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What’s an airline miles or hotel point worth? If you collect frequent flyer miles or hotel rewards, then it’s important to know the value of each company’s rewards.
Just like foreign currencies, airline and hotel rewards have different values, and knowing those values will help you to choose the best credit cards for your needs. Knowing the value of your rewards can also help you to determine when it’s a good idea to redeem them, or when you’d be better off paying cash and saving your points and miles for later. You’ll also be able to decide whether or not it’s worth it to transfer credit card rewards to a specific airline program.
What Are Points and Miles Worth?
| December Value (cents) | Action | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
American AAdvantage |
1.4 |
Hold |
You can earn Loyalty Points towards elite status through credit cards spending on American Airlines cards from Citi or Barclays. American is the only remaining major domestic frequent flier program with a published award chart. They also seems to be offering fewer awards at the lowest mileage levels, with some awards being priced at exorbitantly high mileage levels. |
American Express Membership Rewards |
1.9 |
Buy |
American Express offers one of the most valuable transferable currencies around with over a dozen airline and hotel partners. This month, you can get 30% more value from your Amex Membership Rewards points by transferring to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (by Dec. 29, 2022). No major devaluations recently. |
Capital One Miles |
1.8 |
Buy |
Capital One miles are worth exactly 1 cent apiece when booking travel through the Capital One portal.Getting 1 cent per mile isn’t terrible, but more valuable redemptions are available when booking with hotel and airline partners (hence the 1.8 cent valuation). |
|
2.2 |
Buy |
For Sapphire Reserve cardholders, points are worth 1.5 cents each towards travel booked through Chase. For Sapphire Preferred cardholders and Ink Business Preferred cardholders, points are worth 1.25 cents. However, transferring to partners can be even more valuable. Most valuable partners include Hyatt, Singapore and more. |
|
Citi ThankYou Points |
1.8 |
Hold |
Most valuable partners include Avianca, Singapore, Turkish and Virgin Atlantic. Only one permanent domestic transfer partner (JetBlue).Wyndham Rewards is a valuable transfer partner for hotels and vacation rentals. |
Delta Skymiles |
1.1 |
Hold |
Delta usually requires far more miles for award travel than American or United. Prices for business and first class are especially high, and partner awards are being raised frequently. Award tickets now count towards elite status. |
Hilton Honors |
0.5 |
Hold |
Lowest value points of any major hotel program. Higher credit card earnings largely make up for the lower value. 5th night free on award bookings can add 20% more value. No resort fees on award stays. Free breakfast benefit has been replaced by a less valuable credit at U.S. hotels. |
IHG One Rewards |
0.5 |
Hold |
New credit card revisions mean it’s easier to earn points. Their elite status program is being revised for the better. High dynamic pricing of awards. Resort fees imposed on award stays. |
Marriott Bonvoy |
0.9 |
Sell |
Marriott announced dynamic pricing earlier this year. Resort fees imposed on award stays. Large number of properties worldwide. |
|
1.4 |
Buy |
Points have a fixed value, and Southwest sometimes lowers their value. Award tickets can be canceled at any time for a full refund with no fees. |
|
United MileagePlus |
1.4 |
Hold |
Award prices have risen steadily, and cost more near departure. No fuel surcharges ever added. Numerous Star Alliance partners serve most of the world. |
World of Hyatt |
1.8 |
Hold |
Hyatt continuously adding new hotels to growing portfolio. Reasonable prices for award stays. Seasonal award chart charges more points at peak times. No resort fees on award stays. |
Reading the Points Valuation Chart
The value of each point or mile is based on an average or typical redemption value, and I’ve evaluated the top four airline, hotel and credit card rewards programs. These valuations take into account any taxes or fees you might pay.
For example, a hotel may initially quote you a price of $200 a night, or 10,000 points, making it appear as if you’re getting 2.0 cents in value per point redeemed. But if paying in cash requires another $100 in taxes and resort fees which aren’t imposed on award bookings, then you’re actually receiving 3.0 cents in value per point redeemed. Point valuations are also shown for the previous month, so you can learn if there's been a recent change.
But the current value of a point or mile doesn’t tell the whole story. Because people choose to participate in a program, and possibly apply for a credit card based on the future of a program, I’ve also included my evaluation of its prospects. And just like a stock recommendation, I’ve used the simple labels of Buy, Sell and Hold.
- A Buy recommendation means that this program has been trending upward, and is becoming increasingly more valuable compared to its competitors.
- A Hold recommendation indicates there’s been few significant changes to it recently.
- A Sell recommendation means that I've seen devaluation and other negative changes to their terms and conditions.
Finally, I’ve included notes on each program that shine some light on the factors that lead me to arrive at each value.
Complexity of Determining Rewards Points Value
When you exchange currencies, you can easily look up the value of each, down to the smallest fraction of a penny. But when it comes to airline miles and hotel points, there’s rarely a fixed value. Instead, the value of your points and miles will reflect the ever-changing value of whatever you can redeem them for.
Sometimes, these programs can offer fantastic deals, such as luxury hotel stays or business class flight that offers you several cents in value per point or mile redeemed. But at the same time, other options could require redeeming several points or miles for every penny you receive in value.
Methodology: What Are Points and Miles Worth?
One way to come up with values is to shop for flights and hotels, and simply divide the number of points or miles by the cost. This sounds objective, but it would really just be based on which awards were chosen.
So while I certainly looked at the value of multiple redemptions, it was also necessary to incorporate my judgement and experience into the mix. I’ve been collecting credit card rewards and airline miles since I was a teenager in the 1980s (yes, I’m that old), and I’ve been studying the field and writing about it professionally since 2008. Over this time, I estimate that I’ve earned and spent over 10 million points and miles. I’ve also booked hundreds of award flights and hotel stays on behalf of myself, my family and friends. So the values listed in our table represent a combination of my latest research into points and miles, as well as my judgement based on my personal experience.
Southwest Companion Pass Value
The Companion Pass® from Southwest is one of the best deals you can find when it comes to travel perks, assuming you don't have to spend a fortune to acquire it. From time to time, Southwest offers this perk as part of the sign-up bonus for new card members. To put a dollar value on it is tricky, because it really comes down to how much you use it and where you fly. To make it simple, we looked at the average price of domestic roundtrip flights in the US (~$300 in February, 2023) and made the assumption that people will use it at least two times. That puts the value of the Southwest Companion Pass at $600. However, it can easily be worth thousands of dollars if you fly with a partner frequently while you have it.
Travel Credit Card Offers
A popular way rewards travel aficionados earn large sums of points and miles in a short amount of time is through credit card sign-up bonuses. Essentially, card issuers offer new customers a welcome bonus as an incentive for opening an account. If you're interested in earning rewards that you can put towards travel, here are some options you may want to look into.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Our Rating 5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$95
-
60,000
60,000Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,320 (60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * .022 base)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred actually works like having over a dozen different rewards credit cards. That’s because this credit card allows you to transfer your rewards points into miles with 11 airlines and points with three hotel programs. Although the Chase Sapphire Preferred might not be ideal for the most frequent travelers and highest spenders, it’s part of a family of Chase cards that has a built-in upgrade path. So when it comes time to take your travel rewards game to the next level, you won’t have to start from scratch with an entirely different credit card and rewards program. The card has a $95 annual fee, but the $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit effectively reduces that fee to $45. Plus, the credit card allows you to continue earning points through bonus categories and a 10% anniversary points boost. But when it comes time to redeem your rewards for travel, this card really shines. You can take advantage of some really strong transfer partners such as United, Southwest, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Hyatt. Similarly, you can just book any reservation you want through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
Overview
The Chase Sapphire Preferred actually works like having over a dozen different rewards credit cards. That’s because this credit card allows you to transfer your rewards points into miles with 11 airlines and points with three hotel programs.
Although the Chase Sapphire Preferred might not be ideal for the most frequent travelers and highest spenders, it’s part of a family of Chase cards that has a built-in upgrade path. So when it comes time to take your travel rewards game to the next level, you won’t have to start from scratch with an entirely different credit card and rewards program.
