The Ultimate Guide To Credit Cards And Points: Where To Start And What You Need To Know About The Best Cards For You!

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DansDeals will receive compensation if you are approved for a credit card via a link in this post. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers, visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

This post starts on a beginner level before moving to a more advanced level of explanation on credit cards.

You may want to bookmark this as it can be a lot to process in one reading.

I’ve included a cheat sheet to start with, to know which cards you cannot go wrong with if you’re looking to apply for credit cards now.

For beginners, as you develop your card portfolio you can refer back to this post, to better understand what your next steps should be and how to utilize the cards you have.

If you have questions leave them below!

Cheat Sheet:

If you’re looking for one of the best consumer card combos in the mileage world, start with a no-annual fee Chase Freedom Unlimited with a 15K signup bonus and add a $95/year Chase Sapphire Preferred with a whopping 60K signup bonus. That will allow you to earn 75K signup points in total. Plus you’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar everywhere with Freedom Unlimited, 2 points per dollar on dining and travel, the ability to transfer your points into airline miles and hotel points, or use your points at a value of 1.25 cents each towards paid airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, or activities with Sapphire Preferred.

An advanced user may want to get the $550/year Chase Sapphire Reserve with a 50K signup bonus instead of Sapphire Preferred for benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, $60 Doordash credit in 2020 and 2021, Doordash Dashpass through 2021, 1 Lyft Pink membership, triple points on travel and dining, 10x points at Lyft through 3/31/22, Priority Pass lounge membership, Global Entry/Pre-Check, and the ability to use your points at a value of 1.5 cents each towards paid airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, or activities.

 

On the business side, start with a no-annual fee Chase Ink Unlimited with a 50K signup bonus and add a $95/year Chase Ink Preferred with an incredible 100K signup bonus. That will allow you to earn 130K signup points in total. Plus you’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar everywhere with Ink Unlimited, and 3 points per dollar on travel, internet, phone, shipping, and advertising, get cell phone insurance, transfer your points into airline miles and hotel points, or use your points at a value of 1.25 cents each towards paid airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, or activities with Ink Preferred.

An advanced user may want to also get the no-annual fee Chase Ink Cash to earn 5 points per dollar on internet, phone, office supplies, and gift cards at hundreds of stores.

Another great combo is the $595/year AMEX Business Platinum Card and the no annual fee AMEX Blue Business Plus Cards. That’s a pricier combo, but you can earn 2 points per dollar everywhere on up to $50K in annual spending on the Blue Business Plus, plus get a 35% rebate on paid airfare with all airlines in business or first class and on the airline of your choice in coach with the AMEX Platinum. Plus you’ll get $200 in annual airline fee credits, $200 in annual Dell credit, WeWork membership, Marriott and Hilton Gold elite status, Global Entry/Pre-Check, and AMEX Global Lounge Collection membership with the AMEX Platinum.

 

Finally if you just want 2% cash back and no annual fee, you can get the Citi Double Cash card or the AMEX Blue Business Cash Card.

But let’s rewind and start from beginning.

How I got started:

I was 12 years old in 1997 when I realized I could make a killing buying beanie babies from Nordstrom and flipping them on eBay after Ty Warner retired them, making them 6,000% more valuable overnight.

If only I had my own credit card I’d have started racking up the miles back then 😀

My first big mileage payday came at 18 when I got a credit card and negotiated with Delta to book a flight for 80 fellow yeshiva students to fly from LAX to JFK. Everyone was happy to give me a check to get a flight at 45% off and I racked up the miles and even got several free tickets out of the deal for arranging the group.

My first million points earned came soon afterward thanks to a lucrative program from eBay called Anything Points that transferred into airline miles at favorable ratios.

I can write a book about the stuff I’ve done for miles over years, but I’ve racked up tens of millions of miles and flown my family around the world many times over in first class thanks to opening hundreds upon hundreds of credit cards and taking advantage of promotions.

The credit card landscape looks a lot different than it did back when I started. Signup bonuses today are far richer, but rules about how many cards you can get are far stricter.

A word of warning:

It’s important to note that the credit card points system is subsidized by the millions of Americans who fall into the trap of debt, buying things they can’t afford, and paying huge amounts of interest to the banks.

If you’re susceptible to that behavior, then don’t start in the first place. Pay for things in cash and be happy not being in debt. Any gain from the points system will be obliterated by interest payments.

Benefits of using credit cards:

If you can stay on top of your spending, you should be maximizing your rewards earnings on every purchase. Aside from rewards, purchasing on a credit means you can take advantage of benefits like online dispute resolution, return protection, extended warranty, car rental insurance, trip insurance, etc.

When fraud happens on a credit card you are not responsible for it while it’s being investigated. On a debit card those funds are immediately taken out of your checking account and you have to fight to get them back.

Starting out:

If you’re just starting and don’t have any credit, you can get started by asking a relative to add you as an additional user on one of their cards. Be sure that the card is utilized properly and not being maxed out.

After a couple months you should get a nice credit boost from that. You can then start off with cards that are easier to obtain, such as store cards like Old Navy/Gap, Kohl’s, Macys, Target, etc. Alternatively you can start with a secured card like the Citi Secured Mastercard. Some secured cards, like the US Bank LATAM card, even earn miles. A secured card requires a deposit and gives a credit line equal to the deposit, but unlike a debit card, it helps build your credit history.

Don’t forget that you should include all household income when you apply for a credit card.

Once you have built up your credit, you can start with building up your Chase card portfolio.

Chase has a 5/24 rule, meaning that they will typically only approve you for their cards if you have been approved for fewer than 5 consumer cards in the past 24 months. That means you’ll want to start getting Chase cards before moving on to other card opportunities!

You can typically apply for multiple cards on the same day from the same bank with just one credit pull.

You can see how many cards you have been approved for within the past 24 months by checking your credit at annualcreditreport.com, the federally authorized site for annual free credit reports. If there are any mistakes on your credit report you should dispute them immediately by contacting the 3 credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.

Other application rules to keep in mind:

  • AMEX will typically only award a bonus once per lifetime, though reports are you can get another bonus after about 6-7 years. A popup will come up after you submit an application asking if you want to proceed without earning the welcome bonus.
  • AMEX allows you to have a maximum of 5 credit cards, but charge cards (Platinum , Gold, and Green) don’t count towards that limit. If you apply for a 6th card you will typically be asked to close another credit card to get the new one approved.
  • Bank of America will typically only approve 2 of their cards every 2 months, 3 of their cards every 12 months, and 4 of their cards every 24 months. Another possible version of this rule is that they will only approve someone who has less than 7 cards opened in the past 12 months or less than 3 cards opened in the past 12 months if they don’t have a Bank of America checking or savings account.
  • Barclays has a 6/24 rule that works similarly to Chase’ 5/24 rule, but it’s not applied as strictly and can be overturned by reconsideration.
  • Capital One typically only approves one card per 6 months, but there are exceptions.
  • Citi allows applications for 1 card every 8 days and 2 cards every 2 months. Business cards are limited to once every 3 months. Add a few extra days in between applications to be safe.

What’s in your credit score:

Here is the makeup of your 850 point FICO score. (Many websites give away free credit scores, called FAKOs, but these are not typically used by banks to determine if you are credit worthy. Discover gives free FICO scores here, even if you’re not a cardholder. Other banks, like Barclays give free FICO scores to cardholders, otherwise you can buy it from MyFICO.)

  • Payment History: 35%.
    • Pay your bills on time and you should ace this category. The more accounts you have that you pay on time, the higher your score will be. Set your bills to autopay to ensure you never miss a payment, but make sure that a payment doesn’t bounce back due to insufficient funds or else your card may be closed.
  • Amounts owed: 30%
    • This measures your credit utilization ratio. The more money you spend, the higher your utilization ratio will be, which lowers your score. The more total credit you have available, the lower your utilization ratio will be, which raises your score. So the more accounts and credit that you have, the better your score will be here. Credit utilization ratio applies for each card you have individually (don’t use too much of your credit on any card) and across all of your cards collectively.
    • Pay your account balance off, besides for a buck or 2, the day before your statement closes. This will greatly increase your credit score. Once your statement closes and your bill prints with a balance owed, your score will go down even if you pay the balance off on time
  • Length of credit history: 15%
    • This takes into account your oldest account, the older the better. It also factors in the average age of your accounts.
    • It’s important to note that even if you close an account, it stays on your record for about 10 years after you cancel the card. So even if you close an account, you won’t hurt yourself in this category until 10 years down the line when the account falls off of your credit report. By that point you should have other older cards that will keep your average account age high enough not to adversely affect your score.
  • New credit: 10%
    • This takes into account credit inquiries and new accounts, which can lower your score temporarily. These fall off your report after about 2 years and most banks only look at the number inquiries you have within the past 6 months.
    • In the short term you may see your score drop when you apply for a card due to this category and the average age of your accounts, but in the long run having more cards will raise your score, as they improve your payment history (35%) and credit utilization (30%) and eventually the age of your account, which continue to grow older even after you cancel the card.
  • Types of credit used: 10%
    • This has little to do with the opening and closing of accounts but factors whether you have other accounts like retail accounts, auto loans, a mortgage, etc. The more varied your portfolio the higher your score.

Closing a card:

In general, you should avoid closing or downgrading a card within 12 months of getting it as those actions can trigger a negative action by the bank.

When you close a credit card the main effect on your score is losing the credit line, which decreases your total available credit and increases your credit utilization ratio. To mitigate that effect you can transfer the credit line to another card from that bank before closing a card.

As mentioned above, a closed card remains on your credit report for 10 years, so the effect of closing it will be negligible, but you you should try to avoid closing your first credit card, as that establishes the length of your credit history. It too will remain on your report for 10 years, but that may hurt you after 10 years if you have a significant gap in time between your first card and your next oldest card.

Alternatively, you can downgrade a card with no affect on your credit at all!

Notably, all of this is only for consumer cards. Closing a business card won’t have an effect on your personal credit score or report.

Getting a mortgage:

It’s a good idea not to apply for a bunch of new cards if you’re in the market for a new home.

It’s not hard to explain the reason for having a lot of credit cards for the perks and miles they provide, but you also don’t want to look like someone who is going to spend a lot of money and not pay the bill.

Consumer Vs. Business Cards:

Only consumer credit cards are reported on your personal credit report.

Business cards from most banks (excluding Capital One and Discover) are not on your personal credit report. A benefit of this is that they do not get added to your 5/24 count of recently opened cards. That means that applying for business cards won’t “hurt” your 5/24 count as Chase only looks for cards that are reported on your personal credit report as being opened in the past 24 months.

Another benefit of business cards not reporting on your personal credit report is that when you spend money on personal cards your credit score will be hurt even if you pay your bill on time. A whopping 30% of your credit score is based on credit utilization. You can pay off your card bill before your statement is generated to avoid that, but that takes effort and laying out money well before you have to. Additionally it’s good to have the statement close with a couple dollars to show the card is active and being paid every month. On business cards it’s just not reported, so you can wait until the money is due without it having a negative effect on your score. That also means if you close the card, it won’t have any effect on your credit score.

You may already have a business that needs a card to keep track of expenses. For example if your name is Joe Smith and you sell items online, or if you have any other side business and want a credit card to better keep track of business expenditures you can open a business credit card for “Joe Smith” as the business. You don’t need to file any messy government paperwork to be allowed to do that. Just be sure to select “Sole Proprietorship” as the business type and just use your social security number in the Tax Identification Number field.

If you have business paperwork you can apply under your business name. Otherwise, it’s critical to just write your own name as the business name if you are just applying for your own small business as a Sole Proprietorship that doesn’t have any business paperwork. You can then send in bills in your own name for verification.

If you’re like me and you run more than one business, you can signup for multiple of the same card for each business to manage each businesses expenses separately.

Turning a rejection into an approval:

When you apply for a card you may be told that you need to wait for a decision. At that point you can wait and see if you’ll be approved or you can call the bank for reconsideration. Typically I’ll wait and see and then call if I’m rejected, but sometimes I’ll call right away.

If the bank offers a checking account, like Bank of America and Chase, it can help if you have a checking account with that bank in good standing.

If a rejection is due to Chase’s 5/24 rule, you can make sure that the agent doesn’t count authorized user cards and store cards that their system might count, but a manager can exclude in order to grant a card approval.

Things you can do include:

  • Proactively offering to shift credit lines around from other cards to get the new application approved.
  • Proactively offering to close an older card you don’t use anymore and move over the credit line to get the new application approved.
  • Explaining how you want the benefits the card provides. Items like free baggage and primary car rental insurance are good reasons to want a card, so learn about the unique benefits that each card has to offer besides for a killer signup bonus.
  • The banks are afraid of people just applying for credit to rack up debts that they won’t pay. Your job is to explain why you are NOT one of those people and why you want the card.
  • Explaining how you’ve never had a late payment or that you’re a loyal customer for x amount of years.
  • Explaining your loyalty to the bank, especially if you have a checking account with the bank.
  • Be friendly! Ask the person how their day is going and they’ll be more likely to want to help you out. Reconsideration reps have all the power, so it’s up to you to become their friend. A DDF user who homebrews beer found out that the agent also makes his own beer. After talking beer strategies the card application was approved!

Categories of different types of credit cards:

  • Cash back cards are a good way of getting 2% cash back on all of your purchases with no annual fee. It’s simple and straightforward, but you can probably do better.
  • Airline and hotel co-brand credit cards offer lots of benefits with the airline or hotel brand, but earning on these cards means the points are locked to just one brand, which leaves you vulnerable to a devaluation. These points are not forfeited if you close the co-brand card.
  • Transferable point currencies (American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Points, Chase Ultimate Rewards, etc.) allow you to earn points that can be used for a variety of uses, including cash back, transfers to airline and hotel mileage programs, redeeming for travel, Amazon purchases, and more. The advantage of these currencies is the added flexibility to always maximize your redemption values. You’ll want to transfer points from these cards to another card or to an airline or hotel partner before closing these cards.

