4 Best Travel Credit Cards for Maximizing Points and Miles

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

Finding the right travel credit card can make every trip more rewarding by turning everyday spending into points and miles for flights, hotels, and more. This guide highlights four top picks that offer strong earning potential with valuable perks like lounge access, flexible redemption choices, and built-in travel protections.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards card that helps cardholders earn points on everyday spending. It is often chosen as a first travel card because of its flexibility and strong rewards program.

    This card connects directly to the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, which allows users to transfer points to multiple travel partners. It also provides built-in travel protections that add value for frequent travelers.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services
    • 2x points on other travel purchases
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 19.99%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel protections, purchase coverage, rental car insurance
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong earning rates on travel and dining
    • Points transfer to major airline and hotel partners
    • Added travel protections
    • Flexible redemption options
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for cash back and gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit is recommended (typically FICO 670–850).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has an annual fee and does not include premium perks like lounge access.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories and flexible redemptions, making it easy for new travelers to start using points effectively.

  • Bilt Mastercard®

    The Bilt Mastercard® is designed for people who want to earn rewards on rent payments without extra fees. It also works well for everyday spending, offering points that can be redeemed in flexible ways.

    This card fits renters who want to turn a major monthly expense into rewards. It also appeals to travelers who value transferable points across airlines and hotels.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on dining purchases
    • 2x points on travel booked directly with airlines, hotels, and car rentals
    • 1x points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points per year)
    • 1x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    The Bilt Mastercard® does not currently offer a traditional welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 20.49%, 23.49%, or 28.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Cell phone protection, purchase protection, trip cancellation coverage
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Other features: Rent reporting to credit bureaus

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Ability to earn points on rent without fees
    • Flexible transfer partners for travel
    • Strong travel protection benefits
    • Cell phone protection included

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through airline and hotel partners, statement credits, rent payments, or even toward a future home down payment.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score between 670 and 850.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card requires at least five transactions per statement period to earn points.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is simple to use, has no annual fee, and turns rent into rewards without added costs.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a premium travel credit card designed for frequent Delta flyers. It focuses on offering perks that enhance the overall travel experience rather than simple everyday rewards.

    This card is most valuable for travelers who want access to exclusive benefits such as airport lounge entry and elite status boosts. It caters to those who fly Delta often and want to maximize loyalty program advantages.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x miles on Delta purchases
    • 1x mile on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $650
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Companion certificate, lounge access, priority boarding
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying Delta
    • Free first checked bag on Delta flights
    • Annual companion certificate for domestic travel
    • Priority boarding on Delta flights
    • Boost toward elite status qualification

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline tickets, seat upgrades, and other travel-related purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, with a FICO starting at 690, for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for travelers who do not fly Delta often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Beginners who travel frequently with Delta can benefit from lounge access and free checked bags, making the card easier to justify early on.

  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

    The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is designed for travelers who stay at Hilton properties often. It provides automatic top-tier Hilton Diamond status, which helps cardholders enjoy upgrades and other elite perks.

    This card also includes valuable travel credits and an annual free night reward. Frequent Hilton guests can find strong long-term value through its benefits.

    Earning Structure:

    • 14x points on Hilton hotels and resorts
    • 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
    • 7x points on car rentals and U.S. restaurants
    • 3x points on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $550
    • APR: Variable, around 20.24%–29.24%
    • Other benefits: Annual free night award, up to $400 Hilton resort credits, $200 airline incidental credit
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Complimentary Hilton Diamond status
    • Annual free night certificate
    • Airline and resort credits
    • Priority Pass lounge access
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Hilton hotel stays, room upgrades, and transfer to select travel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850) for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for travelers who rarely stay at Hilton properties.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides automatic elite status and easy-to-use travel credits, making it simple for new travelers to see value quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a travel credit card to maximize points and miles?

A strong travel card should offer high earning rates on travel and dining, along with flexible redemption options. Transferable points to multiple airline and hotel partners add more value than fixed rewards. Extra perks like lounge access, travel credits, and built-in protections also increase long-term benefits.

How do annual fees for high-reward travel credit cards affect the overall benefits?

Annual fees can reduce the net value of rewards if the cardholder does not use the benefits often. However, frequent travelers may find that perks like travel credits, lounge access, and elite status outweigh the costs. The key is to compare the annual fee against the benefits actually used.

Can you recommend strategies for earning the most points or miles with a travel credit card?

Cardholders should focus spending on bonus categories like flights, hotels, and dining. Using multiple cards that complement each other can help maximize rewards across different purchases. Paying balances in full each month ensures that interest charges do not cancel out the value of earned rewards.

What are the redemption options for points and miles earned on travel credit cards?

Points and miles can usually be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or transfers to airline and hotel partners. Some cards also allow redemptions for statement credits, gift cards, or experiences. Transferable points tend to provide the most flexibility and higher value compared to fixed redemptions.

How do travel credit cards with points and miles compare to those offering cash back rewards?

Travel cards often deliver higher value when redeemed for flights and hotels, especially through transfer partners. Cash back cards provide simpler rewards with no restrictions but usually cap the value at a flat rate. The better choice depends on whether the user prefers flexible travel rewards or straightforward cash savings.