The card has a $95 annual fee, but the $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit effectively reduces that fee to $45. Plus, the credit card allows you to continue earning points through bonus categories and a 10% anniversary points boost. But when it comes time to redeem your rewards for travel, this card really shines. You can take advantage of some really strong transfer partners such as United, Southwest, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Hyatt. Similarly, you can just book any reservation you want through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
Pros
- Points are easily transferable to airlines and hotel partners
- Accelerated earnings on dining, travel & household purchases
- Excellent travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Not ideal for the highest spenders
- $95 annual fee
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$550
-
60,000
60,000Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after using your card to spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,320 (60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * .022 base)
Right off the bat, Chase Sapphire Reserve features a $300 annual credit for travel purchases. That means the annual fee is effectively just $250 per year for frequent travelers. You also get free access to more than 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges and restaurant options around the world. Those lounges usually give you free food and drinks, cleaner bathrooms, fast internet and a comfortable place to sit outside of the ruckus of an airport terminal. Plus, the Sapphire Reserve will get you access to the upcoming Chase Sapphire Lounge network. If you’re looking to elevate your travel experience, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Reserve. When you first get approved, you’ll earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months — that’s worth $900 in travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and potentially more if you transfer your rewards to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners.
Overview
If you’re looking to elevate your travel experience, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Reserve. When you first get approved, you’ll earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months — that’s worth at least $900 in travel-related spending booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and potentially more if you transfer your rewards to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners.
Pros
- An array of premium travel perks including access to Priority Pass lounges
- Easy-to-use $300 travel credit that helps offset card's annual fee
- Generous rewards rates for spending
Cons
- High annual fee may be a deterrent for some
- Perks are starting to get stale relative to newer competition
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$95
-
75,000
75,000Capital One Rewards Miles
You can earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,350 (75,000 Capital One Rewards Miles * 0.018 base)
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a lot of value to beginner and expert travelers alike. The card’s big upfront bonus and high ongoing rewards rate aren’t easy to beat, making it a solid option for a large audience. Where it really shines, though, is with the redemption process. When it comes to travel credit cards, it can be really challenging to find a way to use your rewards in the way you want. With hotel and airline credit cards, for instance, you’re basically stuck redeeming your points or miles with the co-branded hotel or airline partner. And with some general rewards programs, you might get less value if you use your points or miles to book a flight versus a rental car or hotel. With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, though, you’ll get a lot of flexibility. Here are some of the top redemption options that are available: redeem miles to cover past travel expenses, book travel through Capital One or transfer miles to any of Capital One’s multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Overview
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a lot of value to beginner and expert travelers alike. The card’s big upfront bonus and high ongoing rewards rate aren’t easy to beat, making it a solid option for a large audience. Where it really shines, though, is with the redemption process. When it comes to travel credit cards, it can be really challenging to find a way to use your rewards in the way you want.
With hotel and airline credit cards, for instance, you’re basically stuck redeeming your points or miles with the co-branded hotel or airline partner. And with some general rewards programs, you might get less value if you use your points or miles to book a flight versus a rental car or hotel.
With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, though, you’ll get a lot of flexibility. Here are some of the top redemption options that are available: redeem miles to cover past travel expenses, book travel through Capital One or transfer miles to any of Capital One’s multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Perks
- Receive an application fee credit for TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry every four years
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to premier culinary events, must-see music events and major sporting events
Pros
- Simple rewards and earning structure
- Ability to earn transferable points to use with travel partners
- Relatively modest $95 annual fee
- Application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Cons
- Other travel cards offer higher rewards rates on certain spending categories
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
-
20,000
20,000Capital One Rewards Miles
New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 with the card during the first three months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $360 (20,000 Capital One Rewards Miles * 0.018 base)
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card features several standout benefits. Perhaps the most appealing feature of this travel credit card is the ability to transfer miles to Capital One travel partners—an uncommon feature on a card with no annual fee. Plus, the ability to transfer miles to travel partners—both airlines and hotels—is arguably the most attractive feature of this travel card.
