Supporting Cast
Monkey Miles Supporting Cast Credit Cards
Miles
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How it Works – Supporting Cast
Supporting Cast credit cards are added to your wallet once your main cast is set. They should yield benefits that outweigh the annual fee and can be used when flying or staying at hotels. The benefits I use most are: Free hotel nights, elite status or reduced elite status requirements, free bags, lounge access, earlier boarding, etc.
Chase IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
For the $99 annual fee you’ll get 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® 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
175,000 IHG One Rewards after $3k in 3 months
Annual Fee
$99
Points Earned
IHG One Rewards
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 free night after each account anniversary year
- These are currently valid at properties 40k points and below
- You can now add points to these nights should you want to stay at a pricier property
- 4th night free when redeeming points for a 4 consecutive night stay
- 10x at IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide ( this is on top of the bonus you get as a IHG Rewards member )
- 5x
- travel
- gas stations
- dining/restaurants
- social media and search engine advertising
- office supply stores
- 3x everywhere else
- 5x
- Spend your way to Diamond with $40k in annual purchases
- Get a 10k bonus points and $100 statement credit when you spend $20k + one additional purchase in a year
- $50 United Travel Bank credit
- Earn up to 26x points at IHG hotels
- 20% off purchased points
- Can’t be stacked with points sales tho
- Platinum status at IHG while holding the card
- 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.
Chase IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
For $99 a year, this small business card yields IHG One rewards Platinum Status, a free night award certificate every year, 4th night free on award stays of 4 consecutive nights, and a $50 United Travel Bank.
Welcome Offer
140,000 IHG One Rewards after $3k spend in 3 months
Annual Fee
$99
Points Earned
IHG One Rewards
It’s so easy to see how the annual fee is recouped.
- 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 on stays of 4 consecutive nights
- 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
- 140k bonus points after spending $3k in the first 3 months of account opening
- A free night after each account anniversary year
- These are currently valid at properties 40k points and below
- You can now add points to these nights should you want to stay at a pricier property
- Spend $60k on the card + 1 purchase and get another anniversary night
- 4th night free when redeeming points on a 4 consecutive night point redemption
- 10x at IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide ( this is on top of the bonus you get as a IHG Rewards member )
- 5x
- travel
- gas stations
- dining/restaurants
- social media and search engine advertising
- office supply stores
- 3x everywhere else
- 5x
- Spend your way to Diamond with $40k in annual purchases
- Get a 10k bonus points and $100 statement credit when you spend $20k + one additional purchase in a year
- $50 United Travel Bank credit
- 20% off purchased points
- Can’t be stacked with points sales tho
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Fee Credit –
- The primary cardholder receives a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Fee Credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to the Card
- Platinum status at IHG while holding the card
- No Foreign Transaction
- $99 annual fee
140k 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.
IHG(R) Rewards Traveler Credit Card
No annual fee, no fx fees, IHG Silver Status, & Get a 4th night free when you book 4 consecutive nights with points.
*If you carry a IHG personal card you are ineligible or if you received a bonus in the past 24 months + 5/24 rules apply.
Welcome Offer
120,000 Points after $2k in 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Points Earned
IHG One Rewards
If you don’t want to pay an annual fee, but still get a 4th night free when using points on 4 consecutive nights…this is a great option.
Personally, I think the IHG® Premier is a much better card for $99 and comes with a free night good up to 40k points. If you didn’t feel like you got the value out it, you could always downgrade to this card after 12 months to enjoy no annual fee.
One thing to note… you can hold this card in tandem with the IHG® Rewards Business card
- No annual fee,
- no fx fees,
- IHG Silver Status
- Spend your way to Gold
- Get a 4th night free when you book 4 consecutive nights with points.
- 5x at IHG properties
- 3x on dining, gas stations, utilities, cable, internet, phone, cell, and select streaming services
- 2x everywhere else
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.
Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card
Get a category 1-4 free night every year + 5 elite night credits, and earn more elite nights via spend. It’s one of the most valuable hotel credit cards available.
