How to choose a credit card for airport lounge access

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. 

When people find out my job is to write about travel credit cards, they usually ask for expert advice. They want to know which of our favorite credit cards I recommend, which cards will complement their existing portfolio and whether their current everyday card is a good one.

They also often want to know which credit card they should get if they want airport lounge access.

Until recently, this question was fairly easy to answer since many cards offered similar lounge benefits. But lately, it’s gotten more complicated. The issuer lounge space has more options than ever, and while some cards have lost perks like guest privileges and restaurant access, others have stepped up their lounge game with offerings like facials and custom cocktails while you wait for your flight.

If you’re torn between several options, we’ve got you. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when choosing a credit card for airport lounge access.

Access with top cards

Credit card	Annual fee	Lounge access	Guest allowance
[applyLink pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”The Platinum Card® from American Express”] [applyLink pid=”7758″ overridetext=”The Business Platinum Card® from American Express”]	$695 each (see Amex Platinum [termsConditions pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”rates and fees”] and Amex Business Platinum [termsConditions pid=”7758″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]	Global Lounge Collection (including the Centurion Network, Priority Pass Select and Delta Sky Clubs*) Access is limited to eligible cardmembers. *Eligible Platinum Card Members will receive 10 Visits per Eligible Platinum Card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight. Unlimited access can be unlocked by spending $75,000 or more on your card in a calendar year. Enrollment is required; terms apply.	Centurion Lounge: $50 per guest or $30 for children between ages 2 and 17 (or two complimentary guests when you spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year) Priority Pass Select: Two complimentary guests Delta Sky Club: Two guests or immediate family members, $50 per person; children under 2 are free
[applyLink pid=”6573″ overridetext=”Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card”] [applyLink pid=”7840″ overridetext=”Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card”]	$650 each (see SkyMiles Reserve [termsConditions pid=”6573″ overridetext=”rates and fees”] and Reserve Business [termsConditions pid=”7840″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])	Delta Sky Club (except for those flying basic economy; Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 in a calendar year Centurion Lounge (when you book your Delta flight with your card) Terms apply.	Delta Sky Club: Up to two guests at $50 per person, per visit; children under 2 are free Centurion Lounge: $50 per guest or $30 for children between ages 2 and 17 (or two complimentary guests when you spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year)
[applyLink pid=”6396″ overridetext=”Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card”]	$650 (see [termsConditions pid=”6396″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])	Priority Pass Select (enrollment required; terms apply)	Two complimentary guests
[applyLink pid=”221410949″ overridetext=”Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®”](see [termsConditions pid=”221410949″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])	$595	American Airlines Admirals Club	Complimentary access for immediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18) or two guests with a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight
[applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve®”] (see [termsConditions pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]) [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠”] (see [termsConditions pid=”10965″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])	$795 each	Chase Sapphire Lounges Priority Pass Select Access to over 20 Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges when traveling on a Star Alliance airline	Two complimentary guests
[applyLink pid=”6976″ overridetext=”United Club℠ Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”6976″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]) United Club℠ Business Card	$695 each	United Club	One complimentary guest and children under 18 (or two complimentary guests when you reach Premier Gold status or spend $50,000 on your card in a calendar year; you will also receive access to eligible Star Alliance lounges)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Capital One Venture X Business**	$395 each	Capital One Lounges Priority Pass Select	Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300-plus lounges, including Capital One Lounges and participating Priority Pass until Feb 1, 2026. Starting Feb 1, 2026, guest access for Capital One lounges costs $45 per guest and $25 for children under 17 and children under 2 are free. You can unlock complimentary guest access at Capital One lounges by spending $75,000 or more on your card annually. Priority Pass lounges cost $35 per guest. (Venture X Business cardholders receive two free guests at Priority Pass lounges.)**

The information for the United Club Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you have a lounge in your home airport

Presumably, your home airport is where you spend the most time. If you live near an airline hub or have a perfectly placed lounge that you want access to, let that drive your decision.

For instance, if Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is your home airport, you probably pass an airline lounge regardless of your preferred airline since it is a hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

Similarly, if you have an issuer lounge in your home airport, you may want to choose the premium card from that issuer that includes lounge access. Someone whose home base is Dulles International Airport (IAD), for example, will likely want access to the Capital One Lounge that’s conveniently located just past the airport’s security lines.

On the flip side, not all of us have a wide range of lounge options at home. Until recently, I was based in Nashville, and as much as I love Nashville International Airport (BNA), it has limited lounge options.

As such, I based my lounge access decision on the airports I frequently traveled through rather than my home base.

If you’re loyal to a specific airline

If you’re loyal to American, Delta or United, you’ll likely benefit from airline-specific lounge access since you’ll most frequently fly through hubs with a lounge.

American Airlines

Frequent American flyers will want to go with the [applyLink pid=”221410949″ overridetext=”Citi® / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard”] since it’s the only credit card with an Admirals Club membership.

Delta Air Lines

If you’re a regular Delta passenger, note that the [applyLink pid=”6573″ overridetext=”Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card”] or [applyLink pid=”7840″ overridetext=”Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card”] includes 15 complimentary Sky Club visits per year. You can receive unlimited visits by spending $75,000 on the card each calendar year.

United Airlines

United fans will benefit most from the [applyLink pid=”6976″ overridetext=”United Club Card”] or the United Club Business Card, which are the only cards with a United Club membership as one of its perks.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Of course, if you’re loyal to an airline that doesn’t have its own airport lounges, you can cross these off the list. As a Southwest Airlines loyalist, I knew I didn’t want to limit my lounge access to a specific airline, so I was able to turn my attention elsewhere.

If you want issuer-specific lounge access

For quite a while, American Express had the issuer lounge market cornered. But as Capital One and Chase continue to grow their own lounge networks, you may decide you want to choose your credit card based on the issuer’s lounge access it gets you.

American Express

American Express currently operates 26 Centurion Lounges worldwide, making them the most prominent issuer lounge. If you want access, you’ll most likely want either the [applyLink pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”Amex Platinum”] or the [applyLink pid=”7758″ overridetext=”Amex Business Platinum”].

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

[applyLink pid=”6573″ overridetext=”SkyMiles Reserve”] and [applyLink pid=”7840″ overridetext=”SkyMiles Reserve Business”] cardmembers can also access Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, as long as the flight was booked on their card (excluding basic economy tickets).

Capital One

While not as well established as Centurion Lounges, Capital One Lounges have grown rapidly.

Currently, they are located in four airports:

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

Another concept called Capital One Landing is also open at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

A lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) opened up in early June and a Landing at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has been announced but is not yet open.

To access these lounges, you’ll want either the Venture X or the Venture X Business.

Chase

Like Capital One, Chase has been asserting its presence in the lounge space with Chase Sapphire Lounges. With their impressive designs and amenities like complimentary facials, they may be gunning for the No. 1 spot.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Currently, you can find eight Sapphire Lounges throughout the U.S.:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)

To get unlimited access to these lounge concepts, you’ll need the [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve”], [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business”] or the Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card. You can also get one complimentary visit to a Sapphire Lounge per calendar year if you have a Priority Pass Select membership from another credit card.

The information for the Ritz-Carlton card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you want more diverse lounge options

If you want a wider range of airport lounge access options, opt for a card with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Priority Pass is a network of more than 1,700 lounges located in 600-plus airports in more than 150 countries.

The best way to get Priority Pass access is with one of the following cards:

• [applyLink pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”Amex Platinum”]**
• [applyLink pid=”7758″ overridetext=”The Business Platinum”]**
• [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve”]
• [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business”]
• Capital One Venture X
• Capital One Venture X Business

**Enrollment required; terms apply.

PRIORITY PASS/FACEBOOK

Additionally, you can get Priority Pass access with some other cards:

• [applyLink pid=”6396″ overridetext=”Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex”]: Unlimited complimentary access for the primary cardmember and up to two guests (enrollment is required; terms apply)
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: Four complimentary visits annually

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Is a Priority Pass lounge membership actually worth it? 

If you want access to Priority Pass restaurants

If you frequently pass through airports with a Priority Pass-affiliated restaurant, getting a card with access can save you big bucks. This perk will comp a certain amount of the restaurant bill for you and up to one registered guest.

The amount varies by restaurant and is typically $28 per person; you can look up the exact values for each restaurant on the Priority Pass website.

BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY

Many cards with Priority Pass Select access have eliminated restaurant access in recent years, but you can still get it as a part of the Priority Pass Select membership on select cards. For example, this perk is offered on the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card, JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard and UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card,

The information for the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite, JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard and UBS Visa Infinite cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Better food and more options: Why I value Priority Pass’ airport restaurant credit over lounge access

If you want to bring guests for no additional cost

If you frequently travel with a partner or family, you’ll want to choose a card that includes guest access.

While some cards like the [applyLink pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”Amex Platinum”] and the [applyLink pid=”6573″ overridetext=”SkyMiles Reserve”] allow you to bring guests into Centurion Lounges for an additional fee (though the [applyLink pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”Amex Platinum”] does offer a Priority Pass membership that allows you to bring up to two guests into these lounges free of cost), the following cards include complimentary access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests:

• [applyLink pid=”221410949″ overridetext=”Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®”] (can be either immediate family — spouse, domestic partner and children up to 18 years old — or up to two guests)
• [applyLink pid=”6396″ overridetext=”Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant”]
• [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve”]
• [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business”]
• Capital One Venture X (Starting Feb 1, 2026, guest access for Capital One lounges will cost $45 per adult guest, $25 for children 17 and under and free for children under two and $35 per guest for Priority Pass lounges. However, you can unlock unlimited guest access for Capital One Lounges by spending $75,000 or more on your card. Regardless of spending, guest access at Priority Pass lounges will not be complimentary.)
• Capital One Venture X Business (Same changes starting Feb 1, 2026, as the Venture X, with the exception of Priority Pass lounges, as cardholders receive two free guests.)

Related: A guide to guest policies for airport lounges

If you’re unsure

If you’re new to the airport lounge world, committing to a credit card with a hefty annual fee can feel daunting. If you aren’t ready to make the jump, consider one of these options to dip your toes in first.

Go as someone’s guest

As outlined above, several credit cards come with lounge access, allowing cardholders to bring guests into a lounge. If you have a friend with this access, try to find a time to visit a lounge as their guest to see how you like it.

Become a Venture X authorized user

One of the most valuable perks of the Capital One Venture X is the ability to add up to four authorized users, each with their own airport lounge access benefit, for no additional cost. If you have a friend who has the Venture X, ask them to add you as an authorized user. However, starting Feb 1, 2026, it will cost $125 to add lounge access per authorized user.

CAPITAL ONE

Get a card with a set number of visits

You can get a limited number of lounge visits without paying a premium annual fee. Consider one of these options if you’re aiming to keep your annual fee costs down:

• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect: With this card, you’ll get four complimentary visits to Priority Pass Select lounges annually for no annual fee, making it a great way to try out some lounges without committing to a high annual fee.
• [applyLink pid=”22035884″ overridetext=”United℠ Explorer Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”22035884″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): With this card, you’ll get two one-time United Club passes per year (redeemable for the cardholder or authorized user). There is a $150 annual fee ($0 intro fee for the first year) with the United Explorer.

Related: Credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access

Pay for a one-time pass

You don’t necessarily have to have a membership or access through a credit card to get into a lounge. Most lounges give you the option to pay out of pocket per visit. If there’s a lounge you pass often and are considering getting a credit card to access, paying for a visit to see if it’s worth it to you can be a great option.

Bottom line

You have some great options when choosing a credit card for airport lounge access. The different types of access can feel overwhelming, but deciding which type of access matters most to you is key to landing on a card that’s the perfect fit.

