2026 ~ Green Horizons Traveler

How the current Atmos card offers could cover your next five (or more) trips

April 20, 2026 The Points Guy Articles No comments

Right now, the latest Atmos Rewards credit card welcome offers are among the strongest we've seen, with bonuses ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 points (along with valuable companion fares).

That's a sizable stash of points, but what does it actually translate to in real travel?

Depending on how you redeem, a single welcome bonus could realistically cover anywhere from five larger trips or 10 or more shorter flights.

Here's how that breaks down — and how to stretch those points as far as possible.

Current Atmos credit card welcome offers overview

Currently, Atmos is offering elevated welcome bonuses across a few cards that can significantly boost their value.

Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card: New cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 120 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening an account.
Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card: New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening an account.
Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card: New cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

While each card comes with different perks that provide ongoing value, the real value of the welcome offer comes down to how far those points can take you.

Example redemptions: Short domestic flights starting at 5,000 points

Atmos Rewards uses dynamic pricing, meaning award rates vary based on route, timing and demand. Still, there are some consistent ranges to keep in mind:

Short domestic flights can start around 5,000 points one-way
Cross-country routes often fall in the 10,000 to 20,000-point range
Flights to Hawaii often cost 15,000 to 30,000 points one-way

For example, at the time of writing, flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in September (shown below) average 15,000 points (plus $12 in taxes and fees).

Meanwhile, flights from PDX to Denver International Airport (DEN) during the same time start at 27,500 points (plus $12 in taxes and fees).

If your goal is to stretch your welcome bonus as far as possible, shorter domestic routes offer some of the best value.

At the very lowest redemption levels, it's possible to stretch a welcome bonus quite far — potentially up to 16 one-way flights with 80,000 points, or 20 with 100,000.

In practice, though, most travelers will land somewhere in the middle.

Even at more typical redemption rates, it's still realistic to get around five to 10 round-trip flights out of a single bonus, which is enough to cover a full year of weekend trips.

I'd personally use one of these bonuses to cover multiple domestic flights to visit family across the U.S., or put it toward a round-trip economy flight abroad. The beauty of a large welcome offer is that once you earn it, you've got a solid stash of points ready to use, and how you redeem them is entirely up to you.

But if a premium flight experience is what you're after, there are also plenty of great options for your points.

Example redemptions: Premium flights to Europe and beyond

If you'd rather maximize value per trip, using points for longer or premium flights can be just as compelling.

With the current offers, your bonus could realistically cover a round-trip economy flight to Europe, two one-way long-haul flights or one premium cabin experience.

For example, at the time of writing, there is strong business-class availability on British Airways (bookable via Atmos through the oneworld alliance) from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Heathrow Airport (LHR) in July 2026.

Or, you could use your points for a single premium flight. For example, 95,000 points from the Atmos Rewards Summit bonus could cover a one-way business-class flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Tokyo-Haneda Airport (HND) on Japan Airlines, with taxes and fees starting at just $18.10.

Cash prices for the same flight are around $4,362, which means you'd get a value of roughly 4.6 cents per point — well above TPG's April 2026 valuation of Atmos Rewards points at 1.4 cents each. Redemptions like this highlight how using points for premium cabin flights can deliver outsize value — and how far a single welcome bonus can take you.

How the 50% flight discount works

New cardholders of the Atmos Rewards Ascent and the Atmos Rewards Summit can currently receive a 50% flight discount code as part of the welcome offer, which can provide meaningful savings for cash bookings.

That said, this benefit comes with a few important limitations. The discount is only valid on eligible future flights with Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines booked with cash, and travel is limited to select dates and certain days of the week.

Because of that, the discount works best if you have flexibility and can plan around those constraints. It's a strong addition to the welcome offer, just not universally usable.

How companion fares can stretch your points further

The companion benefits currently offered on all three Atmos cards are another way to extend the value of a single welcome bonus. The Atmos Rewards Ascent and Atmos Rewards Business are currently offering a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23), while the Atmos Rewards Summit is offering a 25,000-point Global Companion Award.

If you haven't used an Atmos Companion Fare benefit before, it's pretty simple: you book a paid ticket for yourself, then add a second traveler on the same itinerary for $99 plus taxes and fees.

That effectively turns a single booking into a trip for two. For example, for a round-trip flight from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) costing about $290 per person, booking two tickets would total roughly $580.

Instead, you could pay for one ticket and add a companion for $99 plus taxes and fees, potentially saving close to $200 on the second seat.

friends walk arm-in-arm through an airport — FLY VIEW PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES

This can be a meaningful boost in real-world value, especially for couples, families or friends traveling together. It's also worth noting that companion fares need to be used on the same itinerary, so they work best when you're planning trips together from the start.

There are a few important restrictions to keep in mind.

The companion fare allows you to add one traveler to your itinerary for a base fare of $99, plus taxes and fees starting at $23 (totaling at least $122), when flying within North America on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines. Both tickets must be booked at the same time, on the same itinerary, using a paid coach fare.

Bookings must be made through AlaskaAir.com using your eligible Atmos card. The companion fare is not valid on award travel, though both travelers are still eligible to earn points on the flight.

Companion fares are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. As long as you book your ticket before the expiration date, travel can take place after that one-year window.

Bottom line

Through maximizing the strong available welcome offers, Atmos Rewards credit cards can realistically cover anywhere from five to 20 trips.

Whether you want frequent short getaways or one standout international trip, the value is there — and it can stretch even further if you're able to take advantage of perks like discount codes and companion fares.

For more information, check out our full review of the Atmos Rewards Ascent, our full review of the Atmos Rewards Summit and our full review of the Atmos Rewards Business Card.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business Card

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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How rare are standard reward nights at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives? What the data shows

April 19, 2026 The Points Guy Articles No comments

One of the most aspirational properties in the Hilton Honors portfolio is certainly the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. It's often considered one of the best Waldoft Astoria hotels, but nightly rates start at an eye-watering $2,988.

Meanwhile, standard room rewards cost 250,000 points per night (if you can find availability). Otherwise, you'll only see premium room rewards that cost at least four times as many points per night.