Welcome Offer
See Benefits – up to 60k bonus points
Annual Fee
$95
Points Earned
World of Hyatt points
The World of Hyatt credit card comes with an annual category 1-4 award night which I have always found a way to redeem on a property that is worth more than the $95 a year I pay for the card. That alone makes it worth it to me.
It comes with 5 elite nights every year which can be helpful if you’re shooting for status.
Hyatt points are also the most valuable hotel points around coming in somewhere in the 1.5 to 1.8 cents per point value.
This makes putting everyday spend on the card a decent value proposition if you’re angling for Hyatt status and card spend can help boost those elite nights as well. Every $5k you put on the card yields 2 elite nights.
Don’t forget that $15k spend yields an additional category 1-4 night.
- 30k Bonus after you spend $3k in 3 months of account opening
- 2x on $15k spend in the first 6 months, up to a max 30k points
- 5 Elite nights next year
- 4x bonus points on every dollar spent at Hyatt hotels
- On top of 5x a base member earns
- 2x points at:
- restaurants
- airline tickets purchased direct from airlines
- local transit and commuting
- fitness clubs and gym memberships
- Every Account Anniversary you’ll get a Free Night at category 1-4 hotels
- Bonus Free Night at category 1-4 hotels when you spend $15k a year
- Get Discoverist Elite status as along as your card is open
- 2 Elite night credits for every $5k you put on your card.
- Annual fee of $95
We have seen 60k 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.
Hilton Honors Aspire Credit card from American Express
Diamond status, annual night anywhere in the world, $250 Hilton resort credit, $250 airline incidental credit, Priority Pass select… this is one bad mamma jamma of a card
Welcome Offer
150k Hilton Honors after $4k spend in 3 months
Annual Fee
$450 rates and fees
Points Earned
Hilton Honors
This is hands down the best hotel card available.
Not only do you get top tier Hilton Diamond status, but you get an free night certificate that you can use anywhere in the world, $250 Hilton Resort credit, $250 airline incidental credit, the list goes on.
If you’re at all thinking of staying at International Hilton properties, get this card ahead of time to enjoy the executive lounge access and free breakfast that comes along with Diamond Status.
This is a card we’ve had since it debuted and we get a lot from the annual night cert and top tier status to recoup the $450 annual fee.
- Free Annual weekend night on your account anniversary
- Diamond status, top tier, as long as you maintain the card
- $250 resort credit ( not good on prepaid rates)
- $250 annual airline incidental credit
- Priority Pass select
- 14x points at Hilton Hotels
- 7x points US restaurants, airfare booked directly with the airline/Amex travel, select car rental agencies
- $450 rates and fees
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.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Gold, 10 Priority Pass visits, and a free night anywhere in the world after $15k annual spend
Welcome Offer
150k Hilton Honors after $3k spend in 3 months
Annual Fee
- $0 introductory annual fee, then $95 (Rates & Fees)
Points Earned
Hilton Honors
This would be an advantageous card to hold if you’re planning on taking any international trips. Why?
Outside the US, Hilton Gold, which comes as a perk of this card, is valued much higher than in the US. You’ll often get a decent upgrade or even executive lounge/breakfast.
- 150,000 Bonus Points after spending a total of $3,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership
- $0 introductory annual fee, then $95 (Rates & Fees)
- 12x Hilton Honors at Hilton hotels
- Free night after spending $15k in a year
- 3x everywhere
- No fx fees
- Hilton Honors Gold Status as long as you have the card
- Get Hilton Honors Diamond Status after $40k spend
- 10 complimentary Priority Pass visits
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.
Hilton Honors Credit Card from American Express
No fee + Hilton Honors Silver status which means you get a 5th night free when redeeming points.
Welcome Offer
100k Hilton Honors after $2k spend in 6 months
Annual Fee
Points Earned
Hilton Honors
No fee and comes with Silver status.
The reason this is worth noting is because often you can buy Hilton points for less money than the cash rate and Silver status opens up a 5th night free with points.
Remember if you have an Amex Platinum you get Hilton Gold as a perk…
- Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Offer ends 04/05/2023
- 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
- 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points
- Eligible purchases
- U.S. restaurants
- U.S. supermarkets
- U.S. gas stations
- Eligible purchases
- 3X on all other eligible purchases
- No fx fees
- Comped Silver status as long as you have the card
- Spend $20k in eligible purchases and get Hilton Honors Gold
- No Annual Fee.
- Rates and Fees/Terms Apply.
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.
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Get comped Hilton Honors Gold status as long as you hold the card and a free night certificate after $15k spend
Welcome Offer
165k Hilton Honors after $5k in spend in 3 months
Annual Fee
$95 rates and fees
Points Earned
Hilton Honors
Since this is a business card, it may be advantage to hold this for Hilton Gold status since it doesn’t count against your 5/24 number and you can earn a free night certificate after $15k spend each year.
Don’t forget that you need at least Silver status to get a 5th night free on awards, and if you’re thinking of purchasing Hilton points, this is quite advantageous on longer stays to reduce overall cost.
- Limited Time Offer:
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 Months of Card Membership.
- Offer ends 4/5/23
- 12X at Hilton hotels and resorts
- 6X on
- US gas stations
- US purchases for shipping,
- wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers
- flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel
- car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
- US restaurants
- 3X on all other eligible purchases
- Comped Gold Status as long as you hold the card
- Spend $15k get a Free Night Certificate every year
- Spend $45k total and get another one
- Annual fee is $95 ( rates and fees )
- Terms apply
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.
Delta SkyMiles(R) Credit Card from American Express
If you’re looking to get perks on Delta like a free checked bag, or 15% off Delta award tickets this is the entry level Delta Amex cobrand card.
Welcome Offer
70k Delta SkyMiles after $2k spend in 6 months
Annual Fee
$0 first year then $99 Rates and Fees
Points Earned
Delta SkyMiles
This card is for the Delta customer who flies a few times a year with a checked bag, but doesn’t hit elite status. You could easily recoup those fees with this card and enjoy 15% award flights on Delta.
- Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- $0 for first year
- then Annual fee of $99
- Save 15% on Award Travel
- Not applicable to partner flights or to taxes and fess
- Must book through the Delta app or Delta.com
- 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
- $100 Delta Flight Credit after you spend $10k in the first calendar year (good towards a future flight)
- *Rates and Fees; terms apply
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.
Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
If you’re a Delta loyalist looking to earn some MQMs for status, want an annual domestic main cabin companion certificate, free first checked bag, and 15% off award flights.
Welcome Offer
90,000 SkyMiles after $4k spend in 6 months
Annual Fee
$250 Rates and Fees
Points Earned
Delta SkyMiles
There are a few ways I can see keeping this card in your wallet if you’re a Delta loyalist that can recoup the $250 annual fee.
- You take advantage of the domestic main cabin companion certificate for flights that price over $250
- You need the MQM boost for status
- You don’t have status that wavies bag fees, but fly enough with checked bags to recoup a few first checked bag fees a year
- You’re sitting on a lot of Delta miles and the 15% savings comes in handy when redeeming Delta award tickets
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- $250 Annual Fee
- annual fee is not waived the first year
- Save 15% on Award Travel
- Not applicable to partner flights or to taxes and fess
- Must book through the Delta app or Delta.com
- 10k MQM after hitting $25k in a calendar year
- up to 2x
- 3x on Delta purchases and direct with hotels
- 2x on restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Priority Boarding
- Free bag on Delta perk
- Use SkyClub for $50 per person per visit ( up to 2 guests )
- TSA pre/Global Entry fee credit
- Receive a domestic main cabin roundtrip companion certificate every year upon renewal.
- You’ll still owe the government fees and taxes of no more than $75 roundtrip.
