Best Credit Cards for Travel Miles: 2018 Edition

credit cards for travel miles

Got a craving for travel? Then it’s time to make some money off of your habit.

Frequent flights can add up in a major way. And if you’re not putting these charges on a credit card with great rewards, you’re not getting the most out of the money you’re spending.

Even if you don’t find yourself constantly on a plane, you can still rack up some serious flyer miles to save money on your next trip. The key is finding the best travel credit card for you.

There are so many options available, so we’ve done the homework for you. These are the top 8 credit cards for travel miles that will get you where you want to go for next to nothing.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred

This card rewards you big time from the moment you sign up.

By spending at least $4,000 in the first 3 months, you earn 50,000 points. That’s equal to $500 in rewards. These can be worth more than that if they’re cashed out through a partner like Southwest or United.

The chase sapphire preferred credit card is a great option for the flyer who doesn’t stick to one airline. You get twice the points on every dollar you spend on restaurants and travel all over the world. And there are no fees for the first year.

If you you’re a frequent flyer across many airlines, this card is a great option.

2. American Express Premier Rewards Gold

If you’re looking for even more flexibility with your travel rewards, this American Express credit card may be your perfect fit.

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With the premier rewards gold, you get $100 per year in airline fee credit. You can use this for baggage fees or other costs that may arise related to travel. With certain hotels, this card also offers a $75 credit toward your room and sometimes even an upgrade.

You will get triple the points for every dollar you spend on airline tickets. And if you spend $2,000 within the first 3 months, you’ll get 25,000 points. The AmEx Premier Rewards Gold is great for ultimate flexibility.

3. Capital One Venture

Another great option for people who don’t stick to one airline or one hotel? Capital One Venture gives you points for travel and keeps things simple.

Use your miles for any purchases related to travel. While it’s not as flexible as the AmEx would be, you can still earn some great rewards with this easy credit card.

You earn double the frequent flyer miles with any purchase you make and get 50,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Rest easy knowing no matter what you’re spending money on, you’re also earning miles.

4. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier

If you’re an avid Southwest Airlines fan, this is your ultimate card.

Earn 40,000 points for just spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. And if you book hotels and rental cars through partners of Southwest, you can earn bonus points.

If you’re flying Southwest all the time, once you earn 110,00 points in a year, you qualify for what they call Companion Pass status. This means you can bring someone with you on your trip for free. And it lasts until the end of that year.

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This credit card for travel miles is a no brainer when Southwest is your go to.

5. United Explorer Card

United also has their own credit card to earn some miles. And it comes with its own benefits.

The United Explorer card gives you 40,000 bonus miles if you spend $2,000 within the first 3 months. You can earn double the miles for each dollar you spend on hotels and restaurants.

What really sets this card apart? Each year you receive two free passes for the United Club lounge and provides rental car insurance. This can save you big time if you ever have an accident in a rental car.

6. Gold Delta SkyMiles from American Express

This one is for our Delta lovers. It’ll help you earn points any time you fly with Delta.

Get 30,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of owning this card. You can also get $50 credit if you purchase a Delta flight in those first 3 months.

You’ll earn double the miles for any dollar spent on a Delta related purchase. And possibly the most exciting perk? You get to check your first bag for free on any Delta flight. And that’s for up to nine passengers.

7. Citi/AA Advantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

American Airlines has their own benefits for choosing their card. So take advantage of these savings if American is your chosen airline.

You get 50,000 bonus miles if you spend $5,000 within the first 3 months of owning the card. And your first checked bag is free, too.

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One of this card’s best features is that you get free access to the American Airline’s Admiral Club. So instead of spending $550 a year for a spot to relax and lounge between flights, use this travel credit card so you and your guests get free lounging.

8. JetBlue Plus World Elite Mastercard

If JetBlue is the only way to go for you, this Mastercard option is your best fit.

You have to spend some cash pretty quickly with this option. You can earn 40,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. This card also earns you and 3 of your guests a free checked bag.

You can also get elite status with JetBlue if you spend up to $50,000 a year. And you’ll get a 10% rebate by using your TrueBlue points.

The Best Credit Cards For Travel Miles

If you’re going to spend the money, you might as well take advantage of the deals you can get from it. Using one of these 8 best credit cards for travel miles will help you make more off of your hard earned cash.

Addicted to travel like we are? Visit our site to learn about top vacation destinations and travel trends. We’ll help you get the most out of your need to explore. Whether it’s a luxury vacation or a trip on a dime, we’ve got everything you need to know so you can make the most of it.