Monkey Miles Favorite Credit Cards

Monkey Miles Favorite Credit Cards

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Here at Monkey Miles we strive to provide you the best credit card offers available, whether we make a commission or not. With that being said, we appreciate when you use our affiliate links when they are the best available since this is a source of income for our site, and how we keep Miles the Monkey happy.

How it Works

We break credit cards into two broad categories as if we were casting a TV Show: Main Cast and Supporting Cast. We also keep a spreadsheet of the best available offers.

  1. Main Cast are the stars of your wallet. They are for your everyday purchases.
  2. Supporting Cast cards assist and aid your wallet. They yield more perks than their annual fee. These are mainly hotel and airline cards.
  3. Spreadsheet – we compiled a list of the current best offers as well as the all time best offers on a ton of cards. If you see something better, email us!
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

4.9
4.9/5

If you’re looking to add a super premium card to your wallet without having to calculate whether you’re recouping the annual fee every year… the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card may very well be the best fit for you.  2x miles everywhere, lounge perks, and great travel partners make this a killer card

Welcome Offer

75k Capital One Miles after $4k in 3 months

Annual Fee

      $395

Points Earned

Transferrable Capital One Miles

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers 2x miles on every single purchase you make, a $300 annual credit when booking in Capital One Travel, 10k Miles every year you keep the card ( worth a minimum of $100 in portal ), Priority Pass, Cap1 Lounge Access + when booking via the Capital One Travel Portal you’ll earn 10x miles on hotels and car rentals + 5x miles on flights. 

The travel credit and 10k anniversary bonus miles alone recoup the $395 annual fee and they have a great list of transfer partners. 

It’s an absolutely killer offer from Capital One.

Leave your referrals here: 

  • 2x miles on every single purchase without limit
    • 10x miles hotels and rentals cars in Capital One Travel Portal
    • 5x miles flights in Capital One Travel Portal
  • $300 Annual Credit within the Capital One Travel Portal
  • 10k bonus miles after each anniversary
  • Lounge access
    • Capital One Lounge Access
      • 1 location currently and 2 more scheduled for 2022
      • 2 guests allowed and $45 for every guest after that
      • Authorized Users get access as well
        • Add 4 Authorized Users free of charge
    • Priority Pass Select access
    • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Plaza Premium lounges
  • Up to $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
    • Credit valid every 4 years
  • Complimentary Cell Phone Insurance
  • Hertz President’s Circle Status
  • No fee for up to 4 authorized users
  • $395 Annual 

The best ever offer was 100k after $10k spend in 6 months when the card first debuted, but 75k has been the offer ever since.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

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 Affiliate link 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card


4.8
4.8/5
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a great starter card that earns Premium Ultimate Rewards that can be transferred into over a dozen partners many of which are US based including Hyatt, Southwest, United, IHG, and Marriott.

Welcome Offer

60k Points after $4k spend in 3 months

Annual Fee

$95

Points Earned

Transferrable Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • 3x on dining
    •  including eligible delivery services for takeout
  • 3x on select streaming services
  • 3x on online grocery purchases
    • (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
  • 5x on all travel purchased through Chase Travel Portal
  • 2x on all other travel
  • $50 Annual Credit on hotel stays purchased via Chase Travel
    • The begins immediately for new cardmembers and after your account anniversary for existing cardmembers
  • 10% Anniversary Bonus
    • Every year you keep the card, your total spend will yield a 10% points bonus. If you spend $10k in a year, you’ll get 1k bonus points
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® continues to redeem at 1.25c in the Chase Travel Portal and the slew of other benefits remain in tact including primary rental car insurance, purchase protections, etc.
  • Points are transferrable to 13 Ultimate Rewards partners
  • Redeem in the Chase Travel center for 1.25 cents per point
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Suite of Travel and Purchase Coverage
    • Primary rental car coverage is my favorite

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists the best ever offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Historically 80k is a very, very good offer and hit in both 2022 and 2023. In 2021, we saw the offer hit an all time high of 100k. Who knows if that will ever come back.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is exceptional starter card and offers transferrable Ultimate Rewards, and pairs well with other Chase cards.

If you carry this card alongside Chase’s cashback cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠and Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the business versions: Ink Business Cash® , Ink Business Unlimited® you can combine the points into Preferred account and transfer into hotel and airline partners

Annual fee is quite low at $95 a year + you get a 10% anniversary bonus on points + $50 hotel credit in Chase travel.

Learn More

Affiliate Link

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

4.9
4.9/5

The Chase Ink Business Preferred® is one of my favorite small business credit cards that earns 3x on travel, cable, phone, and social media marketing, up to $150k yearly spend.

Add in mobile phone insurance and you’ve got a killer card that earns transferrable Ultimate Rewards for $95 a year.

Welcome Offer

100k points after $8k spend in 3 months

Annual Fee

$95

Points Earned

Transferrable Ultimate Rewards

 

  • 100k point welcome bonus after $8k spend in 3 months
  •  3x on first $150k of yearly spend on
    •  Travel
    • Phone, Cable, Internet
    •  Social Media/Search advertising
    •  Shipping
  • 1x on all other purchases
  • Cell Phone Insurance
  • No Foreign Transaction fees
  • Add additional employee cards
  • Redeem at 1.25c for travel with Chase Travel
  • $95 annual fee
  • Member FDIC

100k after $15k spend in 3 months is the highest we’ve ever seen

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

The Chase Ink Business Preferred® can serve as the premium Chase card in your wallet that you can merge your points into to make them transferrable. 

It earns 3x on travel, cable, your phone bill, and if you do an social media marketing, you’ll get 3x there as well.

 It also comes with competitive mobile phone insurance. I end up paying with this card quite often when I’m traveling for hotels, airfare, etc because the travel category is quite broad compared to other cards. It also has no foreign transaction fees. 

Affiliate Link

I’m a Senior Advisor and Investor in the Company

4.9
4.9/5

Earn Bilt Points with the Bilt Mastercard® : the only credit card that earn points on rent ( up to 100k a year ) without transaction fees Terms and conditions

It’s the only 1:1 program where you can transfer points to both American and United!

A complete no brainer for renters in the USA

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

Points Earned

Bilt Points

Finally you can earn points on one of your biggest monthly expenses, RENT, without any processing fees Terms and Conditions. Just make sure you make 5 non-rent transactions every month, no minimum purchase, to earn points.

Bilt Rewards has a great list of transfer partners and will mail your landlord a check, process via ACH, Paypal, or Venmo. 

Bilt “Rent Day” 

  • on the first of every month, all non-rent expenses earn double points. 
  • 0 Annual fee See terms
  • Earn Structure:
    • 1x on rent
    • 2x on travel
    • booked direct with airlines, hotels, cruises, or car rentals
    • 3x on dining
      • this includes delivery like Grubhub, Uber Eats, etc
    • You only earn points when making 5 non-rent transactions in a month 
  • Transfer points 1:1 to over a dozen partners, including American, United, and Hyatt
  • Redeem points for Rent, Mortgage Downpayment, Amazon
  • Redeem at 1.25c in the Bilt Rewards Travel Center (powered by Expedia)
  • Mastercard World Elite benefits
    • Mobile Phone Insurance
      • Up to $800 per claim, subject to a $25 deductible
    • Primary Rental Car Coverage

Some people have received targeted 10k sign up bonuses, but those are few and far between

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

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Affiliate Link 

 

Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

4.9
4.9/5

The Chase Ink Business Cash® has no annual fee, gives you access to some great 5x bonus categories, and has a stunning welcome offer

Welcome Offer

$750 ( 75k Ultimate Rewards ) after spending $6k in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Points Earned

Cash Back in the form of Ultimate Rewards.

 

  • 5x Bonus points at
    • Office Supply stores
    • Internet, Cable, and Phone Services
    • capped at $25k
  • 2x Bonus points at
    • Gas Stations
    • Restaurants
    • capped at $25k
  • .No Annual Fee

90k is the best offer we’ve seen on this card with a $6k spend requirement in 3 months

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

The Chase Ink Business Cash® gives you the ability to earn 5x points on purchases at office supply stores, internet, cable, and phone services up to $25k total a year. That’s 125k points if maxed out.

I know a lot of businesses incentivize their employees with gift cards as contest prizes, when they hit sales, thresholds, sign a new lease, renew contracts, etc. Many Office Supply stores sell gift cards and this gives you the ability to earn 5x points on office supply purchases. Pretty awesome if you ask me.

Also, if you carry a I’d highly recommend pairing this card with a Chase premium card so you can combine points and transfer them.

  • Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

4.9
4.9/5

The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a no annual fee card that earns an unlimited 1.5x on every single purchase without cap. 

Welcome Offer

$750 (75k Ultimate Rewards) after spending $6k in 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Points Earned

Cashback in the form of Ultimate Rewards

  • 1.5x everywhere
  • No Annual fee
  • Cashback can be combined with a Premium Chase card and then transferred to partners.

90k is the best offer we’ve seen on this card with a $6k spend requirement in 3 months.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

Earn unlimited 1.5x on purchases.

I’d highly recommend pairing this card with a Chase premium card so you can combine points and transfer them.

  • Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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Reader Referral Link: up to 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + 20% back on dining ( $50 max )  

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy

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Resy Link 75k after $6k in 6 months + up to $250 dining credit

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

American Express® Gold Card

4.8
4.8/5

This is point earning powerhouse. American Express® Gold Card Earns 4x on dining and U.S. Supermarkets ( up to $25k, then 1x ) making it one of the best for those categories on the market. 

I’ve had this card since 2018 and it gets a ton of swipes 

Welcome Offer

Up to 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + 20% back on dining ( $50 max )

Annual Fee

$250 *Rates and Fees; terms apply

 

Points Earned

Transferrable American Express Membership Rewards 

American Express revamped their Gold card in 2018 and we named it THE MOST compelling card of the year

I’d argue it’s still one the most compelling card in 2023 as well. Earning 4x points on restaurants, 4x on U.S. supermarkets ( up to $25k, then 1x ), 3x points on airfare purchased via Amex Travel and directly with airlines, 

up to $10 monthly dining credit at select restaurants (enrollment required), up to $10 monthly credit on Uber/Uber Eats (enrollment required), let’s just say my Amex Gold card gets a ton of swipes every month. 

The Amex Gold card also earns Membership Rewards and I love using their points to transfer to programs like Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Avianca, Qantas, and many, many more to access those super fancy cabins everyone loves. This is one of the absolute workhorses of my wallet.

  • Annual Fee is $250 *Rates and Fees; terms apply
  • 4x points at restaurants
  • 4x points at U.S. supermarkets ( up to $25k a year, then 1x )
  • 3x points on flights purchased directly with the airline or Amex Travel
  • up to $10 per month Uber Cash credit valid in US only (enrollment required)
  • up to $120 Dining Credit at select restaurants (enrollment required)
    •  Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. 
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • 1x everywhere else
  • Access to The Hotel Collection
  • *Rates and Fees; terms apply

 The best ever public has been 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + the $250 dining credit ( this was on Resy ); however, some people have gotten targeted 100k offers, but those are extremely rare.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

 

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

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Via Resy: 100k after $8k spend in 6 months + 10x Dining (up to $25k max in 6 months)

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

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Reader Referral: 150k after $8k in 6 months

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy

The Platinum Card® from American Express

4.7
4.7/5

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a heavy hitter, and not just because it’s made of metal.

This is a card I carry and is jam packed with benefits including lounge access, VIP travel benefits, and a ton of statement credits.

Welcome Offer

Two offers listed

Points Earned

Transferrable American Express Membership Rewards

 

A card we carry and love. The Platinum Card® from American Express is chock full of benefits

You’ll also have access to Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Amex’s own uber lux Centurion Clubs, earn 5x points on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or Amex Travel, access to Amex’s own Fine Hotels and Resorts program for upgrades, breakfast, and credits, earn $15 a month in Uber credits (enrollment required), and their Membership Rewards are some of the best points you can possibly earn.

I love using their points to transfer to programs like Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Avianca, Qantas, and many, many more.

  • $695 annual fee *Rates and Fees; terms apply
  • Up to $200 Hotel credit
    • You must pre-book via Amex FHR or The Hotel Collection, which requires a two night minimum stay, via Amex Travel
  • Up to $200 Uber Cash yearly credit valid US only (enrollment required )
    • Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • Up to $240 Digital Entertainment Credit (enrollment required )
    • Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal.
  • Up to $300 Equinox credit (enrollment required )
  • Up to $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit (enrollment required )
  •  Up to $200 airline incidental credit (enrollment required )
  •  Up to $100 global entry or $85 TSA Pre credit (enrollment required )
  • Up to $12.95 + tax / month Walmart+ membership
    • Walmart+ members receive unlimited free shipping with no order minimum on items shipped by Walmart.com, free delivery from stores, as well as mobile and contactless check-out to make shopping faster.
  • Up to $25 Soul Cycle monthly credit
    • Platinum Card Members will receive a $300 statement credit every time they purchase a SoulCycle At-Home Bike, up to 15x per calendar year.
    • An Equinox+ membership is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content.
    • Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only.
    • This stacks on top of the $25/month Equinox+ statement credit.
  • Centurion lounge access
  • Priority Pass select membership (enrollment required )
  • Rental Car Status
    • Hertz President’s Circle
    • Avis Preferred Plus
    • National Executive
  • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, The Hotel Collection
  • 5x on airfare purchased via Amex Travel or with your selected airline
  • *Rates and Fees; terms apply

150k after $6k spend in 6 months along with 15x worldwide dining ( up to $25k ) was the best we ever have seen publicly through Resy. However, the 150k referral without the dining is pretty hard to beat imo.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Learn More

Non-Affiliate Link

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

4.6
4.6/5

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic go-to that earns 2x miles everywhere. It’s simple, straight forward, and earns great rewards.

Welcome Offer

75k Miles + $200 Avelo Statement Credit after $4k in 3 months

 

Annual Fee

$95

Points Earned

Transferrable Capital One Miles

 

Every wallet needs a card that you use when you can’t get a big category bonus. You know, the every day card. And that is where the The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card shines.

Earn unlimited 2x Capital One Miles on every single dollar you spend and have the ability to transfer them to 18 partners. There are some fringe benefits as well like Global Entry/TSA Pre credit every 4 years, travel protections, and limited lounge access.

Personally, I carry the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, but this is a great card for a lower annual fee.

  • 2x miles on every purchase
  • up to a $100 credit for Global Entry and TSA Pre
  • Earn 5X miles
    • on hotels booked via Capital One Travel
    • rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or
    • to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through our Partner Lounge Network
  • Transfer miles to 18+ partners
  • $95 annual fee

There have been 100k offers that require $20k spend over 12 months, but personally I think the 75k offer is more attractive and allows you to allocate that spend elsewhere.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

a credit card with a picture of a man

Non- Affiliate Link

 Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

American Express® Green Card

4.8
4.8/5

The American Express®  Green Card is an absolute sleeper. It earns 3x on travel, transit, restaurants worldwide, $189 Clear Plus credit, $100 Lounge Buddy credit, and currently has an all time best ever offer…annual fee is $150. 

Welcome Offer

40k Membership Rewards(R) after $3k spend in 6 months 

*Rates and Fees; terms apply

Annual Fee

$150  *Rates and Fees; terms apply

Points Earned

Transferrable Membership Rewards

 

A lot of people overlook the Amex Green card as it falls in the shadow of its premium siblings the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum. But this is a bad mammajamma earning 3x on travel, transit, dining, and has a very liberal interpretation of travel compared to other Amex cards.

Travel with the Amex Green card is defined as the following:

  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Tours
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Rideshares like Uber and Lyft
  • Busses
  • Taxi
  • Subways and Metros
  • Tolls
  • Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards(R) Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards(R)
    • points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
    • transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
    • eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
  • Up to $189 CLEAR Plus Credit:
    • Receive up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express(R) Green Card.
  • Up to $100 LoungeBuddy
    • Purchase lounge access through the LoungeBuddy app using the American Express(R) Green Card and receive up to $100 in statement credits annually.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express(R) Green Card there are no foreign transaction fees.
  • $150 annual fee.
  • *Rates and Fees; terms apply

60k Membership Rewards + 20% back on travel and transit, up to $200, after $3k spend in the the first 6 months is best ever

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

a close up of a credit card

Non-Affiliate

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

4.8
4.8/5

This may be the most underrated credit card in the market. If you’re looking for a card that will earn bonus points across many of the categories you spend the most money on…this may be it. You’ll earn 3x points on Air Travel, Others Hotel, Supermarkets, Dining, and Gas.

Welcome Offer

60k after $4k spend in 3 months

Annual Fee

      $95 *See rates and fees

Points Earned

Transferrable Citi Thank You points

There isn’t another card on the market that earns 3x points on Air Travel, Hotel, Supermarkets, Dining, and Gas for $95 and has transferrable points

Speaking of transfer partners, it has a great list of air and hotel partners that fills in some gaps if you already have Amex or Chase cards in your wallet. 

It has access to smaller programs like EVA and Turkish which opens up great business class opportunities to Europe and Asia. It also has a 1:2 transfer ratio to Choice which is great for using points at Preferred Hotels.

The only downside to the card is it doesn’t have many US parter programs like Amex, Bilt, or Chase. 

  • 3x points on
    • Air Travel
    • Hotel
    • Supermarkets
    • Dining
    • Gas
  • Access to Mastercard World Elite benefits
  • No foreign Transaction fees
  • $95 annual fee
  • This has a 24 months rule in effect, meaning if you’ve gotten the bonus in the past 24 months, or closed the card in the past 24 months, you’re ineligible.
  • For a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou(R) Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel(SM) portal through June 30, 2024.

We have seen the offer pop up to $80k after $4k spend in 3 months in the past.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

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Affiliate Link 

 

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

4.6
4.6/5

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the grandaddy of all Chase cards. It’s a super premium card that comes with a bevy of benefits, travel credits, increased earn rates, and points worth 1.5c in Chase Travel.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

Annual Fee

$550

Points Earned

Transferrable Ultimate Rewards

 

  • 1.5c valuation for in Chase Travel℠  
    • Or via Pay Yourself back categories which rotate
  • $550 Annual Fee
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit
    • Each anniversary Year
  • 3x Dining
  • Earn rates via Chase Travel℠
    • Earn 5x total points on flights
    • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠
      • Bonuses starts After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
  • Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Chase Sapphire lounge access once they are open
  • Priority Pass membership with dining access for 2 guests
  • $100 application fee credit every four years for
    • Global Entry,
    • NEXUS,
    • or TSA PreCheck(R)
  • Free Instacart+ for one year.
    • Instacart+ members earn up to $15 in statement credits each month through July 2024.
  • Free DashPass (DoorDash and Caviar) for one year
    • activate by December 31, 2024.
  • No Fx fees
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and mor

When the  Chase Sapphire Reserve® first hit the market in 2016 it had a 100k offer, but the highest in recent years has been 80k after $4k spend in 3 months.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has perks like a $300 annual travel credit, full Priority Pass membership with access to great lounges + restaurants all around the world for you and 2 guests, 3x points on dining and travel worldwide, and points that are worth 1.5c in the Chase Travel Center. 

If you carry this card alongside Chase’s cashback cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠and Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the business versions: Ink Business Cash , Ink Business Unlimited you can combine the points into Preferred account and transfer into hotel and airline partners.

Personally, I think the Chase Sapphire Preferred® may offer more value for the annual fee, and if you want the super premium benefits, take a look at the Capital One Venture X to pair with it.

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*Reader Referral

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

Chase Freedom Flex(SM)

4.8
4.8/5

The Chase Freedom Flex(SM) is an all out beast of card. Hands down, it’s one of the best on the market and offers a rotating 5x category bonus that allows helps you earn a ton of points. 

Make sure you pair this card with a Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Ink Business Preferred® for max value

Welcome Offer

$200 or 20k Ultimate Rewards + 5x on combine gas and grocery store purchases ( up to $12k ) see card benefits for terms

Note this is a non-affiliate reader referral offer

Annual Fee

$0

Points Earned

Cash Back or non-transferrable Ultimate Rewards unless paired with a premium Chase card

 

  • No Annual Fee
  • Earn $200 or 20k Ultimate Rewards after $500 spend in 3 months 
    • 5x on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (not including Target® and Walmart®)opens overlay to offer details** on up to $12,000 spent in the first year (that’s $600 cash back!)
    • 5x on Bonus Quarterly Categories – each quarter members can activate a 5x category bonus on purchases up to $1500 per quarter on the selected categories
    • 5x on Travel purchased through Chase Travel
    • 3x on Dining  including take out/eligible delivery services.
    • 3x on Drugstore
    • 1x unlimited cash back on all other purchases.

Additionally, you’ll get World Elite Mastercard benefits, including

    • Mobile Phone Insurance – Up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year on mobile phone protection
      • theft and damage on users listed on the phone bill paid by the cardholder
    • Lyft  $10 in credit for every five rides taken in a calendar month
      • This gets applied to the next ride
      • 1x per month
    • ShopRunner – free membership
      • 2 day shipping at over 100 stores
    • Fandango  2x VIP+ points on movie tickets bought on the Fandango app or Fandango.com

The best offer we’ve consistently seen is via reader referral= $200 after $500 spend in 3 months + an additional 5x category for 12 months

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

When you carry a Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the The Chase Freedom Flex (SM) works exceptionally well in tandem.

It gives you the ability to earn 5x on rotating category bonuses each quarter which really expands your ability to earn points faster. 

The base rate on the card is 1x though, so I’d recommend using this for the rotating category bonuses, but using a card that earns 1.5x or 2x for all your non-bonus spend. Like a Capital One Venture X, Venture Rewards, or Chase Freedom Unlimited

 

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Reader Referral

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

 

Learn More

Affiliate Link

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

4.8
4.8/5

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no annual fee card that earns an unlimited 1.5x on all purchases and is a great everyday card in the USA.

It’s a fantastic card for those who prefer cash-back, OR to pair with either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. 

Welcome Offer

2 offers: 

See benefits

Annual Fee

$0

Points Earned

Cashback/ Non-transferrable Ultimate Rewards

Reader Referral Offer 

  • Earn $200 ( 20k Ultimate Rewards ) after $500 spend in 3 months
  • No Annual Fee
  • 5x on Travel booked through Chase Travel(SM)
  • 3x at Dining 
  • 3x Pharmacies
  • 1.5% or 1.5x points on every purchase

Affiliate Offer

  • 3x cash back on all purchases
    • 1.5x up front when you purchase
    • 1.5x bonus first year up to $20k total combine purchases
  • 4.5x cash back on drugstore purchases
    • 3x up front when you purchase
    • 1.5x bonus first year up to $20k total combine purchases
  • 4.5x cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
    • 3x up front when you purchase
    • 1.5x bonus first year up to $20k total combine purchases
  • 6.5x cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM)
    • 5x up front when you purchase
    • 1.5x bonus first year up to $20k total combine purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Member FDIC

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

Everyone needs a credit card that earns more than 1 point per dollar. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns an unlimited 1.5x on all purchases  + has bonus categories for dining, pharmacies, and travel. 

Points that you earn from this card can be combined with those from a Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Ink Business Preferred® and then transferred to partner programs. You can read more about that here.

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Affiliate Link

Chase Ink Business Premier(SM) Credit Card

4.6
4.6/5

If cashback is your cup of tea, you’ll earn unlimited 2% cashback and 2.5% cashback on purchases of $5k or more with the Chase Ink Business Premier(SM) Credit Card

Note: These points are not capable of being merged with other Ultimate Rewards like some other Chase cashback cards. 

Welcome Offer

$1000 after $10k spend in 3 months

Annual Fee

$195

Points Earned

Non-transferrable Ultimate Rewards

  • 2% cash back on all business purchases
  • 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more with no cap
  • 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM)
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
  • Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
  • There’s no additional cost for employee cards.
  • Annual fee is $195

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

This would be a main cast card if you’re looking to earn cashback vs transferrable points.

 

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

Who is this card right for?

  • You want cashback
  • You make a lot of big purchases and spend over $50k a year

 

Those who make a lot purchases over $5000 and appreciate cashback are the prime customer for this card.

Every single purchase earns 2% cashback which is on par with cards like the Capital One Spark Cash ( which has a $150 annual fee ), and the Amex Blue Business Plus ( no annual fee ) which caps that earning at $50k in a year. 

But, the place where the Ink Business Premier separates itself is on the 2.5% back on any purchase over $5000.

If you’re making a lot of $5000+ purchases, enjoy cashback, and spend more than $50k a year. This is a big earner.

Non-Affiliate

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

Citi(R) Double Cash Card

4.8
4.8/5

Simply put…earn unlimited 2% cashback

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

Points Earned

Cashback Thank You points, but if held alongside Citi Premier they can be combined and transferred

You’ll earn 1% cashback when you make a purchase, and another 1% when you pay for the purchase = 2%. 

There is no cap to the 2% back and it’s paid in the form of Citi Thank You points.

The strategy of holding this card is to pair it with the premium Citi Premier card which earns transferrable Citi Thank You points.

Citi allows you to combine the cashback with the Citi Premier points and transfer into partners. Similar to how the Chase system works.

It’s a great combo set of cards and the Double Cash has no annual fee…making it a no brainer.

This card could serve as your everyday card to use on purchases that don’t have a category bonus and earn a minimum of 2x on every purchase

  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% when you pay for those purchases.
  • Keep an eye on 0% interest offers as they fluctuate but can offer up to 18 months interest free.

We have seen $200 or 20k Thank You points after $1500 spend in 3 months

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

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Amex Targeted

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

4.9
4.9/5

Earn 2x on purchases up to $50k a year

Welcome Offer

50k Membership Rewards after $15k spend in 12 months

(check to see if referrals are offering higher YMMV)

Points Earned

Transferrable American Express Membership Rewards

Super straight forward business card. 

You’ll earn 2x on all your purchases up to $50k spent a year.

I use this in tandem with other Amex cards that have category bonuses, and throw spend on the Blue Business Plus when I can’t earn a higher multiple

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

a close up of a credit card

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Affiliate Link

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

4
4/5

Earn 4x at Hyatt hotels and 5 elite nights every $10k in spend.

Welcome Offer

60k World of Hyatt points after $5k spend in 3 months

Annual Fee

$199

Points Earned

World of Hyatt points

 

  • Earn  60k World of Hyatt points after spending $5000 in 3 months
  • 4x at Hyatt hotels
    • 4x on the credit card spend on qualified Hyatt spend
    • 5x as a base member of Hyatt on qualified spend
    • 9x total when combining the two on qualified spend
  • 2x at fitness clubs and gym memberships
  • New Adaptive Accelator – Earn 2x on the categories you spend most each quarter
    • Until 12/31/24 you’ll 2x at the top 3 categories
      • dining;
      • airline tickets purchased directly with the airline;
      • car rental agencies;
      • local transit and commuting;
      • gas stations;
      • internet, cable and phone services;
      • social media
      • search engine advertising;
      • shipping
    • Starting in 2023 you’ll get 2 bonus points at the top 2 categories
  • Earning Elite Nights via spend
    • Earn 5 Elite nights with every $10k in spend
  • Discoverist Status while you hold the card
      • World of Hyatt Business Credit cardmembers can gift up to 5 Discoverist statuses to their company employees
        • They don’t need to be Authorize Users
  • Spend $50k in a year and get 10% back on all point stays after hitting that spend threshold
  • Get $100 statement credit each year at Hyatt hotels
    • This is divided into two $50 credits
    • No stay requirement needed
    • Valid Interanationally
  • No fee for employee business cards
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Complimentary roadside dispatch
  • Primary rental car collision damage waiver
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Purchase protection
  • Trip cancellation/travel interruption insurance
  • Travel and emergency assistance services
  • Access to Hyatt Leverage, Hyatt’s global business travel program that offers special rates to qualifying small and mid-sized enterprises at participating Hyatt hotels worldwide
  • $199 annual fee
  • Member FDIC

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

 If you’re going to have just one World of Hyatt credit card, my choice would be the personal version.

It comes with a more streamlined set of benefits and ability to offset the annual fee. 

The big miss on this card to me is the lack of baked in elite nights ( you need to spend $10k to earn 5, but can do so over and over again ), and it doesn’t come with an annual free night award.

Where this card could come in handy is if your business spends a ton of money. You need 60 elite nights to hit Globalist status and you could hit that purely by spending $120k a year on this card. 

You’d also get 10% back on all your award redemptions after spending $50k…but honestly, I think there are much better places to throw your spend.

Learn More

Affiliate Link

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

4.6
4.6/5

For the $99 annual fee, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card yields IHG One Rewards Platinum Status, a 4th night free when booking with points, an annual anniversary 40k night, and a $50 United Travel bank credit. Been in my wallet since it was released.

*Note if you have a Chase IHG One Rewards personal card or you’ve received a welcome bonus in the past 24 months you’re ineligible to add this to your wallet

Welcome Offer

165,000 IHG One Rewards after $3k within 3 months of account opening

Annual Fee

$99

Points Earned

IHG One Rewards

  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus
    • Good on properties up to 40k per night
    • You can add points to this certificate
  • Enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
  • Earn Structure
    • Up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
    • 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on
      • travel, 
      • gas stations, 
      • restaurants.
    • Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • Member FDIC
  • No Foreign Transaction
  • $99 annual fee

175k after $3k spend in 3 months is the best we’ve seen.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

4 reasons I keep this card in my wallet

  • A free anniversary award night every year you keep the card, worth up to 40k IHG One Rewards ( you can add unlimited points to this award night as well ) This easily offsets the annual fee for me.
  • 4th night free when redeeming points
  • Cardholder award night sales where you get notice to book in advance or exclusively for cardholders
  • The United credit offset roughly half the annual fee
a close-up of a credit card

Affiliate link

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

4.8
4.8/5

Unlimited 2% cashback – high bonus, but requires a lot of spend quickly.

Welcome Offer

  • Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$150

Points Earned

Cash Back, but may be possible to combine with Capital One Miles

 

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus earns unlimited 2% cashback and is technically considered a “cashback card” 

However

Anedotally, and this is an unpublished data point, if you carry a card that earns Capital One Miles like the Capital One Venture X or Capital One Venture Rewards you can combine the cashback into Miles and transfer them into partners. 

Either which way, you’d put this card to use on purchases that have no other category bonus so you’re guaranteed a 2x on every purchase

  • Earn unlimited 2% cash back
    • Everywhere, without limit
  • No preset spending limit
  • Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000
  • Rewards don’t expire as long as you have the card
  • Add employee cards without fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $150 annual fee

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

a credit card with a picture of a man

Learn More

Non- Affiliate link

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

4.6
4.6/5

Earn 2% cashback on purchases up to $50k a year, then 1x

Welcome Offer

 Earn up to $500 cash back after $10k spend – see breakdown

Points Earned

Cashback

I prefer The Blue Business Plus™ Credit Card from American Express since it earns Membership Rewards and I value them at more than a penny a point…but, if cashback is your jam…this is pretty great at 2% and no fee.

  • Earn $250 after $5k spend in 3 months
    • Earn another $250 after $10k spend in the first year of cardmembership
  •  2% cashback on all purchases up to $50k throughout the year.
  • 2% cashback on all purchases up to $50k a year, then 1%
  • No Annual Fee. *Rates and Fees; terms apply

We have seen $250 cashback after $3k spend in 3 months

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

How it Works

We break credit cards into two broad categories as if we were casting a TV Show: Main Cast and Supporting Cast. We also keep a spreadsheet of the best available offers.

  1. Main Cast are the stars of your wallet. They are for your everyday purchases.
  2. Supporting Cast cards assist and aid your wallet. They yield more perks than their annual fee. These are mainly hotel and airline cards.
  3. Spreadsheet – we compiled a list of the current best offers as well as the all time best offers on a ton of cards. If you see something better, email us!

Miles' Top Credit Cards

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