I managed to piece together a three-night standard room reward stay at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives in 2024. But, it can certainly feel like there's rarely two standard room reward nights together, much less enough nights to make it worth the mandatory $1,235 per person return transfer between the international airport in Male and the resort.

But, just how limited is standard room reward availability at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi? And how difficult is it to piece together a trip if you only want to book standard room reward nights? Let's dive into some data from Gondola (a free hotel search and direct booking platform for frequent travelers) to answer these questions.

Award pricing at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives

If you've never tried to book an award stay at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, you might be shocked when you do a flexible award search. For example, July's flexible award calendar shows just four nights with standard room rewards of 250,000 points. These standard room rewards are what you'll need if you want to redeem a Hilton annual free night reward certificate.

Hilton award pricing calendar for the Waldorf Astoria Maldives — HILTON

Some months, such as November, may have zero nights with standard room rewards.

Based on data from Gondola, here's a breakdown of what the least expensive award rates looked like for one-night stays at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi across the next 10 to 11 months when they searched on March 29:

Award type	Points per night	Number of dates	Average comparable cost per night	Average redemption rate
Standard room reward	250,000	31	$3,240	1.3 cents per point
Premium room reward	1,155,000	28	$3,816	0.33 cents per point
Premium room reward	1,411,000 to 1,634,000	250	$3,480 to $4,026	0.24 to 0.25 cents per point
Premium room reward	3,540,000 to 3,589,000	8	$8,850 to $8,989	0.25 cents per point

Of the nights bookable with points, only 10.8% offered standard room rewards. But, as you can see from the average redemption rates, you'll get a very low redemption rate from premium room rewards at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. For reference, TPG's April 2026 valuations peg Hilton points at 0.4 cents.

The small comparable price difference between standard room rewards and the lowest-cost premium room rewards makes sense given the room types. The rooms available with standard room rewards at this property are the "two queen bedded reef villa with pool" and the "king reef villa with pool." Meanwhile, beach and overwater villas with similar layouts and sizes (and yes, private pools) carry premium room reward pricing but just marginally higher paid rates.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives room types bookable with points — HILTON

So, if you're going to use points at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, booking standard room rewards will give you by far the best value. And, these are the only type of awards you can book with Hilton free night certificates.

Frequency of standard award nights at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives

In the above section, we considered award availability at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi for searches on a specific date. But, Gondola checks paid and award rates across about 320 future check-in dates every 36 hours. So, across Gondola's approximately 19 checks in March 2026, here's how many unique check-in dates within each month they found with 250,000-point standard reward night availability at least once:

March 2026: 30 dates appeared at least once (seven dates on average at any given time)
April 2026: 30 dates appeared at least once (10 dates on average at any given time)
May 2026: 17 dates appeared at least once (four dates on average at any given time)
June 2026: 22 dates appeared at least once (five dates on average at any given time)
July 2026: 30 dates appeared at least once (eight dates on average at any given time)
August 2026: One date appeared at least once (No dates on average at any given time)
September 2026: Six dates appeared at least once (One date on average at any given time)
October 2026: 12 dates appeared at least once (Two dates on average at any given time)
November 2026: 11 dates appeared at least once (One date on average at any given time)
December 2026: Three dates appeared at least once (No dates on average at any given time)
January 2027: Seven dates appeared at least once (One date on average at any given time)

From this data and my personal experience searching for award nights at this property, two important learnings emerge:

First, standard reward nights often tend to pop up for check-in dates within the next month or so. Many travelers plan their Maldives vacations well in advance, but you may be able to snag multiple standard reward nights if you can travel in the next month or two.
Second, standard reward nights do frequently appear. So, periodically searching (or setting award alerts) for standard room rewards on dates around those you've already secured can pay off (especially in some months).

Note that you'll want to book quickly once you find standard room reward availability that works for you. Data from seven consecutive searches by Gondola shows just how volatile standard room reward availability is at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi:

Date of search	Standard room reward nights that were bookable across the next 10-11 months	Standard room reward nights that appeared between the previous check and this check	Standard room reward nights that disappeared between the previous check and this check
March 20	45
March 21	44	5	6
March 23	42	6	8
March 24	42	12	12
March 26	30	5	17
March 27	32	10	8
March 29	31	6	7

Another way to look at the standard reward-night volatility is to consider data on how long a specific check-in date remains available at 250,000 points once it appears. Here's a look at this measure of volatility across Gondola's 19 checks in March (for check-in dates in April and beyond):

One check only: 14 check-in dates
Two to five checks: 20 check-in dates
Six to 10 checks: 14 check-in dates
11 to 19 checks: 12 check-in dates

So, while some standard room reward nights stay available for days or even weeks, others disappear quickly.

Bottom line

I loved my three-night stay at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi in 2024, and I am happy I got to experience one of the most aspirational hotels you can book with points. I'll likely try out other Maldives resorts on future trips. But, it's nice to see the data back up my take that you can often string together multiple standard room reward nights at this property by diligently checking award space and booking using points or free night certificates when standard room reward nights become available.

That said, it's highly unlikely you'll be able to book five standard room reward nights together in a single booking (which is what you'd need to get a fifth night free if you have Hilton elite status) unless you book a last-minute stay. And, keep in mind that the on-site food, drink, experiences and mandatory airport transfers will still add up to an expensive stay even if you secure standard room reward nights. But if you have the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you can at least use your Hilton Aspire resort credit (up to $200 in statement credits biannually) to offset some incidental costs.

Gondola is a free hotel search and direct booking platform for frequent travelers, making it easy to compare cash and points rates across brands while earning up to an extra 7% cash back.

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I lost 15,000 Delta SkyMiles because of the simplest mistake — here's how you can prevent it

April 19, 2026 The Points Guy Articles No comments

It's hard to imagine that a simple error could cost thousands of points or miles, but that's exactly what happened to me while booking a flight to Cancun for my friends and me.

I've always been diligent about managing my rewards since I've heard horror stories of people losing large chunks of their balances through one mistake or another. But nobody's perfect: I put too much trust in my account to auto-update after a points transfer, and it ended up costing me 15,000 miles.