No matter which you choose, you’ll be well on your way to lounging in style on your next layover.

Related: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click [termsConditions pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”here”].
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click [termsConditions pid=”7758″ overridetext=”here”].
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click [termsConditions pid=”6573″ overridetext=”here”].
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, click [termsConditions pid=”7840″ overridetext=”here”].
For rates and fees of the Bonvoy Brilliant, click [termsConditions pid=”6396″ overridetext=”here”].

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Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business review: Is Chase’s new business card right for you?

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business overview

The [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠”] (see [termsConditions pid=”10965″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]) may come with a steep $795 annual fee, but it offers useful statement credits, uncapped earnings and valuable travel perks to justify the cost — for the right business owner. Card rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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A premium business card offering travel rewards can provide valuable perks, solid earning rates and excellent redemption opportunities.

Chase’s seat at the premium business card table remained empty for a long time. Its main competitors, American Express and Capital One, offered the Capital One Venture X Business and [applyLink pid=”7758″ overridetext=”The Business Platinum Card® from American Express”], while Chase remained content with its family of Ink Business cards — until now.

Chase officially launched the first-ever Sapphire business card, the [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve for Business”], on June 23. While it comes with a hefty $795 annual fee, it offers a slew of premium benefits to help cardholders justify it. Still, it’s important to carefully consider whether this card is the right fit for your business.

That’s why I’m going to break down all of this card’s details so you can make the right choice for your wallet. We recommend a credit score of at least 740 for the best chance of approval.

Let’s get into it.

Sapphire Reserve for Business pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Annual travel credit Strong travel protections A plethora of statement credits Access to Chase’s transfer partners Access to Chase and Priority Pass lounges Bonus points on travel and Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027) Uncapped bonus points on social media and search engine advertising	High annual fee Limited earning categories for common business expenses Statement credits may be hard to maximize

Sapphire Reserve for Business welcome offer

Currently, new [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve for Business”] cardholders can earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this welcome offer is worth $4,100. That’s one of the most valuable welcome offers we’ve ever seen on a card.

THE POINTS GUY

If your business can hit that spending requirement, this is a great offer. Spending $30,000 in six months is a lot to ask of many small businesses, though, so ensure you won’t overspend to hit this goal. If you’re not confident in your ability to meet this spending requirement, one of Chase’s other business cards may be a better fit for you.

Luckily, Chase’s eligibility requirements for its consumer Sapphire cards don’t apply to the Sapphire Reserve for Business. That means you can still earn this welcome bonus if you hold either the [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]) or the [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve®”] (see [termsConditions pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]), if not both.

However, you’re still subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. That means you won’t be approved for this card if you’ve been approved for five or more consumer (and some business) cards in the past 24 months. Fortunately, the Sapphire Reserve for Business itself won’t count toward your 5/24 total.

Sapphire Reserve for Business benefits

Justifying a $795 annual fee means you need to receive strong benefits. Thankfully, the [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve for Business”] packs a punch with a slate of statement credits and some of the strongest travel protections around.

WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES

Statement credits

The Sapphire Reserve for Business isn’t short on statement credits, so buckle in:

• $25 monthly DoorDash promos: Each month, you’ll receive a $5 restaurant promo and two $10 promos for nonrestaurant orders. This is a great way to help offset the cost of buying snacks for your employees or a special gift for your employee of the month. You must be enrolled in your card’s complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership to receive these promos (through Dec. 31, 2027).
• $10 monthly Lyft credit: You’ll get $10 in Lyft credits to use each month. Rush-hour rides can be quite costly, so this credit will help ease the sting of business rides (through Sept. 30, 2027).
• $250 biannual The Edit credit: You’ll get $250 in the first half of the year, then another $250 in the second half, for eligible The Edit luxury hotel bookings made through Chase Travel℠. This is a great credit for business owners who are often on the road (minimum two-night stay required).
• $200 biannual ZipRecruiter credit: You’ll receive $200 from January through June and another $200 from July through December for purchases made through ZipRecruiter.
• $50 biannual Giftcards.com credit: Whether you want to buy gift cards for employees or a raffle, this credit can help cover the cost (purchase through giftcards.com/reservebusiness).
• $300 annual travel credit: This credit mirrors the benefit on the personal Sapphire Reserve card. It’s one of the most flexible credits around, applying to a wide range of travel purchases, from airfare to hotels and campgrounds to travel agencies.
• $200 annual Google Workspace credit: You’ll appreciate this credit if your business needs a set of productivity tools or is interested in exploring artificial intelligence.
• $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus credit every four years: I recommend going for Global Entry since TSA PreCheck comes as part of that program.

MARKO GEBER/GETTY IMAGES

I appreciate the flexibility of the Reserve for Business’ travel credit, but its other major credits are very merchant-specific. This can be difficult for some businesses, so make sure to carefully consider how easy it will be to track each benefit.

Bonus credits after spending $120,000 in a calendar year

• $500 annual Southwest Airlines credit: If your business will organically spend this much on the Sapphire Reserve for Business each year, you’ll get $500 in Southwest credit in exchange.
• $500 annual Shops at Chase credit: You can shop with your Sapphire Reserve for Business or use Ultimate Rewards points at top brands like Ray-Ban and Tory Burch through this platform.
• IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status: IHG’s top tier of status, which offers free breakfast on top of Platinum Elite benefits, is detailed below.

I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to spend $120,000 in a calendar year for these extra benefits. IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status is nice, but keep in mind that you’ll only get that status for yourself (as the primary cardholder). A $500 Southwest credit and a $500 Shops at Chase credit aren’t much in comparison to their significantly high spending requirement. If you do spend your way to earn these bonus credits, you will receive them through the end of the calendar year they are earned and the following calendar year.

Other benefits

If the statement credits listed above haven’t swayed you in favor of this card, check out some of the other perks it offers:

• Complimentary access to eight Chase Sapphire and 1,700-plus Priority Pass lounges: Cardholders can bring up to two guests for free.
• IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status: IHG’s second-highest tier of status, which offers complimentary upgrades, early check-in (subject to availability) and a welcome amenity, comes complimentary, but only for the primary cardholder (not for employees). It’s available through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables on OpenTable: Access primetime reservations at select restaurants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
• Concierge service for dining, entertainment and travel 
• Flexible payment options: Cardholders benefit from a high pay-in-full spending limit while also having access to Flex for Business, a revolving credit line that enables payments over time with interest. This added flexibility is especially valuable for business owners who may need to carry a balance occasionally, helping them manage cash flow without disruption.
• Travel and purchase protections
• Free employee cards

Earning points on the Sapphire Reserve for Business

The [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve for Business”] keeps it simple with relatively few bonus categories:

• 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel bookings
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

MASKOT/GETTY IMAGES

One of the Sapphire Reserve for Business’ best and most notable benefits is the absence of a spending cap on social media and search engine advertising. This is unusual for a business card, as most issuers cap earnings in this category at the first $150,000 spent each year.

Advertising is critical to a business’ success, so this category can help you rack up thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of points each year.

Aside from that category, these are fairly standard offerings for a business card. I would’ve liked to have seen internet, cable and phone services and office supply stores offered as categories, considering the high annual fee on this card.

Redeeming points on the Sapphire Reserve for Business

The [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve for Business”] earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. These points can be redeemed for a variety of options, including cash back, gift cards, travel and Amazon purchases. They can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners (more on that later).

GORCIA POTURAK/GETTY IMAGES

The Sapphire Reserve for Business has access to Chase’s new Points Boost feature. When you redeem points through Chase Travel, they’re worth up to 2 cents per point, depending on the type of travel booked (see your card’s guide to benefits for more information). Travel redemptions not eligible for Points Boost are worth 1 cent per point.

I recommend prioritizing transfer partners over trying to maximize your redemption value through Points Boost. As of June 2025, TPG values Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents apiece, so at worst, you’ll likely get the same value from transferring your points as you would with Points Boost.

Transferring points with the Sapphire Reserve for Business

Transferring points is usually the best way to get maximum value out of them, regardless of whether you prefer simple economy flights or luxurious business-class excursions.

You can transfer the points you earn on your [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business”] to one of 11 airline and three hotel loyalty program partners. Some key programs include Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Matt Moffitt, TPG’s contributing editor for credit cards, likes transferring his Chase points to Hyatt to reduce the high cost of accommodation during busy travel periods. He recently redeemed 62,000 points for a weeklong stay at the Hyatt Centric Malta during the peak summer season.

Which cards compete with the Sapphire Reserve for Business?

If the [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve for Business”] isn’t your cup of tea, consider one of these alternatives instead:

• If you want to earn Membership Rewards points: The [applyLink pid=”7758″ overridetext=”Amex Business Platinum”] has a slightly more affordable annual fee of $695 ([termsConditions pid=”7758″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]). Like the Sapphire Reserve for Business, it has several business-oriented statement credits to help justify its price tag. To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.
• If you prefer Capital One: The Venture X Business is an affordable premium travel card, coming in at $395 each year. It offers cardholders solid travel protections and a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit. To learn more, check out our full review of the Venture X Business.
• If you want a lower annual fee: The [applyLink pid=”7763″ overridetext=”American Express® Business Gold Card”] is a great mid-tier option for business owners. Similar to the Sapphire Reserve for Business and the Amex Business Platinum, the Amex Business Gold offers statement credits to help business owners reduce their expenses and carries a $375 annual fee (see [termsConditions pid=”7763″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]) . To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Business Gold.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best business cards and the best Chase cards.

Related: Capital One Venture X Business vs. American Express Business Platinum Card: Which card should you venture toward?

Is the Sapphire Reserve for Business worth it?

The [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve for Business”] is a great choice for anyone who already uses the services covered by its statement credits and businesses who spend a lot on advertising. However, if your business wouldn’t easily use the statement credits or spends a lot in other business categories, a more affordable business credit card is best.

Bottom line

Chase’s newest card may come with an eyebrow-raising annual fee. However, in the hands of the right business owner, it can be a powerful points-earning workhorse. That’s especially true for any business that spends a lot on social media and search engine advertising, since the [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve for Business”] doesn’t cap earnings in that category.

Before hitting the apply button, make sure you can meet the high spending requirement to unlock the valuable welcome bonus. The Sapphire Reserve for Business may require more legwork than other cards, but the rewards you can reap with its earning categories and benefits can far outweigh the effort.

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Apply here: [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business”]

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For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click [termsConditions pid=”7758″ overridetext=”here”].
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold, click [termsConditions pid=”7763″ overridetext=”here”].

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Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Which beginner Marriott card is best for you?

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Marriott offers five personal credit cards to new applicants, with annual fees ranging from none to a whopping $650 per year.

In short, there’s a card for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard Marriott fan or an occasional traveler looking for free award nights.

Chase issues the two most affordable cobranded options currently open to new applicants: the [applyLink pid=”6696″ overridetext=”Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”6696″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]) and the [applyLink pid=”6389″ overridetext=”Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”6389″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]). Both come with valuable welcome bonuses.

Let’s break down the card details to help you decide which fits your strategy better.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless comparison

Feature	Marriott Bonvoy Bold	Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Welcome bonus	Earn 60,000 bonus points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)	Earn five free nights (each night valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)
Annual fee	$0	$95
Earning rates	3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program 2 points per dollar spent at grocery stores and on ride-hailing, select food delivery, select streaming, internet, cable and phone services 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases	6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 in combined gas station, grocery store and dining purchases each year 2 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
Marriott Bonvoy perks	Five elite night credits annually Complimentary Silver Elite status	15 elite night credits annually, automatically qualifying you for Silver Elite status Annual free night award (up to 35,000 points) One elite night credit toward elite status for every $5,000 you spend Path to Gold Elite status when you spend $35,000 or more on your card each calendar year
Other perks	Baggage delay insurance Lost luggage reimbursement Trip delay reimbursement Purchase protection Visa Concierge No foreign transaction fees	Baggage delay insurance Lost luggage reimbursement Trip delay reimbursement Purchase protection Visa Concierge No foreign transaction fees

Related: Does it make sense to hold multiple Marriott Bonvoy credit cards?

Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless welcome bonus

The [applyLink pid=”6389″ overridetext=”Boundless”] is currently offering five free nights (each night valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

The [applyLink pid=”6696″ overridetext=”Bold”] is currently offering 60,000 bonus points plus one free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

THE POINTS GUY

TPG’s June 2025 valuations peg Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, effectively making the total bonus on the Bold worth up to $770 and the total bonus on the Boundless worth up to $1,750.

Since Chase issues both cards, it’s important to note that the 5/24 rule applies here. This means you likely won’t qualify for either card if you’ve opened five or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past two years.

In addition, Marriott-specific eligibility requirements apply to products issued by Chase and American Express. Be sure to verify your eligibility before applying.

Winner: Boundless. Its sign-up bonus is worth significantly more than the Bold.

Related: The best time to apply for these Chase cards based on offer history

Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless benefits

The free night certificate is the most notable difference between these cards’ perks.

Each year on your account anniversary, [applyLink pid=”6389″ overridetext=”Boundless”] cardholders get a free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points — and you can add up to 15,000 extra points if the hotel costs more than that.

If you use this strategically, you can score a free night at a hotel that easily makes up for the $95 annual fee each year.

THE WESTIN CARLSBAD RESORT & SPA/MARRIOTT

Meanwhile, [applyLink pid=”6696″ overridetext=”Bold”] cardholders do not receive a free night certificate but don’t have to pay an annual fee.

Otherwise, the cards offer similar perks. With either card, you’ll get automatic Silver Elite status and strong travel and purchase protections from Chase. Plus, you won’t pay any foreign transaction fees with these cards when traveling abroad.

Winner: Boundless. Most travelers will be able to get more than $95 value from the free night certificate.

Related: 7 great uses of Marriott free night certificates

Earning points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

With the [applyLink pid=”6389″ overridetext=”Boundless”], you’ll earn:

• 6 points per dollar spent at Bonvoy properties (You’ll earn up to 17 points per dollar on eligible Marriott stays: up to 10 points from being a Bonvoy member, 6 points from this card and 10% bonus points from the Silver elite status the card provides for a total 11.9% return on spending based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations)
• 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 in combined purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants (2.1% return)
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases (1.4% return)

DEJAN_DUNDJERSKI/GETTY IMAGES

The [applyLink pid=”6696″ overridetext=”Bold”], meanwhile, earns:

• 3 points per dollar spent at Bonvoy properties (You’ll earn up to 14 points per dollar on eligible Marriott stays: up to 10 points from being a Bonvoy member, 3 points from this card and 10% bonus points from the Silver elite status the card provides for a total 9.8% return on spending based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations)
• 2 points per dollar spent at grocery stores and on ride-hailing, select food delivery, select streaming, internet, cable and phone services (1.4% return)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases (0.7% return)

Neither card offers outstanding earning rates, and you can definitely find better options for everyday spending. However, the Boundless earns more points on Marriott stays and gives extra points for groceries and gas — though there’s a spending cap. The Bold card, on the other hand, offers bonus points on ride-hailing, which could be useful if you use services like Uber or Lyft often.

Winner: Boundless. It earns more points than the Bold on most purchases.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Redeeming points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

Both the [applyLink pid=”6696″ overridetext=”Bold”] and the [applyLink pid=”6389″ overridetext=”Boundless”] earn Marriott Bonvoy points, so they offer the same redemption options.

The most obvious and valuable way to use your Bonvoy points is to redeem them for a Marriott stay. To get the most value from your points, take advantage of the fifth-night-free perk, which allows you to book an award stay of five nights for the cost of just four.

MARRIOTT

Additionally, you can use your points for gift cards and merchandise through Marriott’s shopping portal, but again, we recommend avoiding this route to get maximum value from your points.

TPG credit cards writer Chris Nelson gets the most value from his Marriott Bonvoy points by booking luxury hotels in Europe and Asia, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna and the JW Marriott Beijing Central. He also takes advantage of the fifth-night-free perk on award stays.

Winner: Tie. Both cards earn Marriott Bonvoy points and offer the same redemption options.

Related: How to redeem points with the Marriott Bonvoy program

Transferring points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

With either card, you also have the option to transfer your Bonvoy points to one of nearly 40 partner airline programs, including Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus .

Most transfers to airlines are at a 3:1 ratio, so you’ll receive 1 airline mile for every 3 Marriott points transferred. Additionally, when you transfer points to United MileagePlus, you will receive 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

This redemption generally doesn’t yield a good value for your points, though, so we recommend using it only if you need to top off your airline account balance or if the airline is a transfer partner of any credit card loyalty programs like Copa Airlines.

Winner: Tie. Both cards have the same transfer partners.

Related: When does it make sense to transfer Marriott points to airlines?

Should I get the Marriott Bonvoy Bold or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?

If you can use the annual free night certificate, the [applyLink pid=”6389″ overridetext=”Boundless”] is the best option for you. You’ll also unlock higher earn rates with the Boundless. However, if you want to avoid an annual fee, the [applyLink pid=”6696″ overridetext=”Bold”] is the better option for you.

How to upgrade from the Marriott Bonvoy Bold to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

If you aren’t eligible for a new Bonvoy bonus or are over 5/24, a product change may be your best option. Both the Bonvoy Bold and the Bonvoy Boundless are subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule and, more specifically, Marriott Bonvoy eligibility restrictions.

To request an upgrade (or downgrade), call the number on the back of your card. Just remember that doing so will mean you forfeit your new card’s welcome bonus for the time being.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card upgrades

Bottom line

Regardless of the card you choose, both Marriott cards are a great way to introduce yourself to the Bonvoy program and all its redemption possibilities. You can’t go wrong with either, as there are thousands of properties to choose from worldwide.

So long as you can take advantage of that free night certificate each year, [applyLink pid=”6389″ overridetext=”Boundless”] provides a better value proposition for most travelers. Otherwise, the [applyLink pid=”6696″ overridetext=”Bold”] is a solid choice for those who want to enhance their Marriott experience (and unlock solid travel protections) for no annual fee.

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card.

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Apply here: [applyLink pid=”6389″ overridetext=”Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card”]
Apply here: [applyLink pid=”6696″ overridetext=”Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card”]

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Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Citi is a TPG advertising partner.

American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, and its AAdvantage loyalty program is popular with many travelers.

While the American AAdvantage program has seen some changes over the last few years, including the removal of published award charts and the introduction of Loyalty Points as the metric by which you earn elite status, you can still get a ton of value from the program.

This value is why the AAdvantage program won the Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program title at the 2024 TPG Awards. So, let’s look at what you need to know about American Airlines AAdvantage.

American Airlines partners

American Airlines is part of the Oneworld alliance. American elite members get some perks when flying Oneworld airlines, but all AAdvantage members can earn and redeem miles when flying with the following Oneworld alliance airlines:

• Alaska Airlines
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Fiji Airways
• Finnair
• Iberia
• Japan Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Oman Air (will likely join as a full member in late June)
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Air Maroc
• Royal Jordanian Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines
• S7 Airlines (currently suspended)

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

American AAdvantage also partners at various levels with a handful of airlines outside of Oneworld, including:

• Aer Lingus
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Cape Air
• China Southern Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Gol Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• IndiGo
• JetSmart

However, some partners are more integrated with American AAdvantage than others. So, review the specific partner airline page for full details.

Related: What are airline alliances, and who’s in them?

American AAdvantage member benefits

American AAdvantage elite status has four tiers with published qualification metrics — AAdvantage Gold, AAdvantage Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro and AAdvantage Executive Platinum — plus an invitation-only tier called Concierge Key.

You can earn American Airlines status when you accrue a specific number of Loyalty Points during the 12-month qualification period from the beginning of March to the end of February each year.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

However, even if you don’t earn elite status with American Airlines, you’ll still get some perks just for being an AAdvantage member. For example, AAdvantage members can board in Group 6 or earlier (except when flying on a basic economy ticket) and stand by for an earlier flight operated by American Airlines or American Eagle at no charge when traveling within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How to earn Loyalty Points

Loyalty Points are the metric that AAdvantage members must accrue to earn elite status. Generally, every base mile you earn is also a Loyalty Point you earn. However, bonus miles don’t get you Loyalty Points.

Here are some ways you can earn base miles that are Loyalty Point-eligible:

• Flights marketed by American Airlines, other Oneworld airlines and Gol Airlines
• Spending with eligible partners, including American Airlines Vacations, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining, SimplyMiles and AAdvantage Hotels
• Eligible purchases using an AAdvantage credit card (not including bonus miles and accelerators)

FG TRADE/GETTY IMAGES

Elite status requirements and benefits

Here’s the number of Loyalty Points you must earn during the current qualification period — from the start of March to the end of February — for each American elite status tier:

• AAdvantage Gold: 40,000 Loyalty Points
• AAdvantage Platinum: 75,000 Loyalty Points
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 125,000 Loyalty Points
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 200,000 Loyalty Points

As an AAdvantage Gold member, you’ll get a 40% mileage bonus, complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats at check-in, complimentary Preferred seats at booking, Priority check-in, Group 4 boarding, and a first checked bag free on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Meanwhile, AAdvantage Platinum members get a 60% mileage bonus, complimentary Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats at booking, Group 3 boarding, Priority baggage handling, and a first and second checked bag free on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines.

AAdvantage Platinum Pro members get an 80% mileage bonus; Group 2 boarding; free same-day flight changes (on eligible routes); and a first, second and third checked bag free on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines.

Finally, AAdvantage Executive Platinum members get a 120% mileage bonus, Group 1 boarding, complimentary food and drinks when traveling in Main Cabin, and guaranteed availability in Main Cabin on sold-out American Airlines flights when they buy a full-fare ticket at least 24 hours in advance.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The checked baggage and seat benefits apply to the AAdvantage elite member and up to eight passengers traveling on their same reservation. AAdvantage elite members also have access to complimentary upgrades for themselves and up to one companion on the same flight when traveling within North America on American and Alaska Airlines. However, these upgrades are based on availability and often don’t clear, even for top-tier AAdvantage Executive Platinum members.

AAdvantage elite members also get Oneworld status, which provides perks when flying on other Oneworld airlines. Specifically, AAdvantage Gold members get Oneworld Ruby, AAdvantage Platinum members get Oneworld Sapphire, and AAdvantage Platinum Pro and AAdvantage Executive Platinum members get Oneworld Emerald status.

Loyalty Point Rewards

As you earn Loyalty Points each qualification period, you’ll earn Loyalty Point Rewards that are distinct from elite status tiers as you reach the following milestones:

• 15,000 Loyalty Points: Group 5 boarding and one choice of personalized luggage tag, 1,000 Loyalty Points, five Preferred Seat coupons, or Priority privileges and Group 4 boarding for a trip
• 60,000 Loyalty Points: Avis Preferred Plus status and a 20% Loyalty Point bonus when you spend with American Airlines Vacations, SimplyMiles, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining and AAdvantage Hotels within six months after qualifying
• 100,000 Loyalty Points: Avis President’s Club status; World of Hyatt Discoverist status; and a 30% Loyalty Point bonus when you spend with American Airlines Vacations, SimplyMiles, AAdvantage eShopping, AAdvantage Dining and AAdvantage Hotels within six months after qualifying
• 175,000 Loyalty Points: One choice of World of Hyatt Explorist status, 5,000 Loyalty Points, two systemwide upgrades, 20,000 bonus miles (25,000 bonus miles if you’re an AAdvantage credit card member), a $200 trip credit ($250 if you’re an AAdvantage credit card member), a 75-gallon sustainable aviation fuel allocation, a $250 donation to select nonprofit organizations, two gifts of AAdvantage Gold status or 35,000 AAdvantage miles toward a Mastercard Priceless Experience (only available to AAdvantage credit card members)
• 250,000 Loyalty Points: Two choices of World of Hyatt Explorist status, 15,000 Loyalty Points, two systemwide upgrades, 20,000 bonus miles (30,000 bonus miles if you’re an AAdvantage credit card member), an Admirals Club membership (requires two choices), a $200 trip credit ($250 if you’re an AAdvantage credit card member), a 100-gallon sustainable aviation fuel allocation, a $250 donation to select nonprofit organizations, two gifts of AAdvantage Gold status, a Bang & Olufsen product (requires two choices), one Flagship Lounge single visit pass (two Flagship Lounge single-visit passes if you’re an AAdvantage credit card member) or 35,000 AAdvantage miles toward a Mastercard Priceless Experience (only available to AAdvantage credit card members)
• 400,000, 550,000 and 750,000 Loyalty Points: Two choices of one World of Hyatt Category 1-4 free night award, one systemwide upgrade, 25,000 bonus miles, an Admirals Club membership (requires two choices), a $200 trip credit ($250 if you’re an AAdvantage credit card member), a 100-gallon sustainable aviation fuel allocation, one gift of AAdvantage Platinum status, a Bang & Olufsen product (requires two choices), two Flagship Lounge single-visit passes, one Flagship First Dining pass or 40,000 AAdvantage miles toward a Mastercard Priceless Experience (only available to AAdvantage credit card members)
• 1 million Loyalty Points: One choice of one World of Hyatt Category 1-7 free night award, four systemwide upgrades, a 250-gallon sustainable aviation fuel allocation, one gift of AAdvantage Platinum Pro status, up to 100,000 miles back on award redemptions or 150,000 AAdvantage miles toward a Mastercard Priceless Experience (only available to AAdvantage credit card members)
• 3 million Loyalty Points: One choice of one World of Hyatt Category 1-7 free night award, six systemwide upgrades, a 500-gallon sustainable aviation fuel allocation, one gift of AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, up to 300,000 miles back on award redemptions or 350,000 AAdvantage miles toward a Mastercard Priceless Experience (only available to AAdvantage credit card members)
• 5 million Loyalty Points: One choice of one World of Hyatt Category 1-7 free night award, 10 systemwide upgrades, a 1,000-gallon sustainable aviation fuel allocation, one gift of AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, up to 500,000 miles back on award redemptions or 550,000 AAdvantage miles toward a Mastercard Priceless Experience (only available to AAdvantage credit card members)

How to earn American miles

There are many ways to earn American miles. Below is a summary of the top ways.

Flights marketed by American Airlines and select partners

When you fly on a flight marketed by American Airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Fiji Airways, Iberia and JetSmart, you’ll earn 5 base miles per dollar spent on the ticket (excluding government-imposed taxes and fees). However, basic economy fares only earn 2 base miles per dollar spent.

You’ll earn more base miles with AAdvantage elite status. Specifically, here’s how many base miles you’d earn with each status tier:

• Member (no status): 5 base miles per dollar (2 base miles per dollar for basic economy fares)
• AAdvantage Gold: 7 base miles per dollar (2.8 base miles per dollar for basic economy fares)
• AAdvantage Platinum: 8 base miles per dollar (3.2 base miles per dollar for basic economy fares)
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro: 9 base miles per dollar (3.6 base miles per dollar for basic economy fares)
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum: 11 base miles per dollar (4.4 base miles per dollar for basic economy fares)

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Flights marketed by other partner airlines

You can also earn AAdvantage miles on most flights marketed by American’s partners. You’ll usually earn miles based on the flight distance and the ticket fare class. Here’s an example of the earning chart for Finnair-operated flights:

AMERICAN AIRLINES

So, a traveler without AAdvantage status who flew on an E-fare class ticket booked through Finnair from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) — which is 5,762 miles — would earn 5,762 base miles. However, a traveler with AAdvantage Platinum Pro status would earn 10,372 base miles on this ticket due to the 80% mileage bonus.

American Airlines credit cards

One of the easiest ways to earn miles is through American Airlines credit cards. Here’s a look at the current welcome offers and earning rates on some popular American Airlines credit cards:

Card	Annual fee	Welcome offer	Earning rates
[applyLink pid=”221410949″ overridetext=”Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®”]	$595 (see [termsConditions pid=”221410949″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])	Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening	10 miles per dollar spent on eligible hotels booked through aadvantagehotels.com and eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars 4 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases
[applyLink pid=”22144516″ overridetext=”Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®”]	$99, waived for the first 12 months (see [termsConditions pid=”22144516″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening	2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, restaurants and gas stations 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Red Mastercard®	$99	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days	2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Silver Mastercard®	$199	None, as this card is only accessible via a product change	3 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases 2 miles per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®	None	Earn 15,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening	2 miles per dollar spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services, and on eligible American Airlines purchases 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases
[applyLink pid=”22146206″ overridetext=”Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®”]	$99, waived for the first 12 months (see [termsConditions pid=”22146206″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])	Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months from account opening	2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and gas stations 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases

The information for the Aviator Red Mastercard, Aviator Silver Mastercard and AAdvantage MileUp Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Remember that welcome offers and bonus category earnings won’t get you Loyalty Points toward AAdvantage elite status. You’ll only earn 1 Loyalty Point per dollar spent on American Airlines cards. However, the following cards offer the possibility to earn more Loyalty Points when you reach specific thresholds:

• Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard: Earn a bonus of 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year; earn another bonus of 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year.
• AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Silver Mastercard: Earn an additional 5,000 Loyalty Points after spending $20,000 on purchases made with the card account with a transaction date during the status qualification period; earn an additional 5,000 Loyalty Points during the same status qualification period after spending $40,000 on purchases with the card account; earn an additional 5,000 Loyalty Points during the same status qualification period after spending $50,000 on net purchases with the card account.