- *Rates and Fees; terms apply
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.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Credit Card
The biggest reason to get this, aside from SkyClub access which you can get from the Amex Platinum, is the potential MQM boost via spend + the domestic companion certificate that includes domestic 1st class.
Welcome Offer
90,000 Delta SkyMiles after $6k spend in 6 months
Annual Fee
$550 Rates and Fees
Points Earned
Delta SkyMiles
I think most people are attracted to this card because of the SkyClub access when traveling on Delta.
However, you can get that via the Amex Platinum card which I’d argue is a much better card dollar for dollar.
The two reasons I’d take a closer look at this card is
1) you fly Delta quite a bit and would like to use the MQM boost through spend to hit status.
2) you purchase at least 2 first class tickets every year for more than $550 a piece. This card comes with a domestic companion certificate that you can use on first class. You’d still need to pay taxes on that extra ticket, but that could pretty easily recoup the annual fee right there.
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- $550 Annual Fee
- Save 15% on Award Travel
- Not applicable to partner flights or to taxes and fess
- Must book through the Delta app or Delta.com
- 15k MQM after spending $30k in a calendar year
- can repeat this 4x to earn 60k MQM total
- Free access to the Delta Sky Club + Centurion lounges when booked on Delta
- Priority Boarding
- Free First Checked Bag perk on Delta flights
- Receive a complimentary roundtrip upon renewal
- Domestic 1st Class, Comfort+, or Main Cabin
- Still responsible for taxes and fees of no more than $75
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion(R) Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Complimentary access into the Delta Sky Club(R) for you when booked on a Delta flight.
- 3x on Delta purchases
- 1x everywhere else
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.
Delta SkyMiles(R) Credit Card from American Express
If you’re looking to get perks on Delta like a free checked bag, or 15% off Delta award tickets this is the entry level Delta Amex cobrand card.
Welcome Offer
70k Delta SkyMiles after $2k spend in 6 months
Annual Fee
$0 first year then $99 Rates and Fees
Points Earned
Delta SkyMiles
This card is for the Delta customer who flies a few times a year with a checked bag, but doesn’t hit elite status. You could easily recoup those fees with this card and enjoy 15% award flights on Delta.
- Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- $0 for first year
- then Annual fee of $99
- Save 15% on Award Travel
- Not applicable to partner flights or to taxes and fess
- Must book through the Delta app or Delta.com
- 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
- $100 Delta Flight Credit after you spend $10k in the first calendar year (good towards a future flight)
- *Rates and Fees; terms apply
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.
Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
If you’re a Delta loyalist looking to earn some MQMs for status, want an annual domestic main cabin companion certificate, free first checked bag, and 15% off award flights.
Welcome Offer
90,000 SkyMiles after $4k spend in 6 months
Annual Fee
$250 Rates and Fees
Points Earned
Delta SkyMiles
There are a few ways I can see keeping this card in your wallet if you’re a Delta loyalist that can recoup the $250 annual fee.
- You take advantage of the domestic main cabin companion certificate for flights that price over $250
- You need the MQM boost for status
- You don’t have status that wavies bag fees, but fly enough with checked bags to recoup a few first checked bag fees a year
- You’re sitting on a lot of Delta miles and the 15% savings comes in handy when redeeming Delta award tickets
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- $250 Annual Fee
- annual fee is not waived the first year
- Save 15% on Award Travel
- Not applicable to partner flights or to taxes and fess
- Must book through the Delta app or Delta.com
- 10k MQM after hitting $25k in a calendar year
- up to 2x
- 3x on Delta purchases and direct with hotels
- 2x on restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Priority Boarding
- Free bag on Delta perk
- Use SkyClub for $50 per person per visit ( up to 2 guests )
- TSA pre/Global Entry fee credit
- Receive a domestic main cabin roundtrip companion certificate every year upon renewal.
- You’ll still owe the government fees and taxes of no more than $75 roundtrip.
- *Rates and Fees; terms apply
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.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Credit Card
The biggest reason to get this, aside from SkyClub access which you can get from the Amex Platinum, is the potential MQM boost via spend + the domestic companion certificate that includes domestic 1st class.
Welcome Offer
90,000 Delta SkyMiles after $6k spend in 6 months
Annual Fee
$550 Rates and Fees
Points Earned
Delta SkyMiles
I think most people are attracted to this card because of the SkyClub access when traveling on Delta.
However, you can get that via the Amex Platinum card which I’d argue is a much better card dollar for dollar.
The two reasons I’d take a closer look at this card is
1) you fly Delta quite a bit and would like to use the MQM boost through spend to hit status.
2) you purchase at least 2 first class tickets every year for more than $550 a piece. This card comes with a domestic companion certificate that you can use on first class. You’d still need to pay taxes on that extra ticket, but that could pretty easily recoup the annual fee right there.
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- $550 Annual Fee
- Save 15% on Award Travel
- Not applicable to partner flights or to taxes and fess
- Must book through the Delta app or Delta.com
- 15k MQM after spending $30k in a calendar year
- can repeat this 4x to earn 60k MQM total
- Free access to the Delta Sky Club + Centurion lounges when booked on Delta
- Priority Boarding
- Free First Checked Bag perk on Delta flights
- Receive a complimentary roundtrip upon renewal
- Domestic 1st Class, Comfort+, or Main Cabin
- Still responsible for taxes and fees of no more than $75
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion(R) Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Complimentary access into the Delta Sky Club(R) for you when booked on a Delta flight.
- 3x on Delta purchases
- 1x everywhere else
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.
Marriott Bonvoy(TM) Business American Express(R) Card
Get 15 elite nights every year + Anniversary Night up to 35k, and Marriott Gold Status
Welcome Offer
125k Marriott Bonvoy Points after $5k in 3 months
Offer ends 5/3/23.
Annual Fee
$125 Rates and fees
Points Earned
Marriott Bonvoy
Life with Marriott Bonvoy really starts at Platinum status where you get breakfast and club access. That requires 50 elite nights, so having a Marriott credit card can help by starting the year off with extra elite nights.
This is an easy way to pick up 15 Marriott Elite nights, Gold status, and the annual night can help offset the $125 annual fee. Don’t forget that you can also add up to 15k Marriott Bonvoy points to the anniversary night certs now.
- Earn 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 4x at
- restaurants worldwide,
- us gas station,
- and wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping
- 2x everywhere else
- 1 Free night every year after you account anniversary ( up to 35k a night )
- A 7% Marriott Bonvoy Room Rate Discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy when booked directly
- If you spend more than $60k in a year, you’ll get another free night ( up to 35k a night )
- 15 Marriott Bonvoy Elite nights per year
- Now comes with Gold status ( that used to required $35k spend )
- $125 annual fee
- Rates and fees.
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.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant(R) American Express(R) Card
This card comes with Marriott Platinum Status, 25 elite night credits, $25 a month dining credit, an 85k Marriott Anniversary Free night award, Priority Pass, and more
Welcome Offer
95k Marriott Bonvoy after $5k in 3 months
Annual Fee
$650 rates and fees
Points Earned
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott life begins at Platinum status where you get executive lounge access and breakfast at most properties. This card unlocks that status just having it in your wallet.
Is it worth $650? That’s a lot, but if you’re planning Marriott stays, value breakfast/lounge access, it definitely could worth it. Just remember that Ritz Carlton doesn’t honor those benefits…
The $25 monthly dining credit is worth setting a calendar alert, even it it just means loading your Starbucks account.
Another thing to note is that the Platinum status that comes with this card doesn’t include the Choice benefits extended at 50 nights. One of those is suite night upgrades, but you’ll start the year with 25 elite nights as a perk, so you’re half way there.
- Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy(R) bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months.
- $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
- Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status
- 25 Elite Night credit per calendar year
- Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: up to 85k property
- You can add up to 15k points as well if you wanted to redeem up to a 100k property
- Priority Pass(TM) Select membership.
- Lounge access worldwide
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R) Fee Credit
- Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA PreCheck(R) (up to $85) when you pay the application fee with an eligible Card
- Spend $60k in a year and get Choice benefit
- Five (5) Suite Night Awards, 85K Free Night Award, and mattress and box spring $1000 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.
- Certain hotels have resort fees so head’s up
- $100 Luxury Property Credit:
- Qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton(R) or St. Regis(R) when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Cell Phone Protection
- $800 with $50 deductible
- 2 claims per 12 months
- Must charge bill to card
- No fx Fees
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy(R) points at Marriott properties that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy(TM) program
- 3x Restaurants Worldwide
- 3x Flights booked direct with airlines
- 2x everywhere else
- $650 Annual Fee.
- rates and fees
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.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Status, 15 elite nights, and an Annual Anniversary Night at properties 50k or less after spending $15k or more. Honestly…I’d think twice about this card
Welcome Offer
85k Marriott Bonvoy after $4k in 3 months
Annual Fee
$250 Rates and fees
Points Earned
Marriott Bonvoy
Honestly… this card is a conundrum. For the annual fee premium over the Chase Marriott Boundless you don’t get a whole lot. You have to spend $15k to get a 50k or less free night, and Marriott Gold isn’t all that great.
Plus, with the Boundless you can upgrade into the Ritz Card after a year which is arguably the best card on the market.
- Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy(R) bonus points after you make $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- 6 Marriott Bonvoy(R) points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2x points).
- 1K Bonus Points Per Stay
- Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy(R) bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with your Card.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award:
- Must spend $15k or more in a calendar year
- Good on properties that are 50k or below
- 15 Elite Night Credits
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Rates and fees
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.
Chase United Gateway(SM) Card
No annual fee and earn 25% back on United in flight beverages or premium beverages in United Clubs
Welcome Offer
20k United Miles after $1k spend in 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Points Earned
United Miles
If you occasionally fly United and you’d like in flight food/beverage discounts, then I guess this one to consider. Personally, if you want some real United perks, start with this card’s big brother the United Explorer – it has an annual fee, but there is much more substance to it.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United(R) purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United(R) purchases
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at gas stations, on local transit and on commuting
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
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.
Chase United(SM) Explorer Card
Free first checked bag, Priority Boarding, 2x United Club passes + 1 year of Comped DashPass.
Welcome Offer
60k United Miles after $3k in 3 months
Annual Fee
$0 first year; then $95
Points Earned
United Miles
If you occasionally fly on United, but don’t have status or care about earning it, this card could come in handy.
You and a companion get your first checked bag fee waived which could = $140 roundtrip combined, or if you travel alone, $70 roundtrip.
Priority boarding could be helpful in getting overhead space, and you’ll get two United Club passes each year you keep the card.
You’ll get 25% back on food, beverages, WiFi that you purchase on board
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United(R) purchases
- Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS fee credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
- Free first checked bag – a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip.
- You and a companion
- Terms Apply.
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club(SM) with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.
We have seen 70k after $3k spend in 3 months with a waived 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.
Chase United Quest(SM) Card
A United Airlines premium card offering $125 flight credit, two 5000 mileage credits, 2 free checked bags, and more.
Welcome Offer
60k United Miles + 500 PQP after $4k spend in 3 months
Annual Fee
$250
Points Earned
United Miles
$250 is a lot for an annual fee and the same as the Amex Gold…so you want to make sure you’re extracting value.
The biggest areas you’ll find that value are the $125 United purchase credit and the two 5000 mile award flight credits.
These credits are refunds when you book United award flights, so effectively, if you use United miles two times in a year, you’d get 10k miles back.
If you bought United flights, you’d get up to $125 back.
So…if you’re spending more than $125 a year on United and taking more than two award flights, it could make sense to have this card over the Explorer since you’re netting out at $125 vs $95 and getting 10k miles redeposited in your account.
If you value United miles around 1.25 cents a piece, you’d effectively erase the annual fee
You could also consider the perk of getting 2 free checked bags roundtrip, for you an a companion, but in all honesty…how often are you checking two bags?
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles + 500 PQP after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $250 Annual Fee
- Earn 3x miles on United(R) purchases
- Earn 2x miles on dining including eligible delivery services, select streaming services, and all other travel
- Earn 1x mile on all other purchases
- Earn 500 PQP for every $12k you spend on purchases up to 6k PQP in a calendar year
- Each year, receive up to a $125 United(R) purchase credit
- Two 5K-mile anniversary award flight credits.
- 1st and 2nd bag roundtrip
- For you and companion = up to $320 roundtrip
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges
- Global Entry, TSA Pre Check, Nexus Fee Credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks
We have seen up to 100k after $5k 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.
Chase United Club(SM) Infinite Card
United Club access, IHG Platinum status, 10% off on saver flights, 2 free checked bags, and the ability to earn PQPs via spend to help earn United status
Welcome Offer
80k United Miles after $5k spend in 3 months
Annual Fee
$550
Points Earned
United Miles
This is the flagship United credit card and really only makes sense if you travel a lot on United and want lounge access.
Typically, lounge access is going to cost you $650 a year, but this card comes with it as a perk and only has an annual fee of $550.
The other big perk, and this is really important if you like United but don’t have status, is the 2 free checked bags for you and a companion. Those fees could add up fast, and with status requiring higher and higher spend, could end up saving you quite a bit of money.
Other notable benefits: You’ll also get IHG Platinum status with a $75 statement credit towards IHG hotel purchases and 10% back on Economy Saver flights
- 80k welcome bonus after $5k spend
- United Club Membership
- $525 Annual Fee
- United Premier Access
- Earn 500 Premier Qualifying points for every $12k spend you put on the card
- maxed at 8,000 PQP
- IHG Rewards Platinum Status
- $100 Global Entry/TSA Pre credit
- 1st and 2nd checked bag is free
- Clear perks
- Up to 4k PQPs via spend
- 10% back on Economy Saver Award tickets
- 25% back on inflight purchases
- 25% back as a statement credit on premium drink purchases made in United Clubs with their United Card.
- 4x United Miles on:
- Gas
- Office Supplies
- Restaurants
- And Local Transit ( to include taxis, mass transit, tolls, and ridesare)
- 2x United Miles on
- travel
- restaurants
- eligible food delivery services, including Caviar, DoorDash, GrubHub, and Seamless
- No blackout dates
- No foreign transaction fees
We have seen 120k after $6k 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.
Chase United(SM) Business Card
United perks including first free checked bag for you and a companion, 2 United Club passes per year, and a $100 United credit if you fly United more than 7x in a year
Welcome Offer
75K after $5k spend in 3 motnhs
Annual Fee
$0 first year; then $99
Points Earned
United Miles
This card is kind of the business version of the United Explorer card.
It comes with a $100 United travel credit if you buy more than 7 flights in a year.
It also comes with 2 United Club passes, first checked bag for you and a companion, and if you carry it alongside a United personal card, you’ll get 5000 bonus miles.
For $99 a year, I’d say this is a better card than the Explorer and doesn’t count against your Chase 5/24 number.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
- 2x United Miles on:
- Gas
- Office Supplies
- Restaurants
- And Local Transit ( to include taxis, mass transit, tolls, and ridesare)
- 5,000 United miles on your Cardmember anniversary when you hold both the United Business Card and any personal Chase United Card
- $100 annual United(R) travel credit after seven United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year
- 25% back on United inflight purchases (includes Wi-Fi, food and beverages)
- Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.
- No blackout dates
- 1st checked bag is free
- Priority boarding as a cardholder
- 2 United ClubSM one-time passes
- This is on account opening
- Every year on your account anniversary
- No foreign transaction fees
- Add employee cards fee-free
We’ve seen 150k after $20k spend in 6 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.
