Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. This card closed to new applicants on Nov. 11, 2024.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite card overview
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a premium travel card that’s all about earning rewards you can redeem quickly, easily and for strong value. The highlight of this card is the ability to earn 3 points per dollar spent on purchases made with a mobile wallet. Although it comes with a pricey annual fee, it delivers enough statement credits to compensate for most of its cost. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Longtime award-travel enthusiasts know the drill: Accumulate airline miles or transferable points, then be on the lookout to get maximum redemption value out of them. This often requires quite a bit of research and legwork, which can feel daunting.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card takes the headache out of award travel. It’s all about earning rewards that you can redeem quickly and easily for strong value. It comes with a pricey $400 annual fee, but it delivers enough statement credits to largely make up for its cost. In the past, approved applicants for the card had a credit score of 750 or higher.
Although the card is no longer accepting new applicants, online data points suggest that cardholders of existing U.S. Bank credit cards, typically other Altitude card products, can call customer service and product change to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve.
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite 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.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Annual travel credit
No limit on points earned
Bonus points when redeeming for travel
Travel and shopping protