Miles and points are your passport to the world of luxury award travel. With points, you can unlock the doors to some of the most prestigious airlines and experience their premium class cabins. Imagine soaring through the skies in Qatar’s Q-Suites or indulging in the opulence of Emirates First Class—these are just the beginnings of what’s possible. Ready to start your journey? Here’s the Ultimate Starter Kit with the top 3 credit cards to help you begin earning miles and points.
1.Capital One Venture X
Annual Fee: $395
Key Perks:
- Annual $300 Travel Credit
- 10,000 points anniversary gift
- Capital One Lounge Access
- Priority Pass
- Price Protection on Flights
- Trip Insurance
Rewards:
- 10X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on all other purchases
My Take
$395 is a steep annual fee to pay, but don’t worry you get all that back and more. The Capital One Venture X credit card offers a $300 annual travel credit for travel related purchases made using the card. Additionally, you also get a 10,000 point bonus every card member anniversary year. If you value the $300 credit at face value and the 10,000 points can be redeemed for $100, you’re getting paid $5 to keep this card.
This card also provides lounge access via Priority Pass and the Capital One Lounge network. While there are only a few Capital One Lounges at the moment, there are plans to increase that number in the near future. Additionally, the card also offers many standard trip protection and TSA Pre/Global Entry reimbursement that you find on other premium credit cards.
I think this is currently the best credit card for those looking to get started with miles and points. While the annual is a bit steep, you can easily get outsized value for the card through various credits and perks. Capital One does have limited transfer partners, but still have Air Canada’s Aeroplan, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and an exclusive partnership with Turkish Airlines.
2.Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual Fee: $95
Key Perks:
- Trip Protection,
- Ability to Redeem Points via Chase Travel Portal for 1.25 cents per points
- $50 in annual statement credits toward hotel stays when booked on the Chase Travel Portal
Rewards:
- 5X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 5X total points on Lyft rides (2X on general travel and 3X-point bonus, offer ends March 31, 2025)
- 5X total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (maximum of 25,000 total points; offer ends March 31, 2025)
- 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on other travel
- 1X points on other purchases
My Take
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a popular choice for those new to travel credit cards, and for good reason. It allows users to transfer Chase points to partner airlines or redeem them at a fixed rate of 1.25 cents per point. This mid-tier card, with a $95 annual fee, offers a range of essential travel benefits, including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits, trip insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
I appreciate this card for its easy redemption options and the ability to transfer points to World of Hyatt and United Airlines when needed. Both programs are exclusive to Chase, making Hyatt one of the best hotel options for point transfers. This card is also great for beginners, offering more than 1 cent per point through Chase Ultimate Rewards. With point transfers, you can often get 4 to 5 times that value when booking premium class seats.
Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best starter credit cards for those looking to jump into miles and points while also paying a low annual fee.
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3.Citi American Airlines Business Advantage Credit Card
Annual Fee: $99 (Waived for the first year)
Key Perks:
- Companion Pass after $30,000 in spend annually
- No foreign transaction fees
- Ability to earn American Airlines Elite Status
Rewards:
- 2X AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases,
- 2X AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and gas stations
My Take
American Airline Miles are considered some of the most prestigious points among major U.S. airlines. The Citi AA Business Advantage Credit Card, designed for discerning small business owners and part-time resellers, stands apart from other credit cards. This card is an excellent choice for those who appreciate the finer things, as it offers the opportunity to elevate your travel experience by earning American Airlines Elite Status through your spending.
American Miles hold exceptional value, offering the potential for outsized rewards. With this card, you can also earn a coveted companion certificate, allowing your companion to fly for just $99 plus taxes and fees on an economy flight—delivering savings of $100 to $400. For those seeking a premier miles-earning business credit card, the American Airlines Business Advantage Card is an excellent choice, especially with the annual fee waived in the first year.
Final Thoughts
Elevate your travel experience by securing a premium miles and points earning card. The curated selection of cards below represents the pinnacle of luxury travel, offering unparalleled value and the exclusive opportunity to access the world’s most prestigious flights and five-star accommodations. Whether your goal is to explore exotic destinations or indulge in a lavish hotel stay, the world of Miles and Points opens doors to extraordinary experiences tailored for every traveler.
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