Having a well rounded portfolio of cards that earn transferable points and co-brand cards for the perks that they offer will make traveling with your miles far more affordable and enjoyable!

Credit Card Mileage Transferability:

  • Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners include:
    • United (Star Alliance) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Singapore (Star Alliance) 1:1 transfer.
    • Air France/KLM Flying Blue (Skyteam) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • British Airways (OneWorld) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Aer Lingus (OneWorld) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Iberia (OneWorld) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Emirates 1:1 instant transfer.
    • JetBlue 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Southwest 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Virgin Atlantic 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Virgin Australia 1.55:1 by transferring points to Singapore and then to Virgin Australia.
    • Hilton 1:1.5 by transferring points to Virgin Atlantic and then to Hilton.
    • Hyatt 1:1 instant transfer.
    • IHG 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Marriott 1:1 transfer.

Some of my favorite Chase transfer partners include United, which never charges fuel surcharges for any awards, Singapore, which is the only way to redeem for travel on their incredible business and first class suites products, British Airways, which charges low rates for short-haul flights such as on their US partner American, Flying Blue, which has great rates for travel to Israel (including nonstop flights on partner Delta) as they consider it to be part of Europe, Southwest, which allows you to cancel awards without penalty, Virgin Atlantic, which has incredible rates for business and first class travel to Asia on partner ANA and great rates on partner Delta, and Hyatt, which has by far and away the most valuable hotel points.

  • AMEX transfer partners include:
    • Air Canada Aeroplan (Star Alliance) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • ANA (Star Alliance) 1:1 transfer.
    • Avianca Lifemiles (Star Alliance) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Singapore (Star Alliance) 1:1 transfer.
    • AeroMexico (Skyteam) 1:1.6 transfer.
    • Air France/KLM Flying Blue (Skyteam) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Alitalia (Skyteam) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Delta (Skyteam) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Aer Lingus (OneWorld) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • British Airways (OneWorld) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (OneWorld) 1:1 transfer.
    • Iberia (OneWorld) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Qantas (OneWorld) 1:1 instant transfer.
    • El Al 50:1 instant transfer.
    • Emirates 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Etihad 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Hawaiian 1:1 instant transfer.
    • JetBlue 1:0.8 instant transfer.
    • Virgin Atlantic 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Virgin Australia 1.55:1 by transferring points to Singapore and then to Virgin Australia.
    • Choice Hotels 1:1 instant transfer.
    • Hilton 1:2 instant transfer.
    • Marriott 1:1 instant transfer.

Some of my favorite AMEX transfer partners include Lifemiles, which has domestic awards starting at just 6.5K miles on their partner United, Delta, which has flash sales for discounted, Aeroplan, which has decent award pricing with a free stopover and without fuel surcharges on many Star Alliance airlines, Qantas, which has the lowest priced award travel on their partner El Al, Singapore, which is the only way to redeem for travel on their incredible business and first class suites products, British Airways, which charges low rates for short-haul flights such as on their US partner American, Flying Blue, which has great rates for travel to Israel (including nonstop flights on partner Delta) as they consider it to be part of Europe, ANA, which has a unique round-the-world award chart and inexpensive business class awards with no surcharges on their partner United, and Virgin Atlantic, which has incredible rates for business and first class travel to Asia on partner ANA and great rates on partner Delta.

Unfortunately AMEX charges a fee to transfer points to US airlines. That adds 60 cents for every 1,000 points transferred with a maximum fee of $99 per transaction.

  • Capital One transfer partners include:
    • Air Canada Aeroplan (Star Alliance) 2:1.5 instant transfer
    • Avianca LifeMiles (Star Alliance) 2:1.5 instant transfer
    • Aeromexico (SkyTeam) 2:1.5 instant transfer
    • EVA (Star Alliance) 2:1.5 instant transfer
    • Singapore (Star Alliance) 2:1 transfer
    • Air France/KLM Flying Blue (SkyTeam) 2:1.5 instant transfer
    • Alitalia (SkyTeam) 2:1.5 instant transfer
    • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (OneWorld) 2:1.5 transfer
    • Finnair (OneWorld) 2:1.5 instant transfer
    • Qantas (OneWorld) 2:1.5 transfer
    • Qatar (OneWorld) 2:1.5 transfer
    • Emirates 2:1 instant transfer
    • Etihad 2:1.5 transfer
    • Hainan 2:1.5 instant transfer
    • JetBlue 2:1 instant transfer

Some of my favorite Capital One transfer partners Lifemiles, which has domestic awards starting at just 6.5K miles on their partner United, Aeroplan, which has decent award pricing with a free stopover and without fuel surcharges on many Star Alliance airlines, Flying Blue, which has great rates for travel to Israel (including nonstop flights on partner Delta) as they consider it to be part of Europe, and Qantas, which has the lowest priced award travel on their partner El Al.

  • Citi ThankYou transfer partners include:
    • Avianca Lifemiles (Star Alliance): 1K:1K instant transfer
    • EVA (Star Alliance): 1K:1K transfer
    • Singapore (Star Alliance): 1K:1K transfer
    • Thai (Star Alliance): 1K:1K transfer
    • Turkish (Star Alliance): 1K:1K transfer
    • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (OneWorld): 1K:1K transfer
    • Malaysia (OneWorld): 1K:1K transfer
    • Qantas (OneWorld): 1K:1K transfer
    • Qatar (OneWorld): 1K:1K transfer
    • Air France/KLM Flying Blue (Skyteam): 1K:1K instant transfer
    • Etihad: 1K:1K transfer
    • JetPrivilege: 1K:1K instant transfer
    • JetBlue: 1K:1K instant transfer
    • Virgin Atlantic: 1K:1K instant transfer

Some of my favorite Citi transfer partners include include Turkish, which charges a mere 7.5K miles in coach or 12.5K miles in business for a United domestic flight (including Hawaii!) and 32K miles in coach of 47K miles in business for a United flight to Israel, Lifemiles, which has domestic awards starting at just 6.5K miles on their partner United, Qantas, which has the lowest priced award travel on their partner El Al, Singapore, which is the only way to redeem for travel on their incredible business and first class suites products, Flying Blue, which has great rates for travel to Israel (including nonstop flights on partner Delta) as they consider it to be part of Europe, Virgin Atlantic, which has incredible rates for business and first class travel to Asia on partner ANA and great rates on partner Delta.

Creating a Killer Combo with Hybrid Points:

Often times, having 2 cards are worth far more than either card on their own. Having cards that compliment each other can help you rack up the miles and spend them more efficiently. You can combine the points between all of the cards you hold from the same bank.

While airline miles and hotel points can allow you to get some truly insane values for your points, they can also be devalued at any time. That’s why I keep transferable points and send them over to airlines and hotels as needed.

Some premium cards have flexible points that I call hybrid points as you can get an increased value for your points when they are used towards paid airfare or you can transfer the points into airline miles or hotel points.

The increased value of points sets a minimum value you can get from your points and it protects you from points being devalued. You can get a higher value for your points by transferring them into airline miles and hotel points, but having the ability to use your points at an increased value for paid travel makes them into “hybrid points.” You can choose to redeem them for either paid travel or award travel, depending on which provides a better value.

All banks allow you to combine points between your consumer and business cards.

AMEX Killer Combo:

The AMEX Business Platinum card gives a 35% rebate when you redeem points for a business/first class ticket on any airline or for coach on the airline of your choice. That means you can choose between transferring points into airline/hotel miles or use points at a value of 1.54 cents each towards travel. However that card only earns 1 point per dollar for everyday spending or 1.5 points per dollar on eligible $5K+ purchases.

Similarly, the AMEX Business Gold card gives a 25% rebate when you redeem points for a business/first class ticket on any airline or for coach on the airline of your choice. That means you can choose between transferring points into airline/hotel miles or use points at a value of 1.33 cents each towards travel. That earn earns up to 4 points per dollar on select categories where you spend the most, but only earns 1 point per dollar for other everyday spending.

But if you have the AMEX Blue Business Plus you’ll earn 2 points per dollar everywhere ($50K annual cap), which you can combine with the AMEX Business Platinum in order to earn the 35% points rebate, meaning you’ll get at least 3.08% back everywhere.

Chase Killer Combo:

If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can earn 3 points per dollar on dining and travel and choose between transferring points into airline/hotel miles or use points at a value of 1.5 cents each towards travel. However that card only earns 1 point per dollar for everyday spending.

Similarly, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Ink Preferred earn 2-3 points in select categories and allow you to choose between transferring points into airline/hotel miles or use points at a value of 1.25 cents each towards travel. However those cards only earn 1 point per dollar for everyday spending.

However if you have a no-annual fee Chase Freedom Unlimited you’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar everywhere. Same goes for the no-annual fee Chase Ink Unlimited which has a 50K signup bonus and earns 1.5 points per dollar everywhere. The no-annual fee Chase Freedom and Chase Ink Cash cards earn up to 5 points per dollar. Those points can then be combined with a Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Preferred to transfer into airline/hotel miles or use points at a value of 1.25-1.5 cents each towards travel.

Citi Killer Combo:

If you have a Citi Premier card you can earn 2-3 points in select categories and allow you to choose between transferring points into airline/hotel miles or use points at a value of 1.25 cents each towards travel. However you’ll only earn 1 point per dollar for everyday spending.

However if you have a no-annual fee Citi Double Cash card you can earns 2 points per dollar everywhere and you can choose between using that for 2% cash back or you can transfer the points to Citi Premier and from there into airline/hotel miles or use points at a value of 1.25 cents each towards travel.

If you also have the Citi Rewards+ Card you will earn a minimum of 10 points even on a 1 cent transaction, making it a great way to rack up points on small purchases, such as reloading your Amazon balance! You’ll also get double points at supermarkets and gas stations. Plus you’ll get a 10% points rebate when you use points, up to a 10K points rebate per year. You’ll even get the rebate if you transfer the points to Citi Premier and from there into airline/hotel miles or use points at a value of 1.25 cents each towards travel!

Which Hybrid Points are best?

This is a very difficult question, but here are pros and cons.

  • AMEX:
    • Very well rounded portfolio of airline transfer partners, but hotel partner are weak.
    • AMEX is alone in charging a fee to transfer points to US airlines. That adds 60 cents for every 1,000 points transferred with a maximum fee of $99 per transaction.
    • Points can’t be shared and can only be transferred to additional users after a 90 day waiting period.
    • The annual fee for hybrid cards are high.
    • The increased value for using points for paid travel is only valid for paid airfare, not for other travel.
    • You can’t book travel in basic economy on any airline.
    • You can only get a rebate for travel in economy on the domestic airline of your choice. You do get the rebate in business and first class on all airlines.
    • As you get a rebate rather than an increased value of points, you’ll need more points upfront.
    • AMEX does have access to exclusively discounted insider fares, that can drop the cost of select tickets.
  • Chase:
    • Very well rounded portfolio of airline and hotel transfer partners.
    • Points can be easily shared with a spouse or business partner or transferred to an additional user.
    • Increased value of points can be used for any travel.
    • Increased value of points can be used for any airline in any class.
    • Excellent variety of cards without high annual fees to quickly rack up points in many categories or on everyday spending.
  • Citi:
    • A more eclectic group of transfer partners with no domestic airlines or hotel transfer options.
    • Points can be shared with other members, though there is a 100K annual cap and they expire 90 days after they are shared.
    • Increased value of points can be used for any travel, however prices for travel tend to be higher than with AMEX and Chase, which takes away from the hybrid value of these points.

Overall I value Chase points the highest as they have lots of pros and few cons, making it the easiest to rack up points with the lowest annual fees while having excellent hybrid options, but it’s good to also have other points as they each have unique partners and values.

When to use bank points and when to transfer to miles:

If you have a hybrid card like AMEX Business Platinum, AMEX Business Gold, Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, Ink Preferred, or Citi Premier you can choose between using points for paid airfare or transferring points into miles.

You’ll always want to compare the options.

For example if I need a last-minute one-way ticket from Cleveland to NYC it will cost some $600:

 

Even if you get a value of 1.5 cents per point, you’d still be looking at some 40K points. That’s where the beauty of miles comes in.

You can transfer AMEX or Chase points into BA Avios and book the flight for just 7.5K Avios+$5.60. That’s a value of 8 cents per point!

 

Alternatively, you can transfer 6.5K points to Avianca Lifemiles for a Cleveland-LaGuardia flight on United:

 

On the other hand, say you want to book a $119 ticket in advance from Newark to Los Angeles:

 

If you transferred points to United you would need 15K United miles:

 

If you have a Chase United Explorer card or Chase United Explorer Business Card then you would need just 12.5K United miles:

 

But if you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve you’ll need just 7,886 points in basic economy:

 

Or if you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve you’ll need just 10,220 points in regular economy:

 

AMEX doesn’t sell basic economy tickets. They charge 15,330 points, but if you’re register for United you’ll get a 5,366 point rebate with an AMEX Business Platinum card or a 3,833 point rebate with an AMEX Business Gold card. That means you’ll pay an effective 9,964 points with an AMEX Business Platinum card or a 11,497 points with an AMEX Business Gold card.