Here's what happened and how you can avoid making the same mistake.

The transfer: Moving Membership Rewards to Delta SkyMiles

Two of my friends and I decided to go to Cancun this summer, and I volunteered to book us with points and miles.

At the time, I had close to 200,000 Amex Membership Rewards points, so Delta Air Lines was at the top of my list of airlines to consider, since it's one of Amex's transfer partners. I knew I could easily book a few tickets to Cancun and still have a ton of points to spare.

Playa Del Carmen Beach, Mayan Riviera Hotels near Cancun, Mexico — Playa Del Carmen Beach, Cancun, Mexico. YINYANG/GETTY IMAGES

One of my friends wasn't flexible on our travel dates due to her work schedule, so I kept a close eye on Seats.aero to find the best option for us. Delta turned out to be the cheapest option for our flight to Cancun, perfect luck for me.

In total, I'd need to transfer 69,000 Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles to book this flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Cancun International Airport (CUN). So, that's exactly what I did.

Historically, my transfers have been credited to my account immediately. This time, though, the miles didn't post right away. I made the transfer on a holiday weekend, and I'd heard transfers can sometimes take a couple of days to post, so I waited.

Big mistake.

The mistake: Waiting too long to contact Delta support

I waited a few days after my transfer to contact Delta support.

My loyalty account balances have always auto-updated after past transfers, so, at the time, I thought Delta's system was just taking a long time to process my transfer.

In reality, the transfer had posted right after I made it. When I contacted support, a representative confirmed that my updated balance wasn't showing on my account due to a technical issue on Delta's side. The fix to see them was simple: log out and back in.

As soon as I logged out and in, the problem was fixed. My 69,000 SkyMiles were available.

Woman talking on the phone — MIXETTO/GETTY IMAGES

I immediately navigated to Delta's booking page to snag three award tickets, only to find that the flight I'd chosen had gone up in price in the few days since I last checked.

It wasn't anything jaw-dropping, but it wasn't a painless increase, either. In total, I had to transfer an additional 15,000 Membership Rewards points to Delta to cover the additional cost.

I'm fortunate to have a significant Membership Rewards balance, thanks in large part to the welcome offers I earned from my American Express® Gold Card and American Express Platinum Card®.

If those 69,000 points were all I had, I would've been in a very tough spot. Transfers are always one-way, so I wouldn't have had the option to use those points for another airline.

The lesson: Always be proactive about contacting support if your transfer isn't posting

The mistake itself was easy to avoid. I should've contacted support after 24 hours, since my previous transfers always posted instantly. Any unexpected delay in your rewards posting is worth contacting support about, just in case there's a glitch.

Even if nothing's wrong, take it from me: It's better to be safe than sorry.

Man makes a phone call while trying to make an online purchase using a credit card and a laptop — KOSAMTU/GETTY IMAGES

This is especially true if you're using most or all of your rewards balance for a transfer, or if your travel dates are inflexible. Of course, you could always buy additional points or miles if you need more and don't have any left to transfer. But that can get costly if you need to buy a substantial number of points and miles.

In the end, the best strategy is to contact support if something feels off. Don't trust that your account balance will display properly.

Bottom line

In the end, I was able to book the flight for my friends and me. 15,000 SkyMiles didn't annihilate my rewards balance, but it took enough of a chunk for me to learn an important lesson.

I spent so much time focusing on big picture things like using the right card for certain purchases and monitoring award trackers that I missed something so simple. If you plan to make a transfer to Delta SkyMiles soon, remember to log out of your account and back in after the transfer completes.

Above all else, don't hesitate to contact your loyalty program's support if you're concerned about how long a transfer is taking. If something feels off, it probably is.

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These are the points hotels TPG staff is booking in 2026

April 18, 2026 The Points Guy Articles No comments

Giving travel advice is like an Olympic sport for the writers and editors here at The Points Guy. I'd bet money on the notion that, between all of us, we could give you a travel recommendation or tip for nearly anywhere in the world you might want to go. I mean, it is our job after all.

So we figured it might be fun to share some of the hotels we've booked for ourselves this year, from some dream work assignments we're itching to pack for to the personal trips we're using our PTO on (reminder: use your PTO!). From small boutique hotels in American cities to luxury points hotels on the other side of the world, here are the hotels TPGers have booked (or plan to book) in the coming months.

Hotel Ulysses

"I'm excited to check into Hotel Ulysses in Baltimore during a weekend getaway this spring. I've stayed at one of its sister properties in New Orleans — Hotel Peter and Paul — and I'm excited to experience the same level of charming, quirky decor with vintage touches. Though it looks and feels like a boutique hotel, it's actually a member of Marriott Bonvoy's Design Hotels collection, and part of the American Express Hotel Collection*. Since I used my semi-annual $300 hotel credit** on my American Express Platinum Card®, I was able to get my two-night stay nearly for free since it's not that pricey. And I get to check out its jewel-box of a cocktail lounge — Bloom's Bar — with the included $100 property credit." — Lyndsey Matthews

Rates start at $130 per night or 34,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
*A minimum stay of two nights is required for Hotel Collection bookings.
**Up to $600 in statement credits annually.

Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch

"It's rare that points hotels are opened within truly iconic landmarks in The Big Smoke (London), but this hype is warranted. The Grade 1-listed monument of Admiralty Arch sits opposite Buckingham Palace at the end of the Mall, with jaw-dropping views of the Palace and Trafalgar Square. It is the first Waldorf Astoria in London and likely to immediately be the best Hilton Honors property in London, if not the United Kingdom." — Ben Smithson

Booking information is not yet available.

Lake Como Edition

For TPG Editor Lauren Wassum, Lake Como is on the books thanks to a great booking at the recently opened Lake Como Edition, which is "a rare find in an area that has such limited points-and-miles redemptions in the first place." Not only was it a great way to use valuable Marriott Bonvoy points, Wassum said, "but it also has gorgeous views of Bellagio, and the design is the perfect mix of charm and contemporary design."

Rates start at $832 or 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points points per night.

Hilton Niseko Village

"I was thrilled to return to the Hilton Niseko Village this February, as I love its ski-in, ski-out location in the Niseko Village part of Niseko United. I booked five nights for 340,000 Hilton points after the fifth night free, used my Ikon Pass to cover my lift passes, got breakfast each morning as a Diamond elite perk and used my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card resort credit*** to cover dinner each night." — Katie Genter

Rates start at $70 or 26,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
***Receive up to $400 in statement credits each year (up to $200 semiannually).

Park Hyatt Tokyo

"I've got a few Hyatt stays in 2026 I'm particularly excited about," said TPG's Clint Henderson. "The Park Hyatt Tokyo was my first major hotel redemption way back in 2016, and I'm thrilled to go back now that they've had a major renovation." Henderson was able to book the popular, now-reopened hotel for 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night, a great use of points ahead of upcoming World of Hyatt changes that will introduce new award pricing bands that could see luxury hotels like the Park Hyatt Tokyo cost significantly more. "I cannot wait to swim in that amazing giant swimming pool again with views of all of Tokyo."

Rates start at $700 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Park Hyatt Sydney

"Ever since I began working at TPG, my colleague Eric Rosen raved about the Park Hyatt Sydney, and I continuously found myself rereading his article offering six reasons why the Park Hyatt Sydney is one of his favorite hotel points redemptions. Last year I finally had the chance to stay myself and, for certain, confirmed it's a really special place. So earlier this year, I cashed in 115,000 points to stay there with my mom during the Sydney Marathon this coming August. Coincidentally, Rosen is also returning to the Park Hyatt Sydney in August, and made sure to book before the upcoming devaluation that will likely see bucket list Hyatt properties like this rise in price for award bookings."

— Tanner Saunders

Rates start at $700 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Six Senses Con Dao

"When my original trip to the Seychelles was derailed by the conflict in the Middle East, I was determined to still go somewhere international and use a massive stash of IHG points I'd been sitting on for the hotel. So, I swapped a dream stay at Six Senses Zil Pasyon for a different dream stay at Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam. Universe willing (since rising jet fuel costs have led to some Vietnam flight cancellations, though my itinerary seems okay so far), this will be my first time staying at a property affiliated with Six Senses, a brand I've been super curious about as a Diamond Ambassador member with IHG One Rewards. I was able to book the property for 564,000 points, taking advantage of the fourth-night-free perk as an IHG cardholder. I'm most excited about the food (I've heard it's incredible here!) and the opportunity to see turtles, as it'll be nesting season during my visit." — Christine Gallipeau

Rates start at $700 or 180,000 IHG One Reward points per night.

Related reading:

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Chase Aeroplan Credit Card review: A compelling and valuable airline card

April 18, 2026 The Points Guy Articles No comments

Aeroplan Credit Card overview

Chase's Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees) is one of our favorite cobranded airline credit cards, offering award flexibility and valuable airline benefits. With its strong earning rate and incentives to spend on the card beyond earning the welcome bonus, the Aeroplan Credit Card is worth considering for many points and miles enthusiasts — even those who don't live in Canada. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

The Aeroplan Credit Card offers unique benefits we've rarely seen on other cobranded airline cards, all for a reasonable annual fee of $95.

You'll most likely need a good credit score of at least 670 to get approved for this card.

If the ability to use points on more than 50 partner airlines worldwide and automatic elite status appeal to you, keep reading.

Aeroplan Credit Card pros and cons

Pros	Cons
<ul> <li>Ability to redeem your points with more than 50 partner airlines</li> <li>Complimentary elite status for up to two calendar years</li> <li>Free first checked bag (for you and up to eight companions)</li> <li>Travel protections</li> </ul>	<ul> <li>Doesn't offer the same flexibility as a general travel card</li> <li>Requires a little extra effort to get the most value out of rewards</li> <li>Subject to Chase's application restrictions</li> <li>High spending is required for a higher elite status</li> </ul>

Aeroplan Credit Card welcome offer

New cardholders of the Aeroplan Credit Card can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

This offer is worth $1,050, according to TPG's April 2026 valuations.

Hand holding the Aeroplan Credit Card — THE POINTS GUY

This is an elevated offer above the usual 60,000 to 70,000 bonus points, making now a compelling time to apply.

Keep in mind that since Chase issues this card, it's subject to Chase's 5/24 rule. If you've opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months, you may not be eligible to open the Aeroplan Credit Card.

Aeroplan Credit Card benefits

One of the standout features of the Aeroplan Credit Card is automatic elite status.

Status-linked benefits

New cardholders receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year in which they're approved, plus the entire following calendar year. We recommend applying early in the year to maximize this benefit.

Aeroplan 25K status includes perks such as:

Star Alliance Silver status (priority waitlisting and standby)
Priority check-in and boarding
Complimentary checked baggage (two bags, 23kg each) on Air Canada flights
Five eUpgrade credits for cabin upgrades
Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus elite status

After the introductory period, you can retain or build on your Aeroplan elite status through a combination of spending and overall program activity.

The card helps by contributing Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) — the primary metric used to earn and maintain status — as follows:

5,000 SQC headstart each calendar year
10,000 additional SQCs when cardholders spend $25,000 in a calendar year
10,000 additional SQCs when cardholders spend $50,000 in a calendar year

This means you can earn up to 25,000 SQC per year from the card.

For context, higher tiers of Aeroplan status require increasing amounts of SQC. With significant spending, the card can meaningfully accelerate your progress.

For example, spending $75,000 in a calendar year can help you reach Aeroplan 35K status.

In addition, Aeroplan offers Milestone Benefits — extra perks unlocked as you earn SQC throughout the year, typically in increments of 10,000 SQC.

While the Aeroplan Credit Card can give you a strong head start and boost, it works best alongside flying and partner activity rather than as a stand-alone path to elite status.

Non-status-linked benefits

Even if you don't maintain your elite status beyond the first year, here are all of the other benefits you'll get from the Aeroplan Credit Card:

First free checked bag on Air Canada flights for primary cardholders and up to eight companions on the same reservation
No foreign transaction fees
Travel protections, such as auto rental insurance, baggage delay insurance, roadside assistance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement
Up to $120 statement credit for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee every four years
World Elite Mastercard benefits, including access to Mastercard Priceless experiences, everyday discounts and offers, 24/7 concierge service and more

Earning points on the Aeroplan Credit Card

With the Aeroplan Credit Card, you'll earn:

3 points per dollar spent at grocery stores, purchases made directly with Air Canada and restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Beautiful African American woman shopping online from her cozy home office during winter holidays, holding a credit card while purchasing something online using a laptop — BROTHERS91/GETTY IMAGES

For every $2,000 you spend on the card each month, you can receive up to a 500-point bonus (up to 1,500 points per month; maximum 18,000 points annually). These bonus points can add up if you're a heavy spender.

This benefit will come in handy if you plan on spending heavily on the Aeroplan Credit Card to maintain 25K status or elevate your status to another tier.

Redeeming points on the Aeroplan Credit Card

For those who prefer a simple redemption option, the Aeroplan Credit Card offers Chase's Pay Yourself Back feature, allowing you to redeem points for statement credits toward recent purchases.

Cardholders can currently redeem points at the following rates:

Travel purchases† and the card's annual fee: 1.25 cents per point
Dining, gas stations and grocery stores‡: 0.8 cents per point

†Up to 200,000 points (or $2,500) per year

‡Excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs

Eligible purchases must typically be made within 90 days before the redemption request.

This provides a straightforward way to offset everyday expenses, especially if you're not looking to maximize award travel.

This card's Pay Yourself Back categories may change annually.

Transferring points on the Aeroplan Credit Card

You can redeem your points for flights to over 1,300 destinations through Air Canada's more than 50 airline partners, including Star Alliance airlines and for generally fewer points than you'd need with other loyalty programs.

Even better, Air Canada publishes distance-based award charts with tons of sweet spots to look out for. For example, you can fly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) on Lufthansa business class for just 70,000 points.

Alongside the Aeroplan Credit Card, if you also have a Chase Ultimate Rewards earning card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), you'll receive a 10% bonus on every 50,000 or more Chase Ultimate Rewards points you transfer to Aeroplan (maximum 25,000 bonus points per calendar year).

Which cards compete with the Aeroplan Credit Card?

The Aeroplan Credit Card has a $95 annual fee, which is comparable to the price of other popular travel credit cards that earn transferable rewards. Let's compare some same-caliber credit cards and determine if the Aeroplan Credit Card is the best option for you.

If you want more general rewards: Try the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), one of our all-time favorite travel credit cards. While the Aeroplan card is great for fans of Air Canada and its partners, the Sapphire Preferred is a more flexible travel card. To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
If you value simplicity: Go for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card with its $95 annual fee. It offers a simple earning rate of at least 2 miles per dollar spent on everything, taking away the stress of remembering bonus categories and strategies to maximize your spending. You can also earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. To learn more, read our full review of the Venture Rewards.
If you enjoy flying with United: The United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then a $150 fee thereafter). The card earns bonus miles on United purchases and offers a plethora of statement credits. Plus, you'll get perks like two United Club one-time passes per calendar year. To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer card.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best travel cards.

Is the Aeroplan Credit Card worth it?

With solid perks for just a $95 annual fee, the Aeroplan Credit Card can be well worth it for the average consumer, especially if you can capitalize on the complimentary 25K status offered to new cardholders.

Even if you're not a regular flyer of Air Canada — or perhaps have never flown the airline at all — chances are that you've flown its Star Alliance partners. We recommend the Aeroplan card as a strong option for many frequent travelers so they can maximize the loyalty program's lucrative award chart.

Bottom line

Complimentary elite status is a meaningful perk, no matter the airline. And with Aeroplan points being one of the most valuable airline currencies out there, this credit card is an excellent way to help you book your dream vacation using points to save money on flights — no matter where you may be going.

Apply here: Aeroplan Credit Card

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What are American Express Membership Rewards points worth?

April 17, 2026 The Points Guy Articles No comments

According to TPG's April 2026 valuations, American Express Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each. This issuer's rewards currency is notably higher than nearly all points and miles programs from major airlines and hotels (per TPG's data-backed valuations).

However, this doesn't mean you'll get exactly 2 cents per point every time you redeem them. Instead, we use this number as a benchmark if you are looking to maximize your points. High-value Membership Rewards redemptions should give you more than 2 cents per point, while lower-value awards offer less than 1 cent per point.

In short, there are various answers to the question, "How much are Amex points worth?" Let's dive into how you can maximize their value.

How TPG values transferable credit card points

You may be wondering how TPG calculates the value of transferable credit card points, such as Membership Rewards — especially since these valuations are often higher than the valuations listed by the airline and hotel transfer partner programs to which you can transfer points and miles.

Having redeemed millions of transferable points and miles, TPG has developed our own proprietary formula, which includes:

The base value of redeeming rewards directly through each issuer's portal for travel
The value of popular cash-equivalent redemptions like gift cards and statement credits
Any unique ways to maximize travel value directly with the issuer
The number of airline and hotel transfer partners, balanced against the value of each partner's rewards currency
Whether the issuer offers uniquely valuable transfer partners
The value of the flexibility of having many options to transfer to airline and hotel programs

Membership Rewards scores strongly for the number of valuable transfer partners, offering multiple unique transfer partners and regular bonuses.

What are Amex Membership Rewards points worth?

There are many ways to redeem your American Express Membership Rewards points. However, they can offer a wide range of values. Some redemptions offer a fixed value for your points, while others could exceed our valuation of 2 cents per point.

Woman writing notes at computer — HALFPOINT IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

Redemption option	Examples	Point value
Transfer points to travel partners	20 airline and hotel loyalty programs*	Possibly 2 cents per point (note that you can get more or less)
Redemptions through Amex Travel	Flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and vacation rentals	0.5 cents to 1 cent per point
Nontravel redemptions	Gift cards, Amazon purchases and more	0.5 cents to 1 cent per point

*Effective June 30, Etihad Guest will no longer be a transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards.