AAdvantage eShopping portal

When you click through the AAdvantage eShopping portal, you can earn American miles on your purchases with select online merchants.

XAVIER LORENZO/GETTY IMAGES

Using the AAdvantage eShopping portal is simple: Log in using your normal American AAdvantage username and password, search for your desired merchant, and then click through the portal to the merchant before you shop online.

Related: Earn points, miles or cash back: How to maximize online shopping portals for your purchases

SimplyMiles

American AAdvantage offers a program called SimplyMiles that allows you to earn miles when shopping online or in person with select merchants. Log in to SimplyMiles using your normal American AAdvantage credentials, link one or more Mastercards to your profile, and enroll in offers.

Then, when you use a linked Mastercard to make an eligible purchase at a merchant for which you’ve enrolled in an offer, you’ll earn a set number of AAdvantage miles or a specific multiple of your purchase amount.

AAdvantage Dining

AAdvantage Dining lets you earn American miles when dining at participating local restaurants.

EUGENIO MARONGIU/EGETTY IMAGES

Log in using your normal American AAdvantage username and password, and link your favorite credit cards for dining. Once you do so, you’ll automatically earn miles when you dine at participating restaurants and pay with a linked card.

AAdvantage travel partners

American Airlines partners with major car rental companies so its members can earn miles on car rentals. Check out AAdvantage’s car rental partner page for information on partners and earning rates.

You can also earn AAdvantage miles on hotel stays. To do so, book your stay through the AAdvantage Hotels platform or book a qualifying stay with IHG, Marriott or Hyatt, and add your AAdvantage number at booking or check-in. When you do so, you can earn as follows:

• AAdvantage Hotels: Varies depending on stay
• Hyatt: 500 miles per stay
• IHG: Up to 2 miles per dollar spent on qualifying charges
• Marriott: Up to 2 miles per dollar spent on qualifying charges

In addition to the hotel and rental car partners mentioned above, you can also earn miles when you book American Airlines Cruises and American Airlines Vacations.

Bask Bank

If you open a savings account with Bask Bank, you can elect to earn AAdvantage miles instead of cash interest on your account. Unfortunately, miles earned via Bask Bank do not count as Loyalty Points.

Buy miles

Finally, you can buy miles. Watch for promotions that allow you to buy American miles with a bonus or discount.

How to redeem American miles

Redeeming American miles for flights usually provides the best value. TPG’s June 2025 valuations estimate American miles to be worth 1.5 cents each, so try to get at least this value when redeeming miles. Here’s a look at some of the best ways to redeem American miles.

Flights

American Airlines publishes award charts with starting rates. You’ll find different charts for American- and partner-operated flights. However, the charts for American-operated award flights aren’t all that helpful since, in practice, you’ll find widely varying rates that change frequently based on your routing, when you book and when you’re traveling.

The partner award charts are more useful. Although the charts list starting rates, you’ll often find awards at the starting rates on many partners. However, we’re starting to see AAdvantage offer additional award availability with select partners at higher award rates. For example, the partner award chart says one-way economy awards between the U.S. and the South Pacific (the region that includes Fiji) start at 40,000 miles and business-class awards start at 80,000 miles. But you’ll see much higher rates on some dates.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

In short, the best way to determine how many miles an award itinerary will cost is to head to the American Airlines website or mobile app and do an award search. You can book award flights with little hesitation since you can cancel anytime before your first flight departs and redeposit your miles back into your account for free.

Related: Best uses of American Airlines AAdvantage miles

Upgrades

On some itineraries, you can also redeem American miles for an upgrade to the next cabin of service.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

American recently rolled out the ability to buy an instant upgrade online or via the airline’s app. You can use cash or miles for these instant upgrades, which the airline prices dynamically. Based on our tests, redeeming American miles for these upgrades will only give you a value of about 1 cent per mile. If your itinerary is eligible, you should see upgrade options when you open your itinerary on the American Airlines website or app.

However, through Aug. 11, you can still request upgrades for one-way trips with up to three segments based on the mileage upgrade award chart. You must call American AAdvantage to process these upgrades, but they’ll usually provide better value for your miles.

Only some fare classes are eligible, so check American’s upgrade page for eligibility and pricing.

Related: How much should you pay for a first-class upgrade?

Admirals Club membership

You can redeem American miles for an Admirals Club membership, but you’ll only get a value of 1 cent per mile. Here’s a look at the mileage costs for an Admirals Club membership based on your American elite status tier:

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Paying for a membership offers better value than redeeming American miles. However, the best deal is to get a complimentary Admirals Club membership as a benefit of the [applyLink pid=”221410949″ overridetext=”Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard”].

Related: 3 reasons why this is the best card for Admirals Club lounge access

Enhance with miles

As you reach different Loyalty Point tiers (the first is at 40,000 Loyalty Points) during a qualification period, you can use some of your miles to give someone else status for a day, obtain a Flagship First Dining pass or get a Hyatt free night award.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

The options in your account will vary depending on how many Loyalty Points you earned during the current or previous qualification period.

Related: Airline and hotel loyalty programs that let you give the gift of elite status

Bottom line

The American Airlines AAdvantage program is far from perfect. But if you know how to make it work and can be flexible when booking award flights, there’s still plenty of value to be found.

An American Airlines credit card has become increasingly important to earn AAdvantage elite status. It’s also worth using the AAdvantage eShopping portal and SimplyMiles, regardless of whether you’re interested in earning American miles, trying to qualify for American Airlines elite status or both.

from The Points Guy https://ift.tt/yWhpsQd

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