The key to making the most out of your travels is to use the right credit card… seriously! I’m able to unlock thousands of dollars worth of value every year just by using the cards on this page.
Essential Points Credit Cards (Start Here)
These cards are “no-brainers” and what we recommend if you’re just getting into the points and miles game. The Amex® Gold Card is the best card for restaurant and grocery spend, and the Chase Sapphire Preferred unlocks the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem at Chase. I use the Amex Blue Business Plus for all of my business expenses (it has no annual fee and earns 2X points).
Amex® Gold Card
- 4X Points at Restaurants
- 4X Points at U.S. Supermarkets
- 3X Points for Flights
- 1X Points for Everything Else
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- 3X Points on Online Grocery
- 3X Points on Dining
- 3X Points on Streaming Services
- 2X Points on Travel
- 1X Points for Everything Else
Best Credit Cards for Hotel Stays 🛎️
In no particular order, I recommend the following cards for hotel stays. Select whatever works best for you depending on your hotel brand preference and appetite for annual fees. Keep in mind, like all cards on this page, you usually get outsized value the higher the annual fee.
American Express Hilton Aspire Card
The American Express Hilton Aspire credit card is my favorite card to use for my stays at Hilton. While it has a hefty annual fee, I get a ton of value from this card every year. It comes with automatic Diamond status, over $700 in credits, and a free night at any Hilton property every year.
American Express Platinum Card
While the American Express Platinum Card is expensive to hold, the card offers arguably the best perks to offset its $695 annual fee. This includes access to the exclusive Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Club, Gold status with both Hilton and Marriott, and hundreds of dollars of credits every year.
Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt credit card from Chase is one of my new favorite cards. For a nominal $95/yr fee it offers automatic elite status (with 2 pm late check-out), one free Category 1-4 Hyatt stay per year (with the ability to earn more), and 5 elite qualifying night credits per year. I’ve started staying at Hyatt more lately.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG revamped its rewards program a couple of years ago, and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is definitely one to consider. It comes with a free night every year and automatic Platinum elite status which grants you access to free upgrades and the ability to get your fourth night free on award stays. I hold the business version of this card.