The value of Amex points when transferring to travel partners

You'll usually find the most valuable redemptions when transferring your Amex points to one of Amex's travel partners. Amex partners with the following 20 airline and hotel loyalty programs:

Aer Lingus AerClub
Aeromexico Rewards
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
ANA Mileage Club
Avianca Lifemiles
British Airways Club
Cathay Pacific Cathay
Delta SkyMiles
Emirates Skywards
Etihad Guest (partnership ends on June 30)
Iberia Club
JetBlue TrueBlue
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Singapore KrisFlyer
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Choice Privileges
Hilton Honors
Marriott Bonvoy

Amex points transfer to most airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, except for Aeromexico Rewards (1:1.6), Cathay Pacific's Cathay program and Emirates Skywards (5:4), JetBlue TrueBlue (250:200) and Hilton Honors (1:2).

You can transfer Amex points in increments of 1,000; point transfers to airline and partner programs are irreversible. Additionally, Amex charges an excise tax of 0.6 cents per point (up to $99) when transferring rewards to Delta SkyMiles or JetBlue TrueBlue.

Mom with young daughter and baby in stroller walking through airport — ZIA SOLEIL/GETTY IMAGES

To maximize your Membership Rewards points, we recommend transferring them to partner airlines. Here are some great ways to obtain more than 2 cents per point from your Amex points:

Transfer points to Air Canada's Aeroplan program to book business-class flights on Star Alliance partner airlines from just 60,000 points, where cash tickets regularly exceed $3,000.
Book business-class flights to Europe on Air France or KLM for 60,000 miles by transferring your Amex points to Flying Blue.
Transfer points to Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club program to book flights to London starting at 6,000 Amex points.
Pay just 13,500 Amex points for a one-way economy flight from California, Oregon or Washington state to any Hawaiian island on Alaska Airlines when you transfer your points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program.
Book flights to Spain in business class for only 40,500 Membership Rewards points from the northeast when you transfer them to Iberia Club.
Book American Airlines domestic flights via Amex using the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. Award rates start at 9,500 points plus only $5.60 in fees and taxes.

Plus, throughout the year, Amex offers transfer partner bonuses, which could help your points go even further.

To snag the best deals, check out our guide on maximizing your Amex points with transfer partner redemptions.

Value of Amex points when redeeming through Amex Travel

While we focus a lot on the value of transferable points here at TPG, you can only maximize them if your preferred airline or hotel has award space available. If you need to travel on fixed dates — especially during the holiday season when award availability on partner airlines may be limited — this might pose a problem. If you've exhausted all other options, you can get an acceptable value by redeeming points through the Amex Travel portal.

Redeeming Amex points for flights through Amex Travel

When booking a flight through Amex Travel, you'll get a fixed redemption rate of 1 cent per point.

However, if you have any of the following Amex business cards, you can receive a bonus when using Pay with Points for eligible flights:

Business Centurion® Card from American Express: 50% Pay with Points bonus on eligible flights; applications by invitation only.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: 35% of your points back (up to 1 million points per calendar year) on airfare booked through Amex Travel for eligible flights with your selected qualifying airline

The information for the Amex Business Centurion 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.

Redeeming Amex points for hotel stays and other travel

However, most other travel redemptions through the Amex Travel portal will give you about 0.7 cents per point.

For instance, with most hotels, you can redeem your points at 0.7 cents each through Amex Travel. And since these are third-party bookings, you may not earn hotel points or elite night credits for your stay.

overwater bungalow — SMALL LUXURY HOTELS

The one exception is Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, a luxury hotel program that's only available to Platinum and Centurion cardmembers. If you pay with points to book one of these properties, you'll get 1 cent of value per point and receive perks similar to those you would get with elite status benefits for your stay, including complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkout, and usually a dining or spa credit. Plus, these stays usually earn hotel points and elite night credits.

For car and vacation rentals, you'll get about 0.7 cents per point. As for cruise bookings made through the Amex portal, you can get between 0.5 cents and 0.7 cents per point.

Overall, redeeming your Amex points through the travel portal will not yield the best value for maximizing your rewards. However, if you have a stock of Amex points sitting in your account or simply want to save on your out-of-pocket cost on a flight, hotel, car rental, cruise or vacation home, redeeming points through the Amex portal could make sense.

Learn more about booking through the American Express portal.

Redeeming Amex points for nontravel redemptions

Not all redemptions are travel-based — in fact, you can redeem your Amex points for gift cards, Amazon purchases and more. While these redemptions don't yield a high value when it comes to maximizing your points, for those who wish to save money on nontravel expenses, Amex points could be the answer.

Gift cards: When redeeming Amex points for gift cards, you can get a value between 0.5 cents and 1 cent per point, depending on the merchant.
Taxi rides in New York City: Redeem your Amex points for certain taxi fares in the Big Apple at a value of 1 cent per point.
Amazon and online merchants: When you link your Membership Rewards account with select online retailers like Amazon, Grubhub and Best Buy, you can select Pay with Points at checkout and redeem your rewards at a value of 0.7 cents per point.
Cover charges on your statement: Use points to pay for eligible account charges on your billing statement, and receive 0.6 cents per point.

How to earn Amex Membership Rewards points

To redeem Membership Rewards points, you'll first have to earn them. The easiest way to earn Amex points is by applying for a points-earning card, and Amex has several to choose from, ranging from premium cards to no-annual-fee cards that reward daily spending.

a young man in a kitchen using a laptop — RISKA/GETTY IMAGES

Depending on the Amex card in your wallet, you could earn between 1 point and 5 points per dollar spent, contingent on the card and the earning category.

For example, American Express Platinum Card® earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. While The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express earns 2 points per dollar spent on everyday business purchases with no category restrictions (on up to $50,000 each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

Therefore, with different earning rates and welcome offers, check out the current American Express card offers available to find which one is right for you so you can earn Amex points.

Bottom line

Amex Membership Rewards points have long been considered some of the most valuable points on the market. They sit near the top of TPG's April 2026 valuations, thanks to many high-value airline transfer partners that allow members to book premium-cabin awards at low rates.

The value you get from your Amex points can vary significantly, ranging from 0.5 cents per point for gift cards to much higher for select transfer partners. Of course, that requires extensive flexibility and the willingness to learn the ins and outs of loyalty programs, so many cardmembers may prefer simpler reward options.

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How to choose the best credit card for your business expenses

April 17, 2026 The Points Guy Articles No comments

Running a business (or a side hustle) comes with plenty of expenses, and the right business card can help you make the most of every dollar you spend.

From office supplies and advertising to travel and everyday business expenses, different cards reward different types of spending.

The trick is matching your habits to the card that offers the best rewards for your business. Whether you're a freelancer, a retail owner or a frequent traveler, there's a business card that can help you earn more points, miles or cash back on the purchases you're already making.

Here's a guide to the top business credit cards and which types of business owners they're best for.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Comparing the best credit cards for business expenses

Here are our top picks for the best cards to use for your business expenses.

Credit card	Best for	Annual fee
<strong><a href="https://ift.tt/qtMb25I" target="_blank">American Express® Business Gold Card</a></strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><br> </strong></span>	Flexible rewards	$375 (see <a href="/tc/7763?pid=7763&name=American%20Express%C2%AE%20Business%20Gold%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)
<strong><a href="https://ift.tt/LUpYrT1" target="_blank">The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express</a></strong>	Earning transferable points with no annual fee	$0 (see <a href="/tc/7760?pid=7760&name=The%20Blue%20Business%C2%AE%20Plus%20Credit%20Card%20from%20American%20Express&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)
<strong><a href="https://ift.tt/MBnrHh0" target="_blank">The Business Platinum Card from American Express</a></strong>	Luxury travel perks	$895 (see <a href="/tc/7758?pid=7758&name=The%20Business%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE%20from%20American%20Express&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)
<a target="_blank" href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-business/"><strong>Capital One Venture Business</strong></a>	Everyday business spending	$95
<a target="_blank" href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x-business/"><strong>Capital One Venture X Business</strong></a>	High-spending businesses	$395
<strong><a href="https://ift.tt/K7jiwrl" target="_blank">Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠</a></strong> (see <a href="/tc/10965?pid=10965&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20for%20Business%E2%84%A0%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)	Premium perks and advertising spending	$795
<strong><a href="https://ift.tt/wKcHT5u" target="_blank">Ink Business Cash® Credit Card</a> </strong>(see <a href="/tc/22125825?pid=22125825&name=Ink%20Business%20Cash%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)	Office supplies	$0
<strong> <a href="https://ift.tt/FK1Dmu7" target="_blank">Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card</a> </strong> (see <a href="/tc/221211974?pid=221211974&name=Ink%20Business%20Preferred%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)	Bonus-earning categories	$95
<strong><a href="https://ift.tt/0pOLJQt" target="_blank">Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card</a> </strong>(see <a href="/tc/6218?pid=6218&name=Ink%20Business%20Unlimited%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)	Freelancers	$0
<strong><a href="https://ift.tt/UnuXPV9" target="_blank">United℠ Business Card</a></strong> (see <a href="/tc/6874?pid=6874&name=United%E2%84%A0%20Business%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)	United Airlines flyers	$150

American Express Business Gold Card

Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, this offer is worth up to $4,000.

Annual fee: $375

Standout benefits: The Amex Business Gold Card lets business owners earn 4 points per dollar spent in their top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle (up to $150,000 in combined spending, then 1 point per dollar spent).

This card also comes with a useful up to $240 statement credits per calendar year (up to $20 monthly) for U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and office supply stores (enrollment is required). Plus, you can transfer the Membership Rewards points you earn to one of Amex's 20 hotel and airline partners.

TPG lead writer Katie Genter likes to use her Amex Business Gold Card's flexible business credit to order food via Grubhub at least once each month.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership.

Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $300.

Annual fee: $0

American Express Blue Business Plus card — THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits: Business owners earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent) for no annual fee. These points can be transferred to Amex's transfer partners for maximum value.

To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Business Plus.

Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth up to $6,000.

Annual fee: $895

American Express Business Platinum card art — THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits: The Amex Business Platinum offers unrivaled lounge access for small-business owners, along with a plethora of valuable statement credits, including up to $600 in statement credits (up to $300 biannually) for Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection* bookings and up to $200 in airline fee statement credits per calendar year. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

This card also earns 2 points per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers and shipping providers, as well as on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

You'll also receive automatic hotel elite status with Hilton, Marriott and Leading Hotels of the World (enrollment required) and enjoy numerous shopping and travel protections.

*The Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Capital One Venture Business

Welcome offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: 75,000 miles after spending $7,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 75,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, this offer is worth up to $2,775.

Annual fee: $95

Venture Business card art — THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits: Key benefits of the Venture Business include an annual $50 credit for Capital One Business Travel, up to $50 each year for qualifying advertising and software merchants and a $50 experience credit for every Capital One Lifestyle Collection stay. Cardholders also receive a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

You'll earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, rental cars and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel, and 2 miles per dollar spent on other purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the Venture Business.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Business

Capital One Venture X Business

Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $2,775.

Annual fee: $395

a hand holds a credit card — THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits: The Venture X Business comes with an annual $300 Capital One Business Travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel, 10,000 bonus miles each year (beginning on your first anniversary), a TSA/Global Entry statement credit and numerous travel protections.

You'll earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase and can redeem these miles by transferring them to one of Capital One's 15-plus transfer partners. Plus, you can add up to four authorized users at no additional cost.

To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X Business.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, this offer is worth $3,075.

Annual fee: $795

Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card art — THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits: The Sapphire Reserve for Business is Chase's most premium business card offering. It comes with perks like a flexible annual travel credit, airport lounge access, travel credits (providing over $1,200 in value annually) and excellent travel and purchase protections.

Additionally, the card has excellent earning rates, offering an uncapped 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly and 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising.

This is a game changer for businesses with high ad spending, as most other cards with this bonus category limit how many points you can earn.