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Earn 4x at Hyatt hotels and 5 elite nights every $10k in spend.
Welcome Offer
60k World of Hyatt points after $4k spend in 3 months
Annual Fee
$195
Points Earned
World of Hyatt points
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.
- 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 12/31/23 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
- Until 12/31/23 you’ll 2x at the top 3 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
- World of Hyatt Business Credit cardmembers can gift up to 5 Discoverist statuses to their company employees
- 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
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.
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Earn 15 elite nights every year you keep the card, Marriott Silver Status + an annual 35k point anniversary night.
Make sure you read the Marriott application rules as they can be tricky
Welcome Offer
See card benefits
Annual Fee
$95
Points Earned
Marriott Bonvoy
As I mention in many of my breakdowns for hotel cards…the annual anniversary night usually outweighs the annual fee.
For $95 a year, you’ll earn an anniversary night good at properties up to 35k a year. You can add 15k to these certificates as well, but keep in mind, this point range will probably be useful on road trips or nights near a hotel…not uber luxury properties.
You’ll also start get 15 elite nights per year which is fantastic if you’re chasing Marriott status.
- Two offers:
- Affiliate: Earn 100k Marriott Bonvoy points after $3k spend in 3 months
- Refer a friend: Earn 3 nights, up to 50k a night, after $3k spend in 3 monghts
- 3x points in combined purchases on gas, groceries, and dining
- 2x points on all other purchases
- Automatic Silver status and get gold if you spend $35k+ on the card
- 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year
- 1 Elite night for every $5k in purchases
- No fx fees
- $95 annual fee
We have seen offers as high as 5 nights, up to 50k per night, for $5k 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.
Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card
Earn Aeroplan 25k status, pathway to elite status boost, free 1st checked bag you + 8 companions, and more
This is arguably the best airline credit card for the money
Welcome Offer
Up to 100k points – see card benefits for details
Annual Fee
$95
Points Earned
Aeroplan Miles
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program and has more partners than any other program in the world ( yes, including credit card programs ) with more than 50 ways to redeem your miles.
If you’re looking to take longhaul flight in the near future on one of their partners, this could be a great way to stack up some points, get 25k status to unlock Priority Award, and earn enough points to be well on your way to roundtrip business class to Europe or Asia.
If you do a lot of work in Canada or fly Air Canada quite a bit, this is chock full of bennies for you, and is well worth the $95.
For everyone else…I’m not sure it’s worth using up a 5/24 slot, or prioritizing above other transferrable card products.
- Earn up to 100,000 Aeroplan points within the first 12 months broken into two bonuses
- 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
- 40,000 Aeroplan points after spending $20,000 total in the first 12 months from account opening
- 3X points for every dollar spent on dining, takeout, and eligible delivery services
- 3X points for every dollar spent at grocery stores
- 3X points for each dollar spent directly with Air Canada
- 1 point for each dollar spent on all other purchases
- Bonus 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month
- Max of 1500 bonus points per month
- Bonus 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month
- Aeroplan 25K Elite Status for the remainder of the first calendar year + following calendar year
- Earn 25K Status through the next year after spending $15,000 in a calendar year
- Status Level Up through Spend
- Earn a one-level status boost next year after spending $50,000 in a calendar year
- $100k Spend Bonus
- 50% off Priority Rewards + companion benefits
- Aeroplan travel bennies:
- Free first checked bags on Air Canada flights
- 1 for primary cardholder and up to 8 additional travel companions
- Free first checked bags on Air Canada flights
- $100 credit toward Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every four years (as reimbursement for the application fee charged to the card)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Mastercard World Elite benefits
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 – Supporting Cast
Supporting Cast credit cards are added to your wallet once your main cast is set. They should yield benefits that outweigh the annual fee and can be used when flying or staying at hotels. The benefits I use most are: Free hotel nights, elite status or reduced elite status requirements, free bags, lounge access, earlier boarding, etc.
