Points + Miles

Spending money–and time–in transit does have its perks, and there's no greater compensation (or bragging right) than earning frequent flyer miles for that next great adventure. Loyalty is often rewarded in the travel business, with most airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies offering travel cards to encourage repeat business in exchange for discounts, upgrades, perks, and member status. That customers can rack up free nights and free flights–7% of all miles flown on U.S. airlines are paid for with points–speaks to the value of those travel reward programs.What are travel reward credit cards?Travel rewards cards offer miles per dollars spent on every purchase made, from buying the groceries to refueling the car to dining out at a favorite restaurant. The best travel credit cards, however, are the ones that align most to your travel habits. Those that fly domestically on a single airline or prefer a specific hotel brand might look into cards from Delta, American Airlines, or Starwood, while travelers looking to earn points that can be redeemed at any airline or hotel would be best served with a generic point-earning card like Chase Sapphire or CapitalOne Venture Card. Flight programs grant extra miles per flight, though some grant other perks to VIP members, such as waived fees for changing itineraries or the ability to exchange points for gift cards. The ins and outs of points programs are tricky: different companies have different rules that change often, and affect not only the value of the points you already have but how and where you can spend them. Whatever path you choose, Travel + Leisure knows the importance of getting the most out of money spent and points collected. Check back frequently for the most up-to-date news and smart advice on how to best earn–and redeem–those hard-earned rewards.

Most Recent

Chase Sapphire Cardmembers Can Now Use Their Travel Credits for Groceries

Chase Sapphire Cardmembers Can Now Use Their Travel Credits for Groceries

Chase Sapphire has new rewards aimed at helping people during the pandemic.
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All the New American Express Rewards Coming to Cardholders Who Can't Travel

The coronavirus pandemic is reshaping the way American Express cards reward travelers.
Wyndham to Give Free Gold Status to Essential Workers Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Wyndham to Give Free Gold Status to Essential Workers Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

“This is one small way we can help make their next trip..."
American and Southwest Join Delta and United in Extending Elite Status and Frequent-flier Perks Due to Coronavirus

American and Southwest Join Delta and United in Extending Elite Status and Frequent-flier Perks Due to Coronavirus

Here's what frequent fliers need to know.
What to Do With Your Frequent Flier Miles and Hotel Points When You Can't Travel

What to Do With Your Frequent Flier Miles and Hotel Points When You Can't Travel

Dreaming of the business-class flight you’ll take one day? You can put those miles to use right now.
How to Get the Most Out of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

How to Get the Most Out of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Flying with Alaska Airlines? Here's our complete guide to getting the most out of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

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And what to consider what program would be best for you...
All the Free Travel Perks You Can Earn As an IHG Rewards Club Member (Video)

All the Free Travel Perks You Can Earn As an IHG Rewards Club Member (Video)

Qatar's Business Class Suites Have Sliding Doors So No One Can Bother You — Here's How to Fly in Them If You Don't Have $6,000 to Spend

Qatar's Business Class Suites Have Sliding Doors So No One Can Bother You — Here's How to Fly in Them If You Don't Have $6,000 to Spend

How to Get the Most Out of the Delta SkyMiles Frequent-flier Program

How to Get the Most Out of the Delta SkyMiles Frequent-flier Program

How to Get the Most Out of Your American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent-flier Miles

How to Get the Most Out of Your American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent-flier Miles

Meet Celine, United's Youngest MileagePlus Member Who's Traveled to 6 Continents by Age 5

Meet Celine, United's Youngest MileagePlus Member Who's Traveled to 6 Continents by Age 5

How to Get the Most Out of Your United MileagePlus Frequent-flier Miles

All Points + Miles

United Announces MileagePlus Miles Will No Longer Expire

United Announces MileagePlus Miles Will No Longer Expire

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How to Get the Most Out of Your World of Hyatt Points

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How to Maximize Your Wyndham Rewards for Free Stays and Elite Status

This United Perk Could Get You a Free Flight on Your Next Trip

This United Perk Could Get You a Free Flight on Your Next Trip

How to Earn Hilton Honors Points — and the Best Ways to Use Them

How to Earn Hilton Honors Points — and the Best Ways to Use Them

You Can Now Earn Hilton Honors Points Every Time You Ride Lyft

You Can Now Earn Hilton Honors Points Every Time You Ride Lyft

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12 Ways to Earn Airline Rewards You Might Be Missing Out On

You Can Fly Singapore Airlines’ New First Class Suites for (Almost) Free on This One Route (Video)

You Can Fly Singapore Airlines’ New First Class Suites for (Almost) Free on This One Route (Video)

How I Booked a $16,000 First-class Flight on Japan Airlines for Just $32

How I Booked a $16,000 First-class Flight on Japan Airlines for Just $32

How to Pick the Best Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Card For You

How to Pick the Best Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Card For You

These Airlines Will Give You Miles If You Donate to Harvey Disaster Relief

These Airlines Will Give You Miles If You Donate to Harvey Disaster Relief

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The 14 Best Airline Frequent Flier Loyalty Programs

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How to Choose the Travel Rewards Credit Card That's Best for You

Buying Back Expired Airline Miles Is Easier Than You Think

Buying Back Expired Airline Miles Is Easier Than You Think

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The 10 Best Hotel Loyalty Programs

This Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Unused Airline Miles

This Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Unused Airline Miles

How to Take a $7,000 First-class Flight for $76

How to Take a $7,000 First-class Flight for $76

The Ultimate Credit Card Battle: How the 3 Best Travel Rewards Cards Stack Up

The Ultimate Credit Card Battle: How the 3 Best Travel Rewards Cards Stack Up

This is the best credit card for international travel

This is the best credit card for international travel

How to get a free flight on Alaska Airlines

How to get a free flight on Alaska Airlines

Study Reveals 3 New Tricks to Using Airline Frequent Flier Miles

Study Reveals 3 New Tricks to Using Airline Frequent Flier Miles

How to Redeem Miles After Your Flight

How to Redeem Miles After Your Flight

How Frequent Fliers Can Take Advantage of the Alaska and Virgin America Merger

How Frequent Fliers Can Take Advantage of the Alaska and Virgin America Merger

How to Become a Frequent Flier Without Spending a Lot of Money

How to Become a Frequent Flier Without Spending a Lot of Money

Hilton's Loyalty Program Is Adding a Bunch of Game-changing Perks

Hilton's Loyalty Program Is Adding a Bunch of Game-changing Perks

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