The points earned on this card can be transferred to one of Chase's hotel and airline partners for maximum value. Or, you can redeem them through Chase Travel℠ at up to 2 cents apiece, depending on the specific redemption, using Points Boost (see your card's guide to benefits for more information).

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Standout benefits: Business owners earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities on the first $25,000 in combined spending and 2% cash back on restaurant and gas station purchases on the first $25,000 in combined spending each account anniversary year (then 1% back).

Additionally, cardholders receive primary rental car insurance when booking rental cars on business trips.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.

Apply here: Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $2,050.

Annual fee: $95

A hand holds the Ink Business Preferred — THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits: The Ink Business Preferred card is well-suited for business owners who spend a lot on travel, shipping, social media advertising, search advertising and telecommunications. You'll earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 in combined spending on these expenses per year (then 1 point per dollar spent).

These points can be redeemed for travel via Chase Travel at up to 1.75 cents apiece (depending on the specific redemption) with Points Boost, or transferred to one of Chase's partners for the most value. You'll also get numerous travel and shopping protections and even cellphone insurance.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.

Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Ink Business Unlimited Credt Card_Update — THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits: The Ink Business Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You'll also receive primary rental car insurance when booking rental cars for business purposes.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.

Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

United Business Card

Welcome offer: Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,485 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs).

Annual fee: $150

Hands holding credit cards — THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits: The United Business Card offers an excellent 8 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United Airlines flights.

Business owners also receive two one-time United Club passes (the primary cardholder or authorized user must be present to redeem them), plus numerous United-specific perks to enhance their travel experience. This includes a free checked bag for the primary cardmember and one companion and priority boarding.

Additionally, cardholders will receive a handful of statement credits that help offset the card's annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Business Card.

Apply here: United Business Card

For side hustlers: A credit card with a flat earning rate

You don't have to own a brick-and-mortar store to apply for a business credit card. Whether you're a Lyft driver on the weekends or run a small Etsy store in your free time, you can rack up rewards on your business expenses.

If you don't have a large budget for monthly business purchases, there are two things to look for in a business card: a flat rewards rate and a low annual fee.

Woman using her cell phone and laptop — MORSA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

Some top choices include:

These are exceptional options if you also have an eligible personal card that earns American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles or Chase Ultimate Rewards. Each issuer lets cardmembers pool rewards between their personal and business accounts, so you can combine them for maximum redemption value.

For office startups: A card with related bonus categories

Multiple business cards offer rewards in spending categories such as office supplies and wireless services. If you run your business out of an office, you can use these cards to earn a great return on your business expenses.

The list of potential bonus categories includes purchases with or on:

Cellphone service providers (when paying your monthly bill with your card)
Dining
Electronic goods retailers
Gas and electric vehicle charging
Media providers for advertising in select online, TV and radio media
Software and cloud system providers
Transit purchases, including buses, subways, taxicabs and trains

Some top options include:

Amex Business Gold (bonus categories may be limited to spending in the U.S.)
Capital One Venture X Business
Ink Business Preferred

Related: Best rewards credit cards

For retail business owners: A card that offers rewards for advertising

Whether you own a boutique or an e-commerce site, chances are you spend money every month to advertise your business. These expenses can add up, so it's worth earning as many points as possible.

A woman paying via contactless payment with her phone — JLCO-JULIA AMARAL/GETTY IMAGES

Some popular credit cards for advertising expenses include:

American Express Business Gold (in the U.S.)
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
Ink Business Preferred

For frequent business travelers: A cobranded card

If you tend to fly the same airline or stay at the same hotel brand multiple times per year, a cobranded business credit card is a great option.

You'll get bonus points or miles on every dollar spent with the airline or hotel chain associated with the card. Plus, you'll also enjoy additional perks like free checked bags, preferred boarding and easier paths to elite status.

United Airlines Airbus A321neo. — SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

Some popular cobranded airline cards include:

A hotel card is a better option if you don't often fly with the same airline but stay with the same hotel brand. A few popular options include:

Bottom line

The best business credit card for you depends on how — and where — you spend. While each card offers different perks, all of them can help streamline your finances and earn rewards on everyday business expenses.

Best of all, if you own a personal credit card with the same issuer, you might be able to combine points or unlock added travel benefits.

Just like with personal cards, choosing a business card comes down to understanding your spending habits and reward goals. Take time to reflect on these factors before you make a decision.

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Plus Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.

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Current Atmos credit card welcome offers overview

Example redemptions: Short domestic flights starting at 5,000 points

Example redemptions: Premium flights to Europe and beyond

How the 50% flight discount works

How companion fares can stretch your points further

Bottom line

Award pricing at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives

Frequency of standard award nights at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives

Bottom line

The transfer: Moving Membership Rewards to Delta SkyMiles

The mistake: Waiting too long to contact Delta support

The lesson: Always be proactive about contacting support if your transfer isn't posting

Bottom line

Hotel Ulysses

Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch

Lake Como Edition

Hilton Niseko Village

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Park Hyatt Sydney

Six Senses Con Dao

Aeroplan Credit Card overview

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

Aeroplan Credit Card pros and cons

Aeroplan Credit Card welcome offer

Aeroplan Credit Card benefits

Status-linked benefits

Non-status-linked benefits

Earning points on the Aeroplan Credit Card

Redeeming points on the Aeroplan Credit Card

Transferring points on the Aeroplan Credit Card

Which cards compete with the Aeroplan Credit Card?

Is the Aeroplan Credit Card worth it?

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How TPG values transferable credit card points

What are Amex Membership Rewards points worth?

The value of Amex points when transferring to travel partners

Value of Amex points when redeeming through Amex Travel

Redeeming Amex points for flights through Amex Travel

Redeeming Amex points for hotel stays and other travel

Redeeming Amex points for nontravel redemptions

How to earn Amex Membership Rewards points

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Comparing the best credit cards for business expenses

American Express Business Gold Card

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Capital One Venture Business

Capital One Venture X Business

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

United Business Card

For side hustlers: A credit card with a flat earning rate

For office startups: A card with related bonus categories

For retail business owners: A card that offers rewards for advertising

For frequent business travelers: A cobranded card

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