Looking for a new credit card? Here’s a quick look at some of the best credit cards out there:

Chase No-Annual Fee Ultimate Rewards cards:

These cards are marketed as cash-back cards, but instead of cash back you are awarded Ultimate Rewards points that can be cashed out at 1 cent each. However they can also be transferred to premium Ultimate Rewards cards, where they become far more valuable than cash back! These cards have very strong earning power and include the:

  • Chase Freedom Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 15K bonus points for spending $500 in 3 months (Marketed as $150, but you’ll actually get 15K points that can be used for $150 or as points.)
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Freedom card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Freedom card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 5 points per dollar on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending in rotating categories such as groceries, gas, restaurants, streaming services, and more.(Marketed as 5% cash back, but you’ll actually get 5 points per dollar that can be used for cash back or as points). Earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft through 3/31/22. Earn 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: None.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 3%
    • Intro APR: 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $500 per item.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer all Chase points into airline miles and hotel points or get an increased value towards paid travel if you first transfer to a Chase Hybrid card with an annual fee.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Freedom Unlimited, Sapphire Preferred, or Sapphire Reserve card.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • Read more about the card here and about creating a killer quinfecta here.
    • DD take: An excellent no-annual fee card if you can stay on top of where to use the card each quarter. 
  • Chase Freedom Unlimited Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 15K bonus points for spending $500 in 3 months (Marketed as $150, but you’ll actually get 15K points that can be used for $150 or as points.)
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Freedom Unlimited card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Freedom Unlimited card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 1.5 points per dollar everywhere. (Marketed as 1.5% cash back, but you’ll actually get 1.5 points per dollar that can be used for cash back or as points.) Earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft through 3/31/22.
    • Annual fee: None.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 3%
    • Intro APR: 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $500 per item.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer all Chase points into airline miles and hotel points or get an increased value towards paid travel if you first transfer to a Chase Hybrid card with an annual fee.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Freedom, Sapphire Preferred, or Sapphire Reserve card.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • Read more about the card here and about creating a killer quinfecta here.
    • DD take: A fantastic no-annual fee card that earns 50% bonus points everywhere.
  • Chase Ink Business Cash Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 50K bonus points for spending $3,000 in 3 months. (Marketed as $500 cash back, but you’ll actually get 50K points that can be used for cash back or as points.)
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Ink Cash card for the business that you’re applying for in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Ink Cash card for the business that you’re applying for
    • Spending categories: Earn 5 points per dollar on $25K in annual telecom, internet, and office supply purchases, and earn 2 points per dollar on $25K in annual gas and restaurant purchases. Earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft through 3/31/22. Earn 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: None.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 3%
    • Intro APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US for personal rentals, primary in the US for business rentals, primary outside of the US for all rentals.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $10K per item.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: None.
    • Lost luggage insurance: $3K per person ($500 for select valuables).
    • Baggage delay insurance: $100 per person per day (3 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Travel accident insurance: $500K
    • Visa Savings Edge Rebates: Cashback on top of points.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer all Chase points into airline miles and hotel points or get an increased value towards paid travel if you first transfer to a Chase Hybrid card with an annual fee.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Ink Unlimited or Ink Preferred card.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • Read all about earning 5 points per dollar on Amazon and many other stores in the full card review here.
    • DD take: An incredible no-annual fee business card that quickly earns a ton of points on telecom, and at hundreds of stores-as long as you buy gift cards for each store from office supply stores.
  • Chase Ink Business Unlimited Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 50K bonus points for spending $3,000 in 3 months (Marketed as $500 cash back, but you’ll actually get 50K points that can be used for cash back or as points.)
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Ink Unlimited card for the business that you’re applying for in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Ink Unlimited card for the business that you’re applying for
    • Spending categories: Earn 1.5 points per dollar everywhere. Earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft through 3/31/22.
    • Annual fee: None.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 3%
    • Intro APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US for personal rentals, primary in the US for business rentals, primary outside of the US for all rentals.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $10K per item.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: None.
    • Lost luggage insurance: $3K per person ($500 for select valuables).
    • Baggage delay insurance: $100 per person per day (3 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Travel accident insurance: $500K
    • Visa Savings Edge Rebates: Cashback on top of points.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer all Chase points into airline miles and hotel points or get an increased value towards paid travel if you first transfer to a Chase Hybrid card with an annual fee.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Ink Preferred or Ink Cash card.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • Read the full card review here and about creating a killer quinfecta here.
    • DD take: A fantastic no-annual fee business card that earns 50% bonus points everywhere.

Chase Premium Ultimate Rewards cards:

These hybrid cards can transfer all of your Chase points into airline miles or hotel points, or can be used with an additional bonus when redeemed for paid travel. You can transfer points between all of your Chase Ultimate Rewards cards and the cards of any authorized user as well. These cards have very strong benefits and include the:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 60K bonus points for spending $4,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve card in the past 48 months and don’t currently have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 points per dollar on all dining and travel. Earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft through 3/31/22. Earn 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Increased point value: Receive a 25% bonus on paid travel redemptions. This effectively turns your points into hybrid points as you can choose between getting a value of 1.25 cents per point or transferring points into miles, depending on which gets you a better value.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Primary worldwide.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $500 per item.
    • Trip Delay Protection: $500 for reasonable expenses for 12+ hour or overnight delays.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: Up to $10K per person and $20K per trip.
    • Lost luggage insurance: $3K per person ($500 for select valuables).
    • Baggage delay insurance: $100 per person per day (5 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Travel accident insurance: $500K
    • Hybrid points: Transfer all Chase points into airline miles and hotel points or use with 25% increased value for paid travel.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Freedom, Freedom Unlimited, or Sapphire Reserve card.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • Read the full card review here and about creating a killer quinfecta here.
    • DD take: An excellent premium card if you want a lower annual fee with a higher signup bonus than Sapphire Reserve.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 50K bonus points for spending $4,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve card in the past 48 months and don’t currently have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 3 points per dollar on all dining and travel. Earn 10 points per dollar on Lyft through 3/31/22. Earn 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $550.
    • Annual travel credit: $300 automatically credited annually for any travel related expense.
    • Doordash credit: $60 credit in 2020 and $60 credit in 2021.
    • Doordash Dashpass membership: Free through 12/31/21.
    • Lyft Pink membership: 12 months for free.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Increased point value: Receive a 50% bonus on paid travel redemptions. This effectively turns your points into hybrid points as you can choose between getting a value of 1.5 cents per point or transferring points into miles, depending on which gets you a better value.
    • Lounge access: Priority Pass lounge and restaurant access for cardholder and 2 guests.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Primary worldwide.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $10K per item.
    • Return protection: 90 days of ability to return items that store won’t take back, up to $500 per item.
    • Trip Delay Protection: $500 for reasonable expenses for 6+ hour or overnight delays.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: Up to $10K per person and $20K per trip.
    • Lost luggage insurance: $3K per person ($500 for select valuables).
    • Baggage delay insurance: $100 per person per day (5 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Travel accident insurance: $1MM
    • Premium roadside assistance: 4 annual free battery boost, flat tire service, 2 gallons of fuel delivery, towing, or lockout assistance.
    • Emergency evacuation insurance: $100K
    • Emergency medical and dental insurance: $2,500
    • Hybrid points: Transfer all Chase points into airline miles and hotel points or use with 50% increased value for paid travel.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Freedom, Freedom Unlimited, or Sapphire Preferred card.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • Read about the $300 travel credit here and about creating a killer quinfecta with Sapphire Reserve here.
    • DD take: An incredible premium card if you will take advantage of the card’s many benefits.
  • Chase Ink Business Preferred Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points for spending $15,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Ink Preferred card for the business that you’re applying for in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Ink Preferred card for the business that you’re applying for
    • Spending categories: Earn 3 points per dollar on $150K of annual social media and search engine advertising, shipping, telecom, and travel. Earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft through 3/31/22. Earn 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Increased point value: Receive a 25% bonus on paid travel redemptions. This effectively turns your points into hybrid points as you can choose between getting a value of 1.25 cents per point or transferring points into miles, depending on which gets you a better value.
    • Cell phone protection: $600 of coverage with $100 deductible when you pay your last monthly bill on the card.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US for personal rentals, primary in the US for business rentals, primary outside of the US for all rentals.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $10K per item.
    • Trip Delay Protection: $500 for reasonable expenses for 12+ hour or overnight delays.
    • Baggage delay insurance: $100 per person per day (5 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: Up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip.
    • Lost luggage insurance: $3K per person ($500 for select valuables).
    • Travel accident insurance: $500K
    • Visa Savings Edge Rebates: Cashback on top of points.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer all Chase points into airline miles and hotel points or use with 25% increased value for paid travel.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Ink Unlimited or Ink Cash card.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • Read about the card here and about creating a killer quinfecta here.
    • DD take: A fantastic signup bonus and spending categories that will be very useful for businesses with shipping and advertising spending.

Chase Co-Brand Cards:

These cards earn miles or points with an airline or hotel program in exchange for a relatively low annual fee. These often have special benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, expanded award availability, the ability to earn a companion pass, etc. However they typically offer a poorer value for spending and worse yet, they mean that your points are locked into a single currency that is subject to devaluation and can’t be transferred to other programs. Examples include:

  • Chase United Explorer Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 60K bonus miles for spending $3,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase United Consumer Explorer card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase United Consumer Explorer card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 miles per dollar on dining, hotels, and United spending. Earn 1 mile per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee, then $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Primary worldwide.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $10K per item.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.
    • Lost luggage insurance: $3K per person ($500 for select valuables).
    • Trip Delay Protection: $500 for reasonable expenses for 12+ hour or overnight delays.
    • Baggage delay insurance: $100 per person per day (3 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Travel accident insurance: $500K
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years.
    • In-flight rebate: 25% rebate on inflight WiFi, food, and drink purchases.
    • Checked baggage benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get a free checked bag for you and a companion, even in basic economy.
    • Carry-on baggage benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get a free carry-on bag for you and everyone on your reservation, even in basic economy.
    • Priority boarding benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get a free priority boarding for you and everyone on your reservation, even in basic economy.
    • Basic Economy online checkin: Purchase a United ticket on the card and you and everyone on your reservation can use online checkin, which is normally blocked with basic economy.
    • Card benefits: Greatly expanded United saver and standard award space. 2 annual United Club passes. Elite upgrades on award tickets. $3K lost luggage insurance. $500 per person for hotel, food, and reasonable expenses due to a 12+ hour trip delay. $100 per person per day (3 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a no annual fee United card or a United Club card.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • DD take: Excellent benefits for anyone flying on United or redeeming United miles, but not a great card for spending.
  • Chase United Club Card (Click on United Explorer Card)
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 75K bonus miles for spending $3,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase United Consumer Club card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase United Consumer Club card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 miles per dollar on United spending. Earn 1.5 miles per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $450
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • United Club Membership: Access the United Club with your family or 2 guests when flying United.
    • Price Protection: If the price paid for an item drops within 90 days, you can be reimbursed the difference up to $500 per item and $2,500 per year.
    • Return protection: 90 days of ability to return items that store won’t take back, up to $500 per item.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Primary worldwide.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $10K per item.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.
    • Lost luggage insurance: $3K per person ($500 for select valuables).
    • Trip Delay Protection: $500 for reasonable expenses for 12+ hour or overnight delays.
    • Baggage delay insurance: $100 per person per day (3 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Travel accident insurance: $500K
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years.
    • In-flight rebate: 25% rebate on inflight WiFi, food, and drink purchases.
    • Premier Access: Priority checking, security, and baggage handling.
    • Checked baggage benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get 2 free checked bags for you and a companion, even in basic economy.
    • Carry-on baggage benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get a free carry-on bag for you and everyone on your reservation, even in basic economy.
    • Priority boarding benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get free priority boarding for you and everyone on your reservation, even in basic economy.
    • Basic Economy online checkin: Purchase a United ticket on the card and you and everyone on your reservation can use online checkin, which is normally blocked with basic economy.
    • Card benefits: Greatly expanded United saver and standard award space. 2 annual United Club passes. Elite upgrades on award tickets. $3K lost luggage insurance. $500 per person for hotel, food, and reasonable expenses due to a 12+ hour trip delay. $100 per person per day (3 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a United Explorer card or a no annual fee United card.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: A good card if you want United Club access and 2 free checked bags on United.
  • Chase United Explorer Business Card
    • Welcome bonus: 100K bonus miles for spending $10,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on this Chase United Business card in the past 24 months. You can receive the miles even if you got a Chase United Business Explorer card or United Consumer card in the past 24 months.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 miles per dollar on dining, gas, office supply stores, local transit and commuting, including taxicabs, mass transit, tolls, ride share services, and United spending. Earn 1 mile per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • 5,000 bonus miles each card anniversary when you have both the UnitedS Business Card and any personal United credit card.
    • $100 annual United travel credit after 7 United flight purchases over $100.
    • In-flight rebate: 25% rebate on inflight WiFi, food, and drink purchases.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US for personal rentals, primary in the US for business rentals, primary outside of the US for all rentals.
    • Checked baggage benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get a free checked bag for you and a companion, even in basic economy.
    • Carry-on baggage benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get a free carry-on bag for you and everyone on your reservation, even in basic economy.
    • Priority boarding benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get priority boarding for you and everyone on your reservation, even in basic economy.
    • Basic Economy online checkin: Purchase a United ticket on the card and you and everyone on your reservation can use online checkin, which is normally blocked with basic economy.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Greatly expanded United saver and standard award space. 2 annual United Club passes. Elite upgrades on award tickets. $3K lost luggage insurance. $500 per person for hotel, food, and reasonable expenses due to a 12+ hour trip delay. $100 per person per day (3 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • DD take: Excellent benefits for anyone flying on United or redeeming United miles, but not a great card for spending.
  • Chase United Club Business Card (Click on United Business Card)
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 50K bonus miles for spending $3,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase United Business Club card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase United Business Club card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 miles per dollar on United spending. Earn 1.5 miles per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $450
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • United Club Membership: Access the United Club with your family or 2 guests when flying United.
    • In-flight rebate: 25% rebate on inflight WiFi, food, and drink purchases.
    • Price Protection: If the price paid for an item drops within 90 days, you can be reimbursed the difference up to $500 per item and $2,500 per year.
    • Return protection: 90 days of ability to return items that store won’t take back, up to $500 per item.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Primary worldwide.
    • Extended Warranty: 1 extra year on warranties 3 years or less, up to $10K per item.
    • Purchase protection: 120 days of theft or damage coverage, up to $10K per item.
    • Trip cancellation and interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.
    • Lost luggage insurance: $3K per person ($500 for select valuables).
    • Trip Delay Protection: $500 for reasonable expenses for 12+ hour or overnight delays.
    • Baggage delay insurance: $100 per person per day (3 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Travel accident insurance: $500K
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years.
    • In-flight rebate: 25% rebate on inflight WiFi, food, and drink purchases.
    • Premier Access: Priority checking, security, and baggage handling.
    • Checked baggage benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get 2 free checked bags for you and a companion, even in basic economy.
    • Carry-on baggage benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get a free carry-on bag for you and everyone on your reservation, even in basic economy.
    • Priority boarding benefit: Purchase a United ticket on the card and get free priority boarding for you and everyone on your reservation, even in basic economy.
    • Basic Economy online checkin: Purchase a United ticket on the card and you and everyone on your reservation can use online checkin, which is normally blocked with basic economy.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Greatly expanded United saver and standard award space. 2 annual United Club passes. Elite upgrades on award tickets. $3K lost luggage insurance. $500 per person for hotel, food, and reasonable expenses due to a 12+ hour trip delay. $100 per person per day (3 day max) for baggage delayed 6+ hours for clothing, charger, and other essential items.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a United Explorer card.
    • DD take: A good card if you want United Club access and 2 free checked bags on United.
  • Chase British Airways Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 100K bonus Avios (50K bonus Avios for spending $5,000 in 3 months and another 50K bonus Avios for spending another $17,000 in 12 months.)
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase British Airways card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase British Airways card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 3 Avios per dollar on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Level flights and 2 Avios per dollar on hotels. Earn 1 Avios per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Fuel Surcharge Rebate: Get 3 annual rebates of $100 on economy/premium economy awards or $200 on business/first awards that depart from the US on British Airways
    • Card benefits: 10% off BA tickets. Spend $30K annually for a BA companion pass.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to an Aer Lingus or Iberia card.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: A strong signup bonus, but weak spending benefits. If you use the new fuel surcharge rebate just once per year you will get back more than the cost of the annual fee.
  • Chase World of Hyatt Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 50K bonus points (25K bonus points for spending $3,000 in 3 months and another 25K bonus points for spending another $3,000 in 6 months.)
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Hyatt card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Hyatt card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 4 points per dollar on Hyatt and 2 points per dollar on restaurants, airline tickets, fitness club and gym membership, and local transit and commuting. Earn 1 points per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Annual free nights: Earn 1 free category 1-4 night automatically every year. Earn another one for spending $15K in a year. Earn more as described below.
    • Discoverist Elite status: All cardholders get Discoverist status, which gives free premium internet, 10% bonus points at Hyatt hotels, free bottled water daily at Hyatt hotels, and 2PM late checkout.
    • Hyatt perks: All Hyatt members can transfer points between members free of charge. Hyatt also waives resort fees on all award stays.
    • Earn top-tier elite status with spending: The card automatically gives 5 elite qualifying night credits every year. You’ll earn an additional 2 night credits towards elite status with every $5,000 that you spend. Paid and award stays at Hyatt hotels combine with elite night credits earned with the credit card.
    • Earn 20 night credits (With $40,000 of card spending or less with a combination of award or paid nights at Hyatt hotels and spending) and you’ll get 2 club lounge awards that are valid for club access for the duration of your Hyatt stay.
    • Earn 30 night credits (With $65,000 of card spending or less with a combination of award or paid nights at Hyatt hotels and spending) and you’ll get Explorist status, 2 more club lounge awards, and another free night at category 1-4 hotels.
    • Earn 40 night credits (With $90,000 of card spending or less with a combination of award or paid nights at Hyatt hotels and spending) and you’ll get a $100 Hyatt gift card or 5,000 bonus points.
    • Earn 50 night credits (With $115,000 of card spending or less with a combination of award or paid nights at Hyatt hotels and spending) and you’ll get 2 confirmed suite upgrades that are each valid on paid or award stays of up to 7 nights.
    • Earn 60 night credits (With $140,000 of card spending or less with a combination of award or paid nights at Hyatt hotels and spending) and you’ll get Globalist status, 2 more confirmed suite upgrades on paid or award stays, and a free unrestricted category 1-7 night valid at any Hyatt in the world. Globalists get free lounge access and many Hyatt hotels will also buy Globalists free kosher breakfast where available. Globalists also get access to a personal Hyatt concierge for reservations and personalized service. Resort fees are waived for Globalists on paid and award stays and parking fees are waived on award stays as well. Globalists can share their Globalist benefits on award stays with their friends and family.
    • For every additional 10 night credits (With $25,000 of card spending or less with a combination of award or paid nights at Hyatt hotels and spending) you’ll get another confirmed suite upgrade or 10,000 Hyatt points.
    • Hyatt perks: All Hyatt members can transfer points between members free of charge. Hyatt also waives resort fees on all award stays.
    • Valuable points: After the Starwood merger, most hotel points are now worth less than 1 cent each. I value Hilton points at about 0.45 cents, IHG points at about 0.5 cents, and Marriott points at about 0.7 cents each. I value Hyatt points at about 1.55 cents each, making them by the far the most valuable hotel points.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: A strong signup bonus, very strong benefits, and a great return on spending if you value having Hyatt elite status. The anniversary night more than covers the annual fee. This card is a winner!
  • Chase IHG Premier Card 
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 140K bonus points for spending $3,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase IHG Premier card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase IHG Premier card.
    • Spending categories: You’ll earn 25 points per dollar at IHG hotels. That consists of 10 points per dollar on the card, 10 points per dollar from IHG for the stay, and 5 bonus points per dollar from IHG for being a Platinum elite member, which is automatic for cardholders. Bookings must be made directly on IHG.com. You’ll earn 2 points per dollar on dining, gas stations, and restaurants, and 1 point per dollar everywhere else.
    • Annual fee: $89
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Elite status: Having this card gives you Platinum elite status, which gives free internet, 50% bonus points, upgrades, welcome amenity, late checkout, and more.
    • Annual free nights: Earn 1 free night up to 40K points automatically every year. Earn another one for spending $20K in a year.
    • 4th award night free: When cardholders book an award stay, every 4th night will be free! That means a 4 night PointsBreak hotel stay will start at just 15K points or 3,750 points per night! If you have both the discontinued IHG Select card and the IHG Premier card you’ll get every 4th award night free AND a 10% rebate on award nights! That means a 4 night PointsBreaks hotel stay will start at just 13.5K points or 3,375 points per night!
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: Decent signup bonus. The annual free night should be worth more than the annual fee and the Global Entry fee refund is a nice touch.
  • Chase IHG Traveler Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 60K bonus points for spending $2,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase IHG Traveler card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase IHG Traveler card.
    • Spending categories after the first 12 months: You’ll earn 15 points per dollar at IHG hotels. That consists of 5 points per dollar on the card and 10 points per dollar from IHG for the stay. Bookings must be made directly on IHG.com. You’ll earn 2 points per dollar on dining, gas stations, and restaurants, and 1 point per dollar everywhere else.
    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Elite status: Gold status for spending $10K/year.
    • 4th award night free: When cardholders book an award stay, every 4th night will be free! That means a 4 night PointsBreak hotel stay will start at just 15K points or 3,750 points per night! If you have both the discontinued IHG Select card and the IHG Premier card you’ll get every 4th award night free AND a 10% rebate on award nights! That means a 4 night PointsBreaks hotel stay will start at just 13.5K points or 3,375 points per night!
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • DD take: Weak signup bonus and spending categories, but 4th award night free has some value.
  • Chase Marriott Bonvoy Consumer Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 75K bonus points for spending $3,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Marriott consumer card or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant AMEX or Marriott Bonvoy Business AMEX in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Marriott Bonvoy Consumer AMEX and didn’t receive a signup bonus for a Marriott  Bonvoy AMEX in the past 24 months.
    • Spending categories: 6 points per dollar at Marriott hotels, 2 points per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card into a JPMorgan Ritz Carlton card.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Elite status and Marriott benefits.: Having this card gives you free premium in-room internet access and Silver elite status, which gives bonus points, late checkout, and more. If you spend $35K/year you’ll earn Gold status, which gives 25% bonus points, late checkout, room upgrades, a points amenity on paid and award stays, and more.
    • Annual free night: Earn 1 free night up to 35K points automatically every year, good for a free night at hotels like AC Hotel Miami Beach, W New Orleans French Quarter, Ritz-Carlton Cleveland, Publica Isrotel Autograph Collection Herzliya Israel, Sheraton Kauai Resort, Westin Resort & Spa Cancun, W Panama, Westin Sydney, Atlantis Coral Towers Bahamas, JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro, S. Regis Beijing, and many more.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: A weak card for the signup bonus and spending, but the anniversary night more than covers the annual fee.
  • Chase Southwest Plus Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 40K bonus points for spending $1,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Southwest Consumer card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Southwest Consumer card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest and 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $69
    • Foreign transaction fee: 3%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Anniversary bonus: 3K Southwest points annually.
    • Card benefits: Redeem Southwest points for gift cards at hundreds of stores at a value of 1 cent per point. All points earned count toward companion pass status, which can be earned by earning 110K Southwest points in a calendar year and it valid for unlimited free companion tickets until the end of the following calendar year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to the Southwest Premier and Southwest Priority consumer cards.
    • See the Southwest card comparison chart here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: Weak signup bonus and spending benefits, but a good value if you are trying to get a companion pass.
  • Chase Southwest Premier Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 40K bonus points for spending $1,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Southwest Consumer card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Southwest Consumer card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest and 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $99
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Anniversary bonus: 6K Southwest points annually.
    • Card benefits: Redeem Southwest points for gift cards at hundreds of stores at a value of 1 cent per point. All points earned count toward companion pass status, which can be earned by earning 110K Southwest points in a calendar year and it valid for unlimited free companion tickets until the end of the following calendar year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to the Southwest Plus and Southwest Priority consumer cards.
    • See the Southwest card comparison chart here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: Weak signup bonus and spending benefits, but a good value if you are trying to get a companion pass.
  • Chase Southwest Priority Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 40K bonus points for spending $1,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on a Chase Southwest Consumer card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Southwest Consumer card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest and 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $149
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Anniversary bonus: 7.5K Southwest points annually.
    • Southwest travel credit: $75 annually.
    • Southwest A1-A15 boarding upgrade certificates: 4 annual upgrades.
    • Credit for Southwest in-flight WiFi and drinks: 20% cash back.
    • Tier qualifying points towards A-list Status: 1.5K tier points for every $10K spent, up to $100K annually.
    • Card benefits: Redeem Southwest points for gift cards at hundreds of stores at a value of 1 cent per point. All points earned count toward companion pass status, which can be earned by earning 110K Southwest points in a calendar year and it valid for unlimited free companion tickets until the end of the following calendar year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to the Southwest Plus and Southwest Premier consumer cards.
    • See the Southwest card comparison chart here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: Weak signup bonus and spending benefits, but this card has great benefits for Southwest flyers that outweigh the annual fee. A good value for spending if you are trying to get a companion pass.
  • Chase Southwest Business Premier Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 60K bonus points for spending $3,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on the Southwest Business Premier Card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Chase Southwest Business Premier Card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest and 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $99
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US for personal rentals, primary in the US for business rentals, primary outside of the US for all rentals.
    • Anniversary bonus: 6K Southwest points annually.
    • Card benefits: Redeem Southwest points for gift cards at hundreds of stores at a value of 1 cent per point. All points earned count toward companion pass status, which can be earned by earning 110K Southwest points in a calendar year and it valid for unlimited free companion tickets until the end of the following calendar year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to the Southwest Performance Business Card.
    • See the Southwest card comparison chart here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: Strong signup bonus, but weak spending benefits aside from those trying to get a companion pass. Anniversary points are worth about the same as the annual fee.
  • Chase Southwest Performance Business Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 70K bonus points for spending $5,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You can get the signup bonus if you haven’t received the bonus on the Southwest Performance Business Card in the past 24 months and don’t currently have a Southwest Performance Business Card.
    • Spending categories: Earn 3 points per dollar on Southwest, 2 points per dollar on social media and search engine advertising, and 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $199
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary in the US, primary outside of the US.
    • Anniversary bonus: 9K Southwest points annually.
    • Southwest A1-A15 boarding upgrade certificates: 4 annual upgrades.
    • Credit for Southwest in-flight WiFi: Full refund of WiFi fees, up to 365 charges per year.
    • Tier qualifying points towards A-list Status: 1.5K tier points for every $10K spent, up to $100K annually.
    • Card benefits: Redeem Southwest points for gift cards at hundreds of stores at a value of 1 cent per point. All points earned count toward companion pass status, which can be earned by earning 110K Southwest points in a calendar year and it valid for unlimited free companion tickets until the end of the following calendar year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to the Southwest Business Premier Card.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: Strong signup bonus, and mixed spending benefits. This card has great benefits for Southwest flyers that outweigh the annual fee. Good for spending if you are trying to get a companion pass.

Capital One Miles Cards:

These cards can transfer all of your Capital One points into airline miles. You can transfer points to other cardholders as well.

  • Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 50K bonus miles for spending $4,500 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: None
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 miles per dollar everywhere.
    • Annual fee: $0 for first year, then $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Increased point value: Redeem points for travel at a value 1 cent each. Or you can transfer into airline miles at a 2:1.5 ratio.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Primary on business rentals, secondary on personal rentals. Not valid in Israel, Jamaica, the Republic of Ireland, or Northern Ireland.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or use points for 2% back everywhere towards travel.
    • Card benefits: Lost luggage protection, extended warranty, price protection.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: Excellent signup bonus and strong mileage earnings on spending.
  • Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 60K bonus miles for spending $3,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: None
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 miles per dollar everywhere.
    • Annual fee: $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Increased point value: Redeem points for travel at a value 1 cent each. Or you can transfer into airline miles at a 2:1.5 ratio.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary. Not valid in Israel, Jamaica, the Republic of Ireland, or Northern Ireland.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or use points for 2% back everywhere towards travel.
    • Card benefits: Lost luggage protection.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: Good signup bonus and strong mileage earnings on spending.

Capital One Cash Back Cards:

  • Capital One® Spark® Cash Plus for Business
    • Welcome bonus: Earn $500 cash back for spending $5,000 in 3 months and another $500 cash back for spending another $45,000 in 6 months, for a total of $1,000 cash back.
    • Signup restriction: None
    • Spending categories: 2% cash back everywhere.
    • Annual fee: $150
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Primary on business rentals, secondary on personal rentals. Not valid in Israel, Jamaica, the Republic of Ireland, or Northern Ireland.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles if you also have a Spark Miles ot Venture card.
    • Card benefits: Lost luggage protection, price protection.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Full guide to benefits.
    • DD take: Excellent signup bonus, but there are no annual fee 2% cards available.

American Express Membership Rewards Cards:

These cards can all transfer points into airline miles and hotel points.

  • The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 points per dollar everywhere on up to $50,000 in annual spending.
    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
    • Intro APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or use points. You can also get an increased value of your points towards paid airfare if you have a Business Gold AMEX or Business Platinum AMEX.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty. Purchase protection. Transfer points into airline miles and hotel points. Combine points with cards like Business Platinum for an increased value towards paid airfare.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Rates and fees here.
    • DD take: An incredible card for everyday spending with no annual fee.
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
    • Welcome bonus: 75K welcome bonus points for spending $15,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AMEXTravel.com, 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases of $5,000+ (up to 1 million bonus points/year) 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $595
    • Annual travel credit: $200 on the airline of your choice.
    • Dell credit: You can register here for $100 cash back at Dell.com every January-June and $100 cash back every July-December. AMEX Business cards also have a stackable AMEX Offer available for 10% off all purchases Dell through 1/31/20, with up to $1,500 in total statement credits.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Increased point value: Receive a 35% rebate on paid travel redemptions on the airline of your choice in coach and on all airlines in business/first. This effectively turns your points into hybrid points as you can choose between getting a value of 1.54 cents per point or transferring points into miles, depending on which gets you a better value.
    • Lounge access: Centurion lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests. Priority Pass lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests. Airspace lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests. Escape lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests. Delta Skyclub access for cardholder.
    • WeWork Global Access: Enroll by 12/31/19 for a free year of WeWork Global Access, a $2,700 value!
    • Gold elite status with 2 hotel chains: Cardholders get gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years for primary cardholders and for free additional Green cardholders.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Card benefits: Combine points with cards like Blue Business Plus to earn 2 points per dollar spent and get an increased value towards paid airfare. Lost item protection, return protection, car rental perks, extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, Business Platinum concierge, and more.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or hotel points or use points for a value of 1.54 cents or more towards paid airfare.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a business Gold or Green card.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Rates and fees.
    • DD take: A pricey card, but a strong signup bonus and laden with benefits that far exceed the annual fee.
  • American Express® Business Gold Card
    • Welcome bonus: 35K welcome bonus points for spending $5,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: Earn 4X Membership Rewards points on the 2 categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle from the list below, plus earn 1X on other purchases. 4X points applies to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year, then earn 1 point per dollar: Airfare purchased directly from airlines, U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio), U.S. purchases made directly from select technology providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutions, U.S. purchases at gas stations, U.S. purchases at restaurants, or U.S. purchases for shipping.
    • Annual fee: $295
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Increased point value: Receive a 25% rebate on paid travel redemptions on the airline of your choice in coach and on all airlines in business/first. This effectively turns your points into hybrid points as you can choose between getting a value of 1.33 cents per point or transferring points into miles, depending on which gets you a better value.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Card benefits: Combine points with cards like Blue Business Plus to earn 2 points per dollar spent and get an increased value towards paid airfare. Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or hotel points or use points for a value of 1.33 cents or more towards paid airfare.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a business Platinum or Green card.
    • Rates and fees.
    • DD take: If the spending categories make sense for you then this card be a worthwhile card to have.
  • Business Green Card from American Express
    • Welcome bonus: 15K welcome bonus points for spending $3,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2x points on eligible AMEXTravel.com purchases and 1x elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or use points. You can also get an increased value of your points towards paid airfare if you have a Business Gold AMEX or Business Platinum AMEX.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Business Platinum or Gold card.
    • Rates and fees.
    • DD take: Weak welcome bonus and spending categories.
  • AMEX Platinum Consumer Card:
    • Welcome bonus: 60K bonus points after spending $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 5 points per dollar on flights, 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked on AMEXTravel.com, 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $550
    • Annual travel credit: $200 on the airline of your choice.
    • Uber/UberEats credit: $15 per month credit ($35 credit in December).
    • Saks 5th Avenue credit: $50 every January-June and $50 every July-December.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Lounge access: Centurion lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests. Priority Pass lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests. Airspace lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests. Escape lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests. Delta Skyclub access for cardholder.
    • Gold elite status with 2 hotel chains: Cardholders get gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years for primary cardholders and for free additional Green cardholders.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Card benefits: Lost item protection, return protection, car rental perks, extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, Platinum concierge, and more.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or use points. You can also get an increased value of your points towards paid airfare if you have a Business Gold AMEX or Business Platinum AMEX.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a consumer Gold or Green card.
    • DD take: A pricey card, but laden with benefits that can exceed the annual fee.
  • AMEX Gold Consumer Card:
    • Welcome bonus: 40K bonus points after spending $2,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 4 points per dollar on dining, 4 points per dollar on up to $25K in annual US supermarket spending, 3 points per dollar on flights.
    • Dining credit: Get $10 back per month at your choice of Grubhub, Seamless, Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations.
    • Annual fee: $250
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Annual travel credit: $100 on the airline of your choice.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or use points. You can also get an increased value of your points towards paid airfare if you have a Business Gold AMEX or Business Platinum AMEX.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a consumer Platinum or Green card.
    • DD take: If the spending categories make sense for you then this card be a worthwhile card to have.
  • AMEX Green Consumer Card:
    • Welcome bonus: 35K bonus points after spending $2,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. You’ll get a $150 statement credit for purchasing Away luggage (You can also get a $20 Away discount at final checkout via this link).
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 3 points per dollar on travel and dining.
    • CLEAR credit: The Green card offers a $100 annual statement credit for CLEAR, which is great. That lowers the cost of membership from $109 to just $9/year for Delta or United cardholders/elites or from $119 to $19/year for non-cardholders or non-elite members. You can read more about CLEAR membership and pricing here.
    • LoungeBuddy credit: The Green card also offers a $100 annual statement credit for LoungeBuddy. That will get you a couple of lounge passes, though their lounge network is limited.
    • Annual fee: $150
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, and more.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or use points. You can also get an increased value of your points towards paid airfare if you have a Business Gold AMEX or Business Platinum AMEX.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a consumer Platinum or Gold card.
    • DD take: Tries to take on Sapphire Reserve, but falls well short due to lack of compelling benefits overall.
  • AMEX Everyday Preferred Consumer Card
    • Welcome bonus: 20K bonus points after spending $1,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: If you make at least 30 transactions per month you’ll earn 4.5 points per dollar on up to $6,000 in annual US supermarket purchases, 3 points per dollar on gas, and 1.5 points per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95
    • Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Card benefits: Return protection, car rental perks, extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or use points. You can also get an increased value of your points towards paid airfare if you have a Business Gold AMEX or Business Platinum AMEX.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to an Everyday card.
    • DD take: If you can make sure that you make 30 transactions per month, this card has strong spending categories.
  • AMEX Everyday Consumer Card
    • Welcome bonus: 15K bonus points after spending $1,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: If you make at least 20 transactions per month you’ll earn 2.4 points per dollar on up to $6,000 in annual US supermarket purchases and 1.2 points per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or use points. You can also get an increased value of your points towards paid airfare if you have a Business Gold AMEX or Business Platinum AMEX.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to an Everyday Preferred card.
    • DD take: If you can make sure that you make 20 transactions per month, this card has decent spending categories for a no annual fee card.

American Express Cash Back cards:

  • American Express® Blue Business Cash Card
    • Spending categories: Earn 2% cash back everywhere on up to $50,000 in annual spending.
    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
    • Intro APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Hybrid points: No
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty and purchase protection.
    • Read the full card review here.
    • Rates and fees here.
    • DD take: A good cash back business card with no annual fee.
  • AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Consumer Card
    • Welcome bonus: $300 back after spending $1,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 6% cash back on up to $6,000 in annual US supermarket purchases, 6% cash back on select US streaming, 3% cash back on transit and gas, and 1% cash back elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95
    • Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Hybrid points: No
    • Card benefits: Return protection, extended warranty, purchase protection, and more.
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Blue Cash Everyday card.
    • DD take: A good cash back card for the spending categories.
  • AMEX Blue Cash Everyday Consumer Card
    • Welcome bonus: $200 back after spending $1,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in annual US supermarket purchases, 2% cash back on and US gas and select US department stores, and 1% cash back elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Hybrid points: No
    • Product changes: You can convert this card to a Blue Cash Preferred card.
    • DD take: A decent cash back card for the spending categories.

American Express Co-Brand Cards:

  • Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
    • Welcome bonus: 75K bonus points after spending $3,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card, or if you have or had an active Chase Marriott Business card in the past 30 days, or if you signed up for a Chase Marriott consumer card in the past 90 days, or if you received a signup bonus on a Chase Marriott consumer card in the past 24 months. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 6 points per dollar on Marriott, 4 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping, 2 points per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $125
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status and Marriott benefits.: Having this card gives you free premium in-room internet access and Silver elite status, which gives bonus points, late checkout, and more. If you spend $35K/year you’ll earn Gold status, which gives 25% bonus points, late checkout, room upgrades, a points amenity on paid and award stays, and more.
    • Annual free night: Earn 1 free night up to 35K points automatically every year, good for a free night at hotels like AC Hotel Miami Beach, W New Orleans French Quarter, Ritz-Carlton Cleveland, Publica Isrotel Autograph Collection Herzliya Israel, Sheraton Kauai Resort, Westin Resort & Spa Cancun, W Panama, Westin Sydney, Atlantis Coral Towers Bahamas, JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro, S. Regis Beijing, and many more.
    • Bonus annual free night: Earn another free night up to 35K points if you spend $60K in a calendar year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits:  Return protection, car rental perks, extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: A weak card for the signup bonus and spending, but the anniversary night more than covers the annual fee.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
    • Welcome bonus: 75K bonus points after spending $3,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card, or if you have or had an active Ritz-Carlton card in the past 30 days, or if you signed up for a Chase Marriott card in the past 90 days, or if you received a signup bonus on a Chase Marriott consumer card in the past 24 months. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 6 points per dollar on Marriott, 3 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants and on U.S. airfare, 2 points per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $450
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status and Marriott benefits.: Having this card gives you free premium in-room internet access and Gold elite status, which gives 25% bonus points, late checkout, room upgrades, a points amenity on paid and award stays, and more. If you spend $75K/year you’ll earn Platinum status, which gives 50% bonus points, 4pm late checkout, upgrades, and more.
    • Annual free night: Earn 1 free night up to 50K points automatically every year, good for a free night at hotels like the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya.
    • Annual Marriott/Starwood hotel credit: $300
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check Refund: Every 4 years.
    • Lounge access: Priority Pass lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits:  Return protection, car rental perks, extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: A weak card for the welcome bonus and spending, but the Marriott travel credit and anniversary night are valuable if you’ll use them.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 70,000 bonus miles. Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 3 months.  Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles after your first anniversary of Card Membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, on every dollar spent on eligible U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, on every dollar spent on eligible U.S. shipping purchases, and on every eligible dollar spent on dining at restaurants.
    • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • First checked bag fee waiver and priority boarding.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: A weak card for the welcome bonus and spending, but helpful for a free checked bag.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months of card membership and 20,000 bonus miles after your first card anniversary.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 3 miles per dollar on hotels and Delta purchases. Earn 1.5 miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, up to 50,000 additional miles per year.
    • Annual fee: $250.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • First checked bag fee waiver and priority boarding.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check credit.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status: If you spend $25,000 in a calendar year you’ll receive 10,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles. If you spend $50,000 in a calendar year you’ll receive another 10,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles.
    • Annual companion certificate: Good for use on one main cabin trip.
    • MQD Waiver: Spend $25K annually to waive MQD requirements for Silver, Gold, or Platinum and $250K for Diamond
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: Weak welcome bonus and pricey card, but helpful for Delta elites.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 20,000 MQMs after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.  Plus, earn an additional 20,000 bonus miles after your first anniversary of Card Membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases.
    • After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 Miles per dollar on eligible purchases the rest of the year.  Eligible purchases after spending $150,000 do not include Delta purchases.
    • Annual fee: $550
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Sky Club lounge access for the primary cardholder.
    • Centurion lounge access for the primary cardholder when flying Delta.
    • Upgrade priority for elite members.
    • Upgrade access for non-elite members.
    • First checked bag fee waiver and priority boarding.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check credit.
    • 2 annual Sky Club guest passes.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status: Earn 15,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles with every $30,000 spent, up to 60,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles.
    • Annual companion certificate: Good for use on one first class or main cabin trip.
    • MQD Waiver: Spend $25K annually to waive MQD requirements for Silver, Gold, or Platinum and $250K for Diamond
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, return protection, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: Weak welcome bonus and pricey card, but potentially very helpful for Delta travelers.
  • Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card
    • Welcome bonus: Through 4/1, earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months of card membership and 10,000 bonus miles after your first card anniversary.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, on every dollar spent on eligible U.S. purchases for groceries, and on every eligible dollar spent on dining at restaurants.
    • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • First checked bag fee waiver and priority boarding.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: Good welcome bonus, but weak for spending. Helpful for a free checked bag.
  • Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card
    • Welcome bonus: Through 4/1, earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months of card membership and 20,000 bonus miles after your first card anniversary.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: Earn 3 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on every dollar spent on eligible U.S. purchases for groceries, and on every eligible dollar spent on dining at restaurants.
    • Annual fee: $250
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • First checked bag fee waiver and priority boarding.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check credit.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status: Earn 10K MQM for spending $25K and for spending $50K annually.
    • Annual companion certificate: Good for use on one main cabin trip.
    • MQD Waiver: Spend $25K annually to waive MQD requirements for Silver, Gold, or Platinum and $250K for Diamond
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: Good welcome bonus, but weak for spending and pricey card. Helpful for Delta elites.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
    • Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 20,000 MQMs after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.  Plus, earn an additional 20,000 bonus miles after your first anniversary of Card Membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases.
    • Annual fee: $550
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Sky Club lounge access for the primary cardholder.
    • Centurion lounge access for the primary cardholder when flying Delta.
    • Upgrade priority for elite members.
    • Upgrade access for non-elite members.
    • First checked bag fee waiver and priority boarding.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check credit.
    • 2 annual Sky Club guest passes.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status: Earn 15,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles with every $30,000 spent, up to 60,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles.
    • Annual companion certificate: Good for use on one first class or main cabin trip.
    • MQD Waiver: Spend $25K annually to waive MQD requirements for Silver, Gold, or Platinum and $250K for Diamond
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, return protection, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: Good welcome bonus, but weak for spending and pricey card. Potentially very helpful for Delta travelers.
  • The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
    • Welcome bonus: 125K bonus points after spending $3,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 12 points per dollar at Hilton hotels, 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, on flights booked directly with airlines, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping, 3 points per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status: Having this card gives you free Gold elite status, which gives with free breakfast at all Hilton hotels, free Wi-Fi, late checkout, 5th award night free, free bottled water, space available upgrades, and more. If you spend $40K/year you’ll earn top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status with free Executive Lounge access, upgrades, and more, through the end of the next calendar year.
    • Annual free night: Earn a Free Weekend Night Reward after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card account in a calendar year.
    • 2nd Annual free night: Earn another Free Weekend Night Reward after you spend another $45,000 on eligible purchases on your Card account in a calendar year.
    • Lounge access: 10 free visits to over 1,000 Priority Pass airport lounges every year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: Hilton points are very devalued, but it can make sense to have the card for elite status and spend for the annual free nights.
  • Hilton Honors American Express Card
    • Welcome bonus: 75K bonus points after spending $1,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 7 points per dollar at Hilton hotels, 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations,, and U.S. supermarkets, 3 points per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status: Having this card gives you free Silver elite status. If you spend $20K/year you’ll earn Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty and purchase protection.
    • DD take: Weak signup bonus and benefits.
  • Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
    • Welcome bonus: 125K bonus points after spending $3,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 12 points per dollar at Hilton hotels, 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations,, and U.S. supermarkets, 3 points per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $95
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Annual free night: Earn a Free Weekend Night Reward after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card account in a calendar year.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status: Having this card gives you free Gold elite status, which gives with free breakfast at all Hilton hotels, free Wi-Fi, late checkout, 5th award night free, free bottled water, space available upgrades, and more. If you spend $40K/year you’ll earn top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status with free Executive Lounge access, upgrades, and more, through the end of the next calendar year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: Hilton points are very devalued, but it can make sense to have the card for elite status and spend for the annual free nights.
  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
    • Welcome bonus: 150K bonus points after spending $4,000 within your first 3 months of card membership.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have or have had this card. If you are not eligible for the bonus you will get a popup notification after clicking to apply for the card. At that point you can decide whether to proceed or cancel the application before it is processed.
    • Spending categories: 14 points per dollar at Hilton hotels, 7 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, flights booked directly with airlines, or Car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies.
    • Annual fee: $450
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Annual free night: Earn a Free Weekend Night Reward every year after renewal.
    • 2nd Annual free night: Earn another Free Weekend Night Reward after you spend $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Card account in a calendar year.
    • Annual Hilton Resort credit: $250 at participating Hilton resorts.
    • Lounge access: Priority Pass lounge access for cardholder and 2 guests.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: Secondary worldwide, except no coverage in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. Upgrade available to primary coverage for $19.95/rental.
    • Elite status: Having this card gives you free top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status with free Executive Lounge access, upgrades, free breakfast at all Hilton hotels, free Wi-Fi, late checkout, 5th award night free, free bottled water, and more.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • Card benefits: Return protection, extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance plan, and more.
    • DD take: Hilton points are very devalued, but it can make sense to have the card for elite status, annual free nights, airline fee credit, and resort credit.

Citibank Cash Back and ThankYou Cards:

  • Citi Double Cash Card
    • Spending categories: Earn 2 points per dollar everywhere. You can use this for 2% cash back or transfer into ThankYou points.
    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fee: 3%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: None
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points to Citi Premier or Prestige to transfer points into airline miles. Transfer points to Citi Premier for 1.25 cents value towards paid travel.
    • DD take: A good card for spending for the ability to transfer points, but no benefits or extended warranty.
  • Citi Rewards+ Card
    • Signup bonus: 15K points for spending $1,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have received a bonus on a Citi ThankYou points card or closed a Citi ThankYou points card in the past 24 months.
    • Spending categories: Every purchase is rounded up to the nearest 10 points, so even a 1 cent transaction earns 10 points! Plus earn 2 points per dollar on the first $6,000 in annual supermarket and gas station spending.
    • Annual fee: $0
    • Points rebate: Get 10% of your points back, up to a 10,000 points rebate annually.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 3%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: None
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points to Citi Premier or Prestige to transfer points into airline miles. Transfer points to Citi Premier for 1.25 cents value towards paid travel. Plus get 10% points rebate for having a Rewards+ card.
    • DD take: A good card for small transactions and the points rebate, but no benefits or extended warranty.
  • Citi Premier Card
    • Signup bonus: 60K points for spending $4,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have received a bonus on a Citi ThankYou points card or closed a Citi ThankYou points card in the past 24 months.
    • Spending categories: Triple points on travel and gas. Double points on dining and entertainment.
    • Annual fee: $95
    • Increased point value: Receive a 25% bonus on paid travel redemptions. This effectively turns your points into hybrid points as you can choose between getting a value of 1.25 cents per point or transferring points into miles, depending on which gets you a better value.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: None
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles or receive 1.25 cents value towards paid travel.
    • DD take: A good card, especially when paired together with Double Cash for 2 points per dollar everywhere and Rewards+ for a points rebate.
  • Citi Prestige Card
    • Signup bonus: 50K points for spending $4,000 in 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have received a bonus on a Citi ThankYou points card or closed a Citi ThankYou points card in the past 24 months.
    • Spending categories: 5 points per dollar on airfare and dining. 3 points per dollar on hotels and cruises.
    • Annual fee: $495
    • Annual travel credit: $250
    • Priority Pass Lounge Membership
    • Complimentary 4th night hotel stay: Book a 4 night hotel stay and get 1 night free, up to twice per year.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: None
    • Hybrid points: Transfer points into airline miles. Transfer points to Citi Premier for 1.25 cents value towards paid travel.
    • DD take: This card no longer offers hybrid points, lounge access, unlimited 4th night free bookings, or trip insurance, making it overpriced for most people.

Citibank Co-Brand Cards:

  • Citi Business AAdvantage World Mastercard
    • Signup bonus: 70K bonus miles after spending $4,000 within your first 4 months.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have received a bonus on a Citi Business AA card in the past 48 months.
    • Spending categories: 2 miles per dollar on AA purchases, cable, phone, car rentals, and gas.
    • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee, then $95.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • First domestic checked bag fee waiver and priority boarding.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: None.
    • Annual companion certificate: Good for use on one main cabin trip when you spend $30K in a cardmembership year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • DD take: Strong signup bonus and helpful for AA flights.
  • Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
    • Signup bonus: 50K bonus miles after spending $5,000 within your first 3 months.
    • Signup restriction: You won’t get the welcome bonus on this card if you have received a bonus on a Citi AA Executive card in the past 48 months.
    • Spending categories: 2 miles per dollar on AA purchases.
    • Annual fee: $450
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Admirals Club Membership: Access for you and your family or 2 guests when flying American or partner airline.
    • Admirals Club access for up to 10 free authorized users.
    • First domestic checked bag fee waiver and priority checkin, security, and boarding.
    • Global Entry/Pre-Check credit.
    • Car Rental CDW insurance: None.
    • Elite status: Earn 10K EQMs for spending $40K annually.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • DD take: Weak spending categories and pricey card, but helpful for AA lounge access.
  • Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
    • Spending categories: 4% back on up to $7K of annual gas, 3% back on dining and travel, 2% back on Costco purchases, 1% back elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $0.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • DD take: No signup bonus, but decent for bonus categories.

Bank of America Co-Brand Cards:

  • Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card
  • Alaska Airlines Visa® Consumer Credit Card
    • Signup bonus: 40K bonus miles after spending $2,000 within your first 90 days.
    • Spending categories: 3 Alaska miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $75
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • First checked bag fee waiver.
    • Get 50% off Alaska Lounge Passes.
    • Get 20% back on inflight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases.
    • Get an annual Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare certificate.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • View full card view here.
    • DD take: Good signup bonus due to Alaska’s valuable miles, useful benefits if you fly Alaska, weak spending categories. Business signup bonus is highest ever, consumer signup bonus has been higher previously.

Barclays Co-Brand Cards:

  • AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard
    • Signup bonus: 60K bonus miles and a $99 companion certificate after making a purchase in 90 days.
    • Spending categories: 2 miles per dollar on AA purchases, 1 mile per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $99.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • First domestic checked bag fee waiver and priority boarding.
    • Annual $99 companion certificate: Good for use on one main cabin trip when you spend $20K in a cardmembership year.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • DD take: Good signup bonus and helpful for AA flights.
  • JetBlue Plus Card
    • Signup bonus: 40K bonus points after spending $1,000 in 90 days.
    • Spending categories: 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining and groceries, 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $99.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • First checked bag fee waiver.
    • Earn Mosaic status with $50K annual spend.
    • Annual 5K points anniversary bonus.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • DD take: Weak signup bonus, but helpful for JetBlue flights.
  • JetBlue Business Card
    • Signup bonus: 50K bonus points after spending $1,000 in 90 days, plus 10K bonus points when an employee card makes a purchase within 90 days.
    • Spending categories: 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining and office supply stores, 1 point per dollar elsewhere.
    • Annual fee: $99.
    • Foreign transaction fee: 0%
    • First checked bag fee waiver.
    • Earn Mosaic status with $50K annual spend.
    • Annual 5K points anniversary bonus.
    • Hybrid points: No.
    • DD take: Good signup bonus and helpful for JetBlue flights.

More in-depth reading:

What cards do you have, and which will you be signing up for?

205 COMMENTS

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  1. Joel2
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    Great post well written as always!

  2. etech0
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    Awesome article! I bookmarked to read through it more thoroughly later.

  3. Thank You Sir
    Link Reply

    Thanks Dan good read.

  4. Huh
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    Thanx!! Been waiting for such a post.

  5. Yitz
    Link Reply

    Gosh this must’ve taken you forever to write 🙂 Good read thanks

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      It certainly did, been a long time in the making.
      Thanks!

  6. Richie
    Link Reply

    I’m waiting for the post “No, you shouldn’t open a Google checking account, why do you ask?”
    🙂

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Lol, let’s wait and see 🙂

  7. Clarifier
    Link Reply

    Thanks so much!! Was always waiting for a post like this.
    Right now I’m still a beginner and I have a freedom unlimited and sapphire preferred to transfer and use for travel, but hope to move on to better rewards.

    Question: I see u write to pay off your balance before the statement closes besides a buck or 2 to help boost your credit score through low credit utilization, but do you still get points on purchases even though the statement doesn’t close with the bill?

  8. Want to fly
    Link Reply

    Have lot of MR from Amex what would be the cheapest to redeem that for NY / TLV ?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      There’s no easy answer for that. There are lots of transfer partner to choose from, but Flying Blue is often a good option.

      Do you have a Business Gold or Platinum to use them as hybrid points?

      • Want to fly
        Link Reply

        unfortunately not closed it didn’t want the $125 fee

      • Want to fly
        Link Reply

        Flying Blue has a bonus now, is 25% considered good?

        • Dan
          Link Reply

          Sure. But check for availability before you transfer.

          • Want to fly
            Link

            High surcharges

          • Dan
            Link

            The trick is to find Delta nonstop flights as those don’t have the surcharges.
            Or to book when there is a Promo special.

  9. RenoRich
    Link Reply

    Great post to bookmark for the next year!

    One additional point around business vs. personal cards. In general, for disputes and other unfortunate purchase issues, personal cards tend to have better consumer protections. Don’t assume all consumer protections you have enjoyed in the past carry over to purchases made with business cards.

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      I’ve had the same results with consumer and business disputes.

  10. jake
    Link Reply

    Wow!! VERY clear and well written!! i would add though that the free night on the hyatt card is worth more than the annual fee.

  11. E
    Link Reply

    Thanks for the clarity. Was wondering your opinion on which no fee or low fee card would be best for regular benefits like return protection and extended warranty now that Amex is basically winding down those benefits.

    Thanks again

  13. HY
    Link Reply

    I think we need a post of how to search for flights like a strategy or something, I always find that the hardest I would do a strategy from NYC to TLV and or other big places like Mia, FLL, LAX etc.

    • Yitschak
      Link Reply

      Ditto. It appears simple and straightforward to purchase a tkt using points but there’s better value to be had via Awards, but I don’t understand that. How can I learn? Thanks

  14. Can you help with this?
    Link Reply

    20 years ago in a different life I messed up my credit with Amex and chase. Since then I have a credit score of over 800. Neither chase nor Amex can do anything about what happened so long ago… except not issue me their cards. I’ve signed up and received Barclays cards which I use and pay off in good standing.
    Is there anything I can do re Amex or chase to get their cards?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Unfortunately probably not. Banks have a long memory.

      • Joel Abrams
        Link Reply

        I thought it’s forgiven after 8 years.

  15. Av
    Link Reply

    Hi thanks for the detailed article was wondering if you can elaborate more a checking credit score for example you linked to my FICO which cost money what about using Experian website which you can sign up for free is there a down side using it? 2)dose it hurt your credit score if you check?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      1. Use the Discover link in the post.
      2. No.

  16. Ari
    Link Reply

    Any way to open up decent cards for 18 year old children with negligible income?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Personally I’d write the full household income and explain that the household income will go to pay off the card.

      But first go wit the starter cards to build up your score as outlined in this post.

      • weiss
        Link Reply

        everytime you include household income you need to explain that it will go to pay off the card – and where you explain it on the application ?

  17. duvi
    Link Reply

    thanks so much -as always! i’m looking out so long for such a post from the experts ! i’m still in beginning stages i already have a freedom unlimited, amex gold delta, amex bluechash & a capital 1, from your experience where should i take further? (of course sapphire is first in line..)

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Ink Preferred and/or Sapphire Preferred.

  18. Shmoogrr
    Link Reply

    @Dan, are these cards also available from TLV-NYC, or do they must originate from the USA?

  19. Dave
    Link Reply

    You write Joe Smith” as the business Sole Proprietorship and enter social security number in the Tax Identification Number field, but then I need to enter my personal annual income, right?

  20. Y
    Link Reply

    Can you explain how a credit score works for someone who doesn’t have a social and what happens with that credit score once they obtain a social.

  22. rebyid
    Link Reply

    Thanks as always for the hard work.
    Isn’t there cell phone protection with Citi?

  23. ROYA
    Link Reply

    Thanks Dan! Great read!! How do you book w a partner airline? For example: With British Airways for AA or with LifeMiles for Delta? Do you need to call?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      You can book AA flights on BA.com or BA flights on AA.com. Some partners do require calling, like booking Alaska flights with BA Avios.

      Lifemiles and Delta aren’t partners, but Lifemiles.com can book United awards.

  24. Sos
    Link Reply

    Thanks Dan.
    Prefect timing, as I am actively looking for a new 0 APR business card, I already have 2 Amex Blue for business plus, now I have to see what else I should go for….

  25. Shea
    Link Reply

    Are you covering these subjects.

    closing cards, how it effects? When to close?…

    What to watch before applying for a mortgage…

    What points could be combined with what cards…

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Added 1 and 2:)
      3 is discussed in the post.

  26. H
    Link Reply

    Amazing!! Thank you!!

    A big con of using chase UR points for travel is that they use Expedia’s search engine which is many times more expensive or just doesn’t even have availability other standard OTA’s have.

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      I haven’t found it to be more expansive in 99.9% of cases.
      Citi’s is worse for whatever reason.

    • Shilo
      Link Reply

      Ture, they always overcharge by some $10-$20

  27. De
    Link Reply

    thanks!!great post as always how do i upgrade from chase business unlimited to a preferred and get the 80k signup bonus on top of the 50k i got for the unlimited

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      You don’t get points for upgrading, but you can apply for the Ink Preferred and get the 80K bonus.

  28. Dave
    Link Reply

    For someone turning 18 without any income to start off getting credit would be to have an additional card ? Would Amex be better or Chase ?

      • weiss
        Link Reply

        is there better to be add on a discover or BofA card ?

  29. Israel
    Link Reply

    Which card as of now would be best to use in Israel for car rental?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Sapphire Reserve, Ink Preferred, or Sapphire Preferred.

        • Starting to get the hang of this
          Link Reply

          I think ink cash has foreign transaction fees

      • On my way to Israel
        Link Reply

        Dan, help! You sent me a link for a place to rent a car in Israel and I can’t find it. I think you recommended a place saying that they won’t charge extra for not using it on shabbos. I’m leaving on Sunday. Do I need to reserve before leaving or can I make arrangements there? Can you re-send? Thx!!

      • On my way to Israel
        Link Reply

        Also, I have a sapphire preferred and business ink preferred. Renting a car in Israel. I was planning to use the ink business card (3 points per dollar instead of the 2 from sapphire preferred) but it is really a personal use. Any reason that I should avoid the business card? I got a letter from chase saying we are covered (per that link you sent me that I can’t find)

  30. Ike
    Link Reply

    Thanks for the through info!! Great recap

  31. Anonymous
    Link Reply

    How does credit utilization ratio work on an AmEx charge card with no pre-set spending limit i.e. no total credit to divide by? Thanks,

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Spending on those cards shouldn’t affect the ratio, but it’s possible that some creditors will look as those cards as if they’re maxed out, so you’ll want to pay them off early as well.

  32. G
    Link Reply

    Another great read! When’s the book coming out?

  33. RS
    Link Reply

    Great roundup! Thanks as always Dan for all the time and effort you put into these!

  34. jjgfromnj
    Link Reply

    So helpful, thank you. If one books United via Avianca Lifemiles, do/can you still get United Premier benefits, such as early boarding, extra bag, economy plus seating?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Sure, just call United to add your United number onto the reservation.

      • D
        Link Reply

        What about with hotel reservations if i book a hotel (ie Marriott) thru chase portal can i add it to my Marriott account for points and nights credit?

  35. LG
    Link Reply

    Regarding opening your first card, maybe add the discover card.
    I’ve seen many people getting approved for the discover card without any credit history. The only person I saw getting declined was address related.
    They usually ask for proof of address and social, and then start off with a small credit line like $500 or something like that.

    • MB
      Link Reply

      My first card was with discover.
      I recommend people do the same.
      They also have great customer service!

  36. GoYo
    Link Reply

    Sorry if this has already been asked, but can you transfer between business and personal accounts? Can Chase Freedom points be transferred to INK Preferred/Hybrid Points? Thanks.

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Yes, all banks allow you to pool your points together.

  37. Starting to get the hang of this
    Link Reply

    Omg- how thorough!! Thank you!! I totally didn’t get the section “when to use bank miles and when to transfer miles” but I’m floored with the details here. Maybe one day I will understand that section too lol

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Thanks 🙂
      Read through it a few times and I’m happy to answer questions.

      • Starting to get the hang of this
        Link Reply

        Also, if I use chase points, for example, to buy airline tickets or hotel rooms, do the insurances and perks for the credit card that I used points from apply even though I didn’t have an actual cc charge?

  38. Steven Kastner
    Link Reply

    Can one downgrade a AMEX Biz Plat to a Blue Biz easily enough?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      No.
      You can downgrade to Gold or Green.

  39. Miri
    Link Reply

    Thank you for such a thorough review. Are there any $0 annual fee cards that have zero foreign transaction fees? Preferably not with amex as many places outside the US won’t accept amex cards. thank you

    • Starting to get the hang of this
      Link Reply

      Citi Costco visa?

  40. CH
    Link Reply

    Thank you so much!

    I am trying to get global entry for some family members and I asked AmEx about them charging it to a green card on my business Platinum amount. They told me that they won’t get it if they’re green cardholders…

    Is this true?

    And thanks to you, I just discovered that the IHG card had global entry too!

  41. chaim11219
    Link Reply

    Thanks Dan!! Great seminar! could you also post a round up which airlines charging fuel surcharges and on which partner airlines? to have it in 1 post. Thanks again

  42. S
    Link Reply

    One more point about business cards (this is probably also true for personal cards used for a business) – I assume you can write off the annual fee as a business expense. That effectively reduces the annual fee, and makes these cards even more valuable.
    None of the cc companies send 10-99’s for points or cashback, right?

  43. isador shain
    Link Reply

    for 2 years i had chase sapphire reserve and for somereason i was shut down with out warning
    is there any way to reopen the card on the phone they are giving me a hard time
    if any one of a way it will be reatly appriciated

  44. Gabe
    Link Reply

    Thanks so much for this. Quick question. For business cards do you just need a TIN to sign up? Is there any issue with using non business related spending on a business card? I guess I just need an intro to business cards as I really don’t get what it means. Thanks.

  45. Jakey
    Link Reply

    Is it possible to get multiple travel credits on the reserve card for one annual fee?

  46. Dave
    Link Reply

    Do I need to enter my personal annual income when doing business application on my name (with SS #) as business Sole Proprietorship?

  47. Tp
    Link Reply

    Dan can u confirm if the discover business card didn’t show up on ur personal history? I think it does

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Capital One and Discover business do show up on your report.

  48. Eli
    Link Reply

    Dan thanks for a great article. I have a Wells Fargo college card for about a year and have a credit score of 735 fluctuating a few points monthly, I’ve set my account to auto pay and never missed any payments bh, I barely spend on it just enough to keep the account open monthly my banker told me to spend somewhere around $100 monthly to keep the account in good standing and build my credit. I would like to get a chase credit card and would like to know is there a specific chase card you up would recommend for a beginner like me? A name of the specific card would be perfect. (I am assuming a card that’s gets miles is best I just want to know which one chase card to apply for)

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Freedom Unlimited is a good starter card.

  49. ES
    Link Reply

    Is it worth it to get an Amazon Prime credit card if you use amazon a lot?

  50. Ink
    Link Reply

    Which ink no fee year 2 AND 5% at Offive supplies ?

  51. confused man
    Link Reply

    hi Dan I really wanted to thank you for this great post but I just need a little more understanding as to when to use airline points or bank mikes etc. is there a way to know?

  52. yisr
    Link Reply

    Thanks Dan for this post, which low/no annual fee card would you suggest someone get for spending in israel (no foreign transaction fee)?

  53. yy
    Link Reply

    Why no mention of these? Banco Popular has a LifeMiles card, Bank of America has a Virgin Atlantic card, and Wells Fargo has a nice combination of no-fee cards (Propel and Visa Signature/Rewards) that can net you over 95K points in signup bonuses/spend where each point is worth 1.5 cents in travel benefits. I think of the WF combo as a poor man’s CSR, although it’s not very useful for ongoing spend. Only caveat is that you have to wait 15 months between bonuses. That’s easy to get around by one spouse getting the Propel and the other getting the Visa Signature.

  54. JackBlue
    Link Reply

    Crazy how you have time for this!! Highly appreciated!!!
    And once I’m at it…. you have changed my life!! I’ve flown a lot and saved a lot money and earned a few Million points thanks to posts like these…..

  55. mf1
    Link Reply

    Thanks Dan!
    I got the implication from the post that credit utilization is only calculated at the time of statement closeing.
    Is that correct ?
    Meaning, if I use 100% of my credit but pay it besides 1% before statement closing will my credit utilisations only be 1% and not 100%?

  56. De
    Link Reply

    Does it effect my credit to open a card with a annual fee get the points and then close the account before the year is up?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Not much, but I don’t recommend closing cards within a year. See the closing a card section of this post.

  57. Phil32
    Link Reply

    I was misinformed and put down Phil’s Tutoring instead of my full name when applying for Ink Business Cash. I have not heard back from them and it has been over a week. Is there anything I can do? Can I just reapply for it with correct name? Should I apply for Ink Business Preferred as well?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      You would have to apply again if you don’t have paperwork for that business.
      Sure, they’re both great cards!

  58. De
    Link Reply

    Rather close account or downgrade account?

  59. HarvLuft
    Link Reply

    Dan Just found out I need to pay over 12K in medical expenses before year end, (ouch) but hospital will take a credit card. Would appreciate any recommendations re non-Chase cards to obtain that would provide value for this spend. For travel my favorites are Delta, United JetBlue, Marriott and Hilton. Thanks!

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Take a look at any of the cards in the post that have a high signup spending requirement?

  60. Mordechai
    Link Reply

    i have a fair credit score because just turned 18 and got a BOA CC will i get approved for the 2 chase?

  61. Starting to get the hang of this
    Link Reply

    Dan, I have quite a few cards- 2x sapphire preferred, Amex everyday, business ink cash, business ink preferred, citi premier and citi AAdvantage premium select and 2 citi double cash cards. I finally used up my AAdvantage points and will downgrade that card.

    I’m trying to avoid paying for 2 sapphire preferred cards. If I downgrade one, am I better off going with freedom unlimited so I have a card to use for all my general purchases, (like tuition, medical and other expenses not getting 2+ points per dollar) or do you recommend freedom?

    Thanks so much!!

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Go for one of each and apply for another Sapphire?

      • Starting to get the hang of this
        Link Reply

        I got the 2 sapphire preferred cards 11 months ago so I wouldn’t get the bonus . In the meantime I would only downgrade 1. What do you recommend I downgrade to?

        • Dan
          Link Reply

          They’re both great cards. Really just depends on your spending patterns.

  62. Allan
    Link Reply

    @Dan, great post. I look forward to these posts every time there are new cards in the market or updates (or cuts) made to their benefits.

    I’m curious on your take of the Green Amex card (I didn’t see it posted here, and if I missed it – my bad).

    For me, I have the Chase UR trifecta and would love to also have AMEX points but most AMEX cards, but before the Green card update, I would have needed more spend from my part that I don’t have to take advantage of the AMEX cards.

  63. Avrohom
    Link Reply

    I have a lot of AMEX MR after many years of spending but I don’t use them. Any suggestions in how to get the most value out of them? I don’t travel much but when I do I fly United to Israel so I don’t get to use these miles.

  64. Karina
    Link Reply

    Amazing post! You’re doing an amazing job here helping people! Thank you!

    I don’t understand a lot of the technicalities here, but I just have the one multi part question right now. If I may ask. You speak of “killer combos.” Does that mean applying for two cards from one bank at once? For example I want the Citi Double Cash and the Citi Rewards+ card. Should I apply for both? And at what instances do I use one over the other? Thanks again! 🙂

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Nope, it just means when you have both cards.
      As the Citi rules in the post explain, you would have to wait a week between applications until you can apply for another Citi card.

      You’ll want to use Rewards+ for small purchases and for supermarkets and gas stations, which is when it will earn more than Double Cash.

  65. Phil32
    Link Reply

    Thank you Dan!
    Does the address on the card application need to match other cards? Does it need to match your address on your license?

    Also if I already have one personal Southwest card. What would we be the best way to get a companion pass in Jan 2020? Can I and my wife combine? Can I receive the bonus for 2 business cards?
    Thanks

  66. Aps
    Link Reply

    I Have An amex card with about 60k points on it that I want to close down. On the same account (same login) i have another card which is just a AU card. Will I lose my points if i close down the card with the points? Can I transfer them to another Amex account?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Open another card before you close that one.
      Or downgrade your card instead of closing it.

  67. Yitz Weiss
    Link Reply

    This is an amazing, all-encompassing post! Still trying to get a handle on all these options, so I’ll review it a bunch of times. Thanks for all the effort in putting this together!

  68. Dov
    Link Reply

    Non related question about the Alaskan airline deal can I still get free checked baggage by signing up for the Alaskan cc now? Or does it have to be booked ontheir cc?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      It can be booked on another card.

  69. Jeff B
    Link Reply

    @Dan and @myLOR, I made a hefesk while read this Megilah, do I need to start from the beginning, or can I continue from where I left off? I was masiach daas, but I do not think it was 72 minutes. Please advise.

    Thank you

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      As long as you have miles on your mind the whole time you should be OK 😉

  70. L
    Link Reply

    Is it more worth it to get Amex Business Platinum or United Club ( especially for Club Lounge Access) ? It’s probably not worth paying such a high annual fee for both. Correct?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      Very different cards. Depends on what benefits and clubs you use.

  71. weiss
    Link Reply

    the citi prestige card offers priority pass lounge access ?

      • weiss
        Link Reply

        Priority Pass Lounge Membership

        DD take: This card no longer offers hybrid points, lounge access, unlimited 4th night free bookings, or trip insurance, making it overpriced for most people.

  72. weiss
    Link Reply

    whats about product change on the citi cards ?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      They’re pretty lenient on product changes for most people.

  73. weiss
    Link Reply

    can you add the amex marriott bonvoy consumer card for these who have this card – also a non us citizen without a ssn is there any option to open any credit card ?

  74. S
    Link Reply

    Dan, thanks as always for the thorough guidance. Two questions:
    1. I have Chase Freedom and United cards and will sign up for three more. Any reason not to open one account in my name and one in my wife’s? Will we be able to pool the miles?
    2. Any chance that the credit card companies and airlines “discontinue” these promotions and all of this is for naught?

    All the best

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      1. You can pool the Chase points, though you can’t combine United miles.
      2. Which promotions are you referring to? These cards have been around for decades. Some benefits may change, but points and miles aren’t going anywhere.

      • Thanks for the deal
        Link Reply

        Re #1: so no reason not to open one account for me and one for my wife?

  75. YY
    Link Reply

    “you can signup for multiple of the same card for each business to manage each businesses expenses separately.”

    Is there a limit how many of the same business cards I can have on my name (not a business name)?
    I mean I can have every type of spending set up as a different business and get all bonus points every month!

  76. El
    Link Reply

    How do I transfer points from a credit card I opened in my wife’s name to a credit card in my name?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      On Chase.com or over the phone.

  77. Joe Average
    Link Reply

    How well in advance should I stop opening new credit before applying for a mortgage?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      A few months would make sense.

  78. TH
    Link Reply

    Great post! I was wondering about renewal of cards. Currently I have a chase sapphire reserve card which is great. I was thinking to renew it but I want a card for myself and my husband and I don’t want to pay extra fees for 2 cards. Do you recommend him getting another chase card with no fees or is there a way to just renew my reserve card and add a name to the account without being charged?

    • Dan
      Link Reply

      You can ask for a replacement card on your account and just have him use that…

  79. Brodene
    Link Reply

    Dan, perhaps I missed it, but I didn’t see a discussion of related FICO scores. Meaning, what’s the minimum scores needed to get these cards, and if there are any other factors taken into account. [Mine is 780, which can I qualify for? :)]

  80. Stephanie
    Link Reply

    Can you send me your link to get the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card with the 80,000 point sign up bonus. You might as well get some credit for this. Thanks!!

  81. dina
    Link Reply

    Are there any cards that have no foreign transaction fees and 0% APR for first 12 months?

  82. Aaron Mandel
    Link Reply

    Great info! Any way I can print this out for further study

  83. M
    Link Reply

    Applying for mortgage.
    If opening a business card will they pull my personal?

  84. Y
    Link Reply

    AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Consumer Card:
    DD take: A good back card for the spending categories.

    Probably supposed to read “A good CASH back card”

    btw, you only rate it as ‘good’ for 6%? isn’t that relatively high?

  85. Y
    Link Reply

    Travel Insurance wise, what would be the best cards you would reccomend for the most complete and highest coverage, both business and consumer?

  86. Dk
    Link Reply

    Any citi business cards that earn typ?
    What about business barclay aa?

  87. Y K
    Link Reply

    Hi,
    BTW, Any idea or tip to help with booking NYC – GRU with Avios?
    I was trying a few dates throughout the year but no availability.

    Thanks a bunch!

  88. Seymour
    Link Reply

    Hi,

    Thank you for this informative post.

    I closed an Amex card in 2012 and it was my first credit card. Is there anyway I can reopen it and have it increase my credit history?

  89. Kevin
    Link Reply

    Dan, as I keep building my cc portfolio I am wondering if it is an issue to have lots of cards opened. Am I better off canceling some that I don’t value much? Or as long as I don’t pay an annual fee and don’t want to get a new one of same card I should keep them open?

  90. Sam
    Link Reply

    Dan you write different ways to check FICO. Why not credit karma? Or make an account with Experian for $1 and cancel

      • lolly
        Link Reply

        can you pls open for us starters this mystery code FAKO ? 🙂

  91. Terry Lefkowitz
    Link Reply

    Thanks Dan, will consider this a Chanukah present!

  92. Ali
    Link Reply

    Wow, this is an incredible list you put together.

    I want to make sure I have the BEST coverage for car rentals. I currently use my Chase Sapphire Preferred for rentals. I have State Farm car insurance, as well as an Umbrella policy. I rent 6-8 cars per year and never want to be in a bad situation if there is an accident, theft, or damage.

    My concerns: With car accidents there are horror stories online about being charged for loss of use and rental companies refuse to provide fleet utilization logs to prove whether this charge is warranted.

    My question: Which is the best overall credit card for rental cars in the event I get into a a car accident with a rental car? The closest to paying for the insurance that they try to sell you when you rent?

  93. Est
    Link Reply

    Awesome article! Read numerous times already! To clarify by capital 1 spark you wrote $3000 total bonus signup – but then wrote $500+$1500 – which is correct number?
    I need to pay a huge tax bill and would want cash back or to sell miles from signup bonus- would this be the best card or the 300k cap1 points card is more valuable? Or any other one of the high signups are more valuable?
    Thanx!! Happy Chanukah!!

  94. Beni J
    Link Reply

    I got approved for preferred and got the bonus. Can I make a product change to freedom unlimated, apply for reserve card and still be able to get the 50k signing bonus from the reserve and keep the 60k I got from prefered?

  95. Judy613
    Link Reply

    Hi Dan. I’d love to hear your views on the US Bank FlexPerks credit cards. Thanks

  96. Jacob
    Link Reply

    Dan
    I have 50k avios points and a lot of chase ultimate points
    I live in NJ I’m going to amsterdam in aug what can I do with the avios points.
    I’m very confused especially with the high BA fuel surcharges
    Please any help would be greatly appreciated

  97. Jacob
    Link Reply

    I also have 80k amex and 50k thank you

  98. Simon
    Link Reply

    I have a business spending around 20k per month on credit cards. Which card would be most beneficial to use?

  99. YM
    Link Reply

    Global Entry/Pre-Check – CSR: Is this benefit useful if you travel as a family? Or will they only allow you to go through the global entry/pre-check lines while your wife and children will have to battle through the regular lines?

  100. Abe
    Link Reply

    Hey@Dan amazing post thanks so much!
    I’ve been building credit through a secured capital one card for 2 years and just recently I opened a chase sapphire unlimited; i would like to close or upgrade the capital one to something that gets points, what would be the best move(especially because it’s my oldest credit line and I would like to keep that)?
    Thanks!

  101. rz kel
    Link Reply

    Hi . i am new at this and thank you for your time and help. you wrote in the starting out section “You can typically apply for multiple cards on the same day from the same bank with just one credit pull.”
    does this mean i should apply to multiple cards within seconds,minutes , hours?? in other words do i prepare different tabs with all the info and hit send right away? i know it sounds childish but im new. thx

  102. George
    Link Reply

    I have a few businesses, each business has a few employees. I’m looking to be able to have a card for each business where the employees each have cards under the same account. Each business typically will spend between 10 to 20k/month. I would love to get the best rewards as well. Any suggestions?

  103. Chaya
    Link Reply

    Do you have any post where it details which airlines have best deals to go where? based on long haul, short haul etc? Right now specifically looking for tickets to kiev,ukraine. where my best option to shop for best deal with points? thanks!

  104. Anonymous
    Link Reply

    Is it worth getting the delta reserve card?

  105. Dave
    Link Reply

    Anyone have experience churning the JetBlue cards? If I got the bonus on the business card a few years back and closed the account at the anniversary, would I get it again? The T&Cs say no, but wondering if anyone has firsthand knowledge.

  106. BigAlbert
    Link Reply

    Hi Dan,

    Thanks as usual for sharing with the masses.
    Somewhat off topic but related, I’m sitting on a boatload of Marriott points and feeling quite bonvoyed!
    Since I’m not a big hotel guy and Marriot isn’t making it easier, what would you recommend as the best transfer to unload these points.

    Thanks

  107. Shloimee
    Link Reply

    Nice write up, but the vast majority of the information here pertains to cards and reward programs that are US based.
    It world be amazing it there would be a similar resource for someone living in Europe or Australia where the entire system operates in a completely different way.

  108. New York
    Link Reply

    Would like to start building credit for an 18 year old, which credit card is best to add him as an additional?

  109. BF
    Link Reply

    I’m an additional user to my father as I had a difficult time opening a CC. I have since opened a target card and have a good credit score. how do I close the additional card and open my own without it affecting my credit score? thank you I appreciate it

  110. Fm
    Link Reply

    Can I downgrade a cc (sapphire preferred) to a card that I already have (freedom unlimited)?
    Will the points also transfer

  111. Shilodude
    Link Reply

    Hey dan just adding/asking I just had an awesome trip to Hawaii using the turkish 7 1/2 k points formula yet when I called recently to book other flights the turkish phone rep (HUCA included) told me that they cannot book anything over the phone, that I’d have to go to a physical office. Did anyone else have the same experience? Is the turkish points over the phone formula dead??

  112. HannaS
    Link Reply

    We live in Israel and are looking for a card to help our family of 5 with once a year travel to the States. We need something with 0% foreign transaction fees, low/zero annual fees, and a good points/miles earning potential. Any suggestions?

  113. Jay
    Link Reply

    Thanks for the thorough analysis. I spend upwards of $5000 per month on gas, but I’m located in Israel. Which card would you recommend would get me the most points vs most valuable points (even if earned a slower a rate) vs simple cash back options? I currently am paying cash (18,000₪) and feel like it’s a lost opportunity.

    P. S. I’m not a US citizen, but I have a steady income to my TD Bank (US) account.

  114. Neil
    Link Reply

    Wondering regarding the value of having both sapphire reserve and the AE platinum card. I am mostly interested in the travel benefits, possible getting better airline seats (business, economy plus) at more reasonable prices. I already get the 1.5% back from the sapphire reserve card and am wondering regarding getting the 35% back from the AE card. Not sure if this justifies the cost of the card.

    – Is the AE web site for travel cheaper?
    – If one doesn’t have the points to use and uses cash is there no refund?

    • Ben
      Link Reply

      I have mostly found Amex being less expensive than Chase Reserve, in points, but you have to wait for Amex to reimburse you whereas Chase gives you the lower point price up front.

  115. Yakov
    Link Reply

    @ Dan
    so i have over 200000 Freedom points
    which card should I open now to transfer them all to maximize the points for Flight ticket ?

  116. J
    Link Reply

    “Pay your account balance off, besides for a buck or 2, the day before your statement closes.” But if you have it set to AutoPay, doesn’t it pay off complete balance in one shot?

  117. aaron
    Link Reply

    you mentioned if you have business credit cards it wont hurt your personal score, but will it hurt your business credit score if there is such thing? for instance what happens if you carry out a balance on the business credit cards with 0% apr, will this hurt your business in anyway?

  118. Points Mayven
    Link Reply

    Regarding Iberia Avios points expiration…Dan, I know you’ve said in the past that “earn or redeem” applies…,
    however, after speaking with a rep from Iberia it seems that transferring UR or Amex will not suffice to extend the expiration date.

  119. Ben
    Link Reply

    Dan,
    I hope you can answer me this time, (I’ve asked before) as I have at times applied for a Chase card under my business, a corp., yet my personal credit history ALWAYS takes a hard pull from it. I had even spoken to the Chase credit department, and they confirmed that business accounts are linked to my SS# and thus were checked. I asked them if possibly they had me as self-employed, and they confirmed they did not. Can you tell me why I am always getting whacked on my business credit applications? Thank you. Ben

  120. Herb
    Link Reply

    Any comparison charts or posts on the Amazon credit cards?

  121. Archie
    Link Reply

    Hey Dan, unbelievable, well researched post. I’m curious to your opinion on the hands down best card for an 18 year old to start building up a credit line (which one would you get for your own kid on their 18th birthday…). I know a popular choice is a discover card; is that the smartest choice? If yes, which is the best one to start with and why? Thanks so much, looking forward to hearing your answer!

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