Overview
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card features several standout benefits. Perhaps the most appealing feature of this travel credit card is the ability to transfer miles to Capital One travel partners—an uncommon feature on a card with no annual fee. Plus, the ability to transfer miles to travel partners—both airlines and hotels—is arguably the most attractive feature of this travel card.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Ability to earn transferable points to use on travel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Earning rate is lower than some of the competition
- Not useful if you don't spend in dining, entertainment, streaming, and supermarket categories
Airline Cards
Co-branded airline credit cards offer large sign-up bonuses to new cardholders, in addition to perks like upgraded boardings, free checked bags, discounts on in-flight purchases and more.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$69
-
50,000
50,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the entry level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners. This airline credit card earns 2X points per dollar spent with Southwest and on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners. It also earns 2X points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services, as well as on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Finally, the credit card earns 1X points on all other purchases. Our favorite Rapid Rewards Plus perks include the 3,000 bonus points and 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins awarded to cardholders on the anniversary of your account opening. It’s all added incentive to retain the card after you’ve earned the introductory sign-up bonus.
Overview
This is the entry-level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners, and new cardholders can earn a 50,000-point sign-up bonus, which can help get you closer to booking flights for your next travel destination. This card also earns 3,000 anniversary points each year.
Above all, for a modest $69 annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus credit card helps you rack up points as cheaply as possible.
Pros
- 2x points on Southwest purchases, local transit and commuting, select streaming and more
- Annual fee that's palatable
- All points earned count towards Companion Pass®
Cons
- In exchange for a lower annual fee, the card's ongoing benefits may seem lackluster
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$99
-
50,000
50,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)
If you’re not currently a Southwest Rapid Rewards cardholder, this is an excellent time to consider getting on board. In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees, two complimentary EarlyBird Check-In vouchers each year and being able to earn A-list flight status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card also offers a generous 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary, which can often be enough to cover the cost of a one-way domestic flight. It’s these types of benefits that help round out the value of the $99 annual fee.
Overview
In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees and being able to earn A-list flight status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card also offers a generous 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary. It’s these types of benefits that help round out the value of the $99 annual fee.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card also offers two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year.
Pros
- Land A-List status faster with 1,500 TQPs for every $10,000 you spend
- All points earned count towards Companion Pass®
- 6,000 bonus points awarded every cardmember anniversary
Cons
- $99 annual fee
- Must fly Southwest often for this card to make sense
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$149
-
50,000
50,000Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)
When you look at benefits like a $75 annual travel credit, free checked bags and discounts on in-flight purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is probably the most affordable of all the Southwest credit cards. Similarly, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card’s $149 annual fee. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is as close to a premium credit card that Southwest Airlines offers non-business account holders. While its rewards-points earnings are the same as the Premier, the $149 annual fee does reward cardholders with a generous 7,500 bonus points on their account anniversary, as well as a $75 annual travel credit.
Overview
When you look at benefits like a $75 annual travel credit, free checked bags and discounts on in-flight purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is probably the most affordable of all the Southwest credit cards. Similarly, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card’s $149 annual fee.
Pros
- Although there's a $149 annual fee, the $75 Southwest annual travel credit makes the card much more affordable for frequent flyers
- 7,500 anniversary bonus points as a cardmember
Cons
- Higher annual fee may not be a fit for some
- Must fly Southwest with some frequency for card to make sense
United Quest℠ Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$250
-
60,000
60,000United MileagePlus Miles
Earn 60,000 bonus miles plus 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Dollar Equivalent: $840 (60,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)
The United Quest Card comes with a lot of flair, and it can be an excellent choice for United enthusiasts who don’t travel quite enough to justify paying for the airline’s premium credit card. The card charges a $250 annual fee, which may be a good compromise for United airline loyalists who want perks, but aren’t ready to commit to the premium price tag of the United Club Infinite Card. Between the annual United purchase credit and award flight bonuses alone, you should be able to recoup the cost of the card’s annual fee. And if you regularly check bags, this card can be a lifesaver — most airline cards only offer the first checked bag free, so this would be a solid card to use for international flights.
Overview
The United Quest Card comes with a lot of flair, and it can be an excellent choice for United enthusiasts who don’t travel quite enough to justify paying for the airline’s premium credit card.
Between the annual United purchase credit and award flight bonuses alone, you should be able to recoup the cost of the card’s annual fee. And if you regularly check bags, this card can be a lifesaver — most airline cards only offer the first checked bag free, so this would be a solid card to use for international flights.
Pros
- Ways to easily offset the annual fee including an $125 United Airlines statement credit and anniversary flight credits
- Your first and second checked bag fees are waived, saving you up to $320 per roundtrip flight
- Up to $100 back for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee, every four years
Cons
- Does not come with United Club passes
- Only makes sense for those that fly United with some frequency
United℠ Explorer Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$95
-
50,000
50,000United MileagePlus Miles
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Dollar Equivalent: $700 (50,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)
The United Explorer Card is the airline’s mid-tier personal credit card. For people who aren’t flying on United multiple times per month, this can be a solid choice. The card's benefits are what makes it really stand out from the crowd. Here’s what you’ll get: One free checked bag for each flight, priority boarding, 25% back on inflight purchases, two United Club airport lounge passes every year and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years. The United Explorer Card also offers several trip protections including primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and trip delay reimbursement. The card’s annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $95 after that, which will give you some time to confirm that it’s a good fit before the fee hits.
Overview
The United Explorer Card is the airline’s mid-tier personal credit card. For people who aren’t flying on United multiple times per month, this can be a solid choice.
The card’s benefits are what makes it really stand out from the crowd. Here’s what you’ll get: One free checked bag for each flight, priority boarding, 25% back on inflight purchases, two United Club airport lounge passes every year and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years.
Pros
- Free first checked bag on United flights
- Up to $100 back for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee, every four years
- Two annual United Club passes
- Annual fee is waived the first year (then $95)
Cons
- Not the best card for those that fly United more than a few times per year
- $95 annual fee after the first year
United Gateway℠ Card
- Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
-
20,000
20,000United MileagePlus Miles
Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months Dollar Equivalent: $280 (20,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)
he United Gateway Card is the airline’s basic no-annual-fee credit card. It doesn’t offer a lot of perks. But if you’re just looking to dip your toe into airline rewards or want to try out United, it could be a good way to do that. The United Gateway Card does offer some travel insurance and purchase protections such as rental car insurance, trip cancelation and interruption insurance, extended warranty protection and purchase protection that covers purchases against theft or damage up to 120 days after the transaction date, with up to $500 per claim and $50,000 total coverage.
Overview
The airline’s basic no-annual-fee credit card, the United Gateway Card doesn’t offer a lot of perks. But if you’re just looking to dip your toe into airline rewards or want to try out United, it could be a good way to do that.
Pros
- No annual fee to worry about
- Good entry point to earning United miles
- 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations and local transit and commuting.
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No free checked bags with this card
- May make more sense to upgrade to an annual fee card with United perks
United Club℠ Infinite Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$525
-
80,000
80,000United MileagePlus Miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months Dollar Equivalent: $1,120 (80,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)
If you love United Airlines, can fly with the airline often and enjoy benefits like airport lounge access free checked bags and quick trips through airport security on busy travel days, then the United Club Infinite Card is made for you. It’s loaded with travel perks such as statement credits and valuable insurance benefits. In addition to United Club membership, the card also offers up to a $100 statement credit for your application to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years, and priority check-in, security screening, boarding and baggage handling. Plus, the first and second checked bags free for you and one companion on every United flight — that’s worth up to $320 per round-trip itinerary.
Overview
If you love United Airlines, can fly with the airline often and enjoy benefits like airport lounge access free checked bags and quick trips through airport security on busy travel days, then the United Club Infinite Card is made for you. It’s loaded with travel perks such as statement credits and valuable insurance benefits.
Pros
- You and your eligible travel companions can enjoy complimentary access to United Club locations
- Up to $100 statement credit for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application
- Check up to two bags for free
Cons
- $525 annual fee will only be worth it for United loyalists
Hotel Cards
In addition to generous welcome bonuses to new cardholders, hotel credit cards offer continuing value to members in the form of late check outs, access to status programs and perks like outsized points earning on purchases made directly with the brand.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$99
-
175,000
175,000IHG Rewards Points
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening Dollar Equivalent: $875 (175,000 IHG Rewards Points * 0.005 base)
Aside from its astounding sign-up bonus, the IHG Rewards Premier offers tons of value, especially for loyal IHG customers. You get a free Reward Night every year on your account anniversary for use at eligible IHG hotels. Plus, when you redeem points for consecutive four-night stays at any IHG hotel, you earn a Reward Night. Cardholders also enjoy Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member. Plus, it offers a Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA Pre✓® fee credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card. IHG Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels and Holiday Inn®.
Overview
Frequent customers of IHG hotels and other people who enjoy earning rewards nights for hotel stays and premium hotel status should consider picking up this card.
Pros
- Generous rewards rate on IHG Hotels and Resorts purchases
- Automatic IHG Rewards Platinum Elite status which gets you perks like upgrades
- Free reward night every account anniversary, with the potential to be worth hundreds of dollars
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Only makes sense if you plan to stay at IHG properties
IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
-
120,000
120,000IHG Rewards Points
Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening Dollar Equivalent: $600 (120,000 IHG Rewards Points * 0.005 base)
Whether you’re a family looking for some free hotel nights while making your annual road trip or you’re a loyal customer of the IHG hotel brand, the IHG Rewards Traveler Credit Card — which has no annual fee, by the way — offers you a chance to earn some decent rewards. Aside from its generous sign-up bonus, the IHG Rewards Traveler card offers tons of value, including redeeming points for all IHG properties including InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels and Holiday Inn®.
Overview
Whether you’re a family looking for some free hotel nights while making your annual road trip or you’re a loyal customer of the IHG hotel brand, the IHG Rewards Traveler Credit Card — which has no annual fee, by the way — offers you a chance to earn some decent rewards.
Perks
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Silver Elite Status included with the card
Pros
- One of the top picks for a no-annual-fee hotel credit card
- Book three nights with points, get your fourth free
- Entry-level Silver Elite status, with the chance to upgrade to Gold with $20,000 or more in annual spend
Cons
- No free night account anniversary reward
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
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- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR20.49% - 27.49% Variable
- Annual Fee$95
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60,000
60,000World of Hyatt Points
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent Dollar Equivalent: $1,080 (60,000 World of Hyatt Points * 0.018 base)
Among all of the top hotel rewards programs, World of Hyatt offers the most valuable rewards, and the World of Hyatt credit card puts you on the fast track to enjoying some of the program’s preferred benefits. The rewards program also offers a range of properties, including all-inclusive resorts. That said, Hyatt has the smallest footprint of any hotel chain on our list, with roughly 1,000 properties in 68 countries. In addition to a generous sign-up bonus, the World of Hyatt Credit Card also offers a free night every year, as well as automatic Discoverist status, which is the program’s lowest status level. However, there is a path to earn up to Globalist status, depending on how much you spend on the card.
Overview
Among all of the top hotel rewards programs, World of Hyatt offers the most valuable rewards, and the World of Hyatt credit card puts you on the fast track to enjoying some of the program’s preferred benefits.
Pros
- Hyatt has one of the most rewarding hotel loyalty programs around
- Free night certificate at any Hyatt Category 1-4 property, awarded every year on your cardmember anniversary
- Automatic Discoverist status, with an expedited path to higher tiers in the World of Hyatt loyalty program
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No high-end perks
Bottom Line
While it can be a complicated endeavor, understanding how much your rewards points and miles are worth will help you maximize the value you get from your travel redemptions. Plus, if you're interested in applying for a new travel credit card, knowing the value of the rewards program's points or miles will help you decide on the most valuable option.
Jason Steele
Jason Steele is a journalist who specializes in covering credit cards, award travel and other areas of personal finance. As one of the nation’s leading experts in the credit card industry, Jason’s work has been featured at mainstream outlets such as Yahoo! Finance, MSN Money and Business Insider.
