaction fee, so it is ideal for travel abroad.

Military travelers

Are you or someone in your immediate family an active duty servicemember? IHG Army Hotels provide hotel rooms for military and contractor personnel near or on Army bases. And as a Platinum Elite member, you'll earn an extra 4.8 points for each hotel stay.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $99 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $99 is a relatively small price to pay if you max the benefits.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to hit any trigger; otherwise, rewards cards can be a false economy as you’d be overspending.

How to apply for the card

If you decide to apply for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and you are uncertain how it might affect your credit score, be sure to think through your strategy. Applying for a new credit card may temporarily lower your credit score, so if you plan to take out a mortgage or car loan in the next few months, you might want to skip this offer.

On the other hand, if you have a good credit score and are likely to book several hotel stays a year, then this may be the credit card for you. Read through the credit terms, compare the card to its competitors and follow the prompts on the card offer page.

Other cards to check out

If you are looking for a more flexible travel card, a few other offers are worth checking out. See our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, which provides a bonus worth $750 when redeemed for air, hotel and other travel. And the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card, which also offers a bonus worth $750 when redeemed for travel.

If you own a small business or travel frequently for work, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card provides a 170,000 bonus point offer. Just keep in mind that cardholders are limited to only one bonus deal within a 24-month period.

Bottom line

If you travel frequently, this card might be a great fit for you, especially with the current bonus offer. Just make sure you can qualify for the bonus with adequate spending, and be sure to review how to get the most out of a travel rewards credit card.

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As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Travel these days is challenging, but credit cards with travel insurance can offset a host of headaches. The best rewards credit cards will reimburse customers that have lost or delayed baggage, missed connections or canceled trips. Some cards even pay survivors in case of death or dismemberment.  

A recent study by WalletHub evaluated 66 of the best credit cards with travel insurance across three broad categories: luggage insurance, travel accident insurance, and eligibility, cost and extra coverage.  

Many cards that used to offer travel insurance have reduced or eliminated coverage. In fact, WalletHub found that only 24% of the consumer credit cards they studied offered trip cancellation insurance. And cards issued by Wells Fargo, Citi, Discover and Synchrony provide no travel insurance coverage.

Best credit cards with travel insurance

Chase Bank has been positioning its Sapphire-branded travel cards as leaders in the competitive arena of low-fee and premium travel credit cards. So it's no surprise that the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit cards both score highest in the study. Here are areas where the cards beat the competition, with the maximum coverage amount by category.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card: 

Best for travel accident insurance ($1 million in coverage).

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card: 

Best for luggage insurance, ($3,000 in coverage).

Best for Trip Cancellation: ($20,000 in coverage per trip).

Best for Eligibility, Cost and Extra Coverage Combined, including:

Trip Delay ($500 in coverage per ticket).

Travel Accident ($500,000 in coverage).

Delayed Luggage ($500 in coverage per trip).

Trip Cancellation ($20,000 in coverage per trip).

Trip Delay ($500 in coverage per ticket).

The 10 best cards with travel insurance

Here are the top cards, with three tying for fourth place.

Source: Adapted from WalletHub Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance, June 23, 2023. 

Do you need travel insurance?

New regulations protect you. Thanks to new federal regulations, U.S. consumers have more protections when flying. These rules require airlines to refund customers for U.S. flights canceled for certain reasons beyond a passenger’s control. Airline customers also have more rights when their flights are delayed. The rules are complicated, so be sure you refer to the Department of Transportation’s refund guidelines. 

The airline industry is stepping up. In more good news for travelers, the new regulations spurred industry improvements; nine airlines changed their policies to guarantee coverage of hotels and ten airlines to guarantee meals for stranded passengers.  

Weigh your options for expensive trips. Still, for expensive or risky trips, you will want to assess your credit card's travel insurance benefits. If you find them wanting, purchasing extra travel insurance might be worth it. The average cost of all single-trip travel insurance policies bought on the travel insurance site Squaremouth is $308. That average hides a wide variation in costs. Comprehensive plans, for example, include trip cancellation coverage and run at an average of $403, while travel medical plans cost $97 on average. 

Tip: If you plan to bring medications along with you on international travel, don't risk having them confiscated at the border. 

Related Content

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This article reviews the Pay Yourself Back program only. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Chase recently extended its popular Pay Yourself Back program, which provides a 25% or 50% bump over standard cash back options on Chase Ultimate Rewards points. While this value is still likely below what you could get by redeeming points for travel, it’s an attractive option for those who aren’t traveling as much as they had planned or who need a bit of cash quickly. 

Best yet? Pay Yourself Back is also a great way to donate to certain charities, giving you 1.25 to 1.50 cents back for every dollar you donate.

But Pay Yourself Back is only worth it for certain purchases, and the payback rate varies by credit card.

What is Pay Yourself Back?

Chase’s travel credit cards are known for being some of the best rewards credit cards available, offering valuable and flexible points for travel purchases. In fact, each point is worth about two cents, according to The Points Guy. 

Chase launched the Pay Yourself Back program in 2020 to encourage customers to hold onto their travel cards during the Covid pandemic shutdown. The program provides up to 25% more cash back on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and several other cards, and up to 50% more on the Chase Sapphire Reserve®  card. For example, a Sapphire Preferred customer could redeem 10,000 points for $125, and a Sapphire Reserve card member could redeem 10,000 points for $150 cash back.

The catch? Only specific categories can earn extra cash back. The program only makes sense if you plan to make a donation to one of the approved charities. Or, if you are a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, gas or grocery purchases through the end of September will also get you more cash back. 

Here's the breakdown by card.

How does Pay Yourself Back work?

To redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards for Pay Yourself Back cash, log into your Chase rewards accounts and follow the prompts.

• After logging in, go to the "Ultimate Rewards" page linked to your account.
• From the menu bar on the left side of the page, choose "Pay Yourself Back."
• Choose between one and 12 recent eligible purchases listed.
• The system will tell you how many days you have left to redeem points toward each transaction. After 90 days, you will no longer be able to use points for that purchase.
• Choose how many of your available Ultimate Rewards points you want to apply to each purchase. Finalize the request to redeem your points for a statement credit.

Which charities are eligible?

You get 1.25 cents back per point as a statement credit (or 1.5 cents back with a Chase Sapphire Reserve card) when you donate to the following charities using your eligible credit card. Note that donations made to local or state chapters may not qualify, so be sure to donate to the national office.

• American Red Cross
• Equal Justice Initiative
• Feeding America
• GLSEN
• Habitat for Humanity
• International Medical Corps (including support for relief efforts in Ukraine)
• International Rescue Committee (including support for relief efforts in Ukraine)
• Leadership Conference Education Fund
• NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
• National Urban League
• Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
• SAGE
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund
• UNICEF USA (including support for relief efforts in Ukraine)
• United Way
• World Central Kitchen (including support for relief efforts in Ukraine)

When does Pay Yourself Back expire?

The added flexibility of Pay Yourself Back has been popular, and the company extends the program from time-to-time. This latest version of the program expires at the end of September 2023 for Chase Sapphire Reserve gas and grocery purchases, or for payment toward the annual fee. For donations on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you have until the end of 2023.

For the Chase Sapphire Preferred and other cards, the program expires after December 31, 2023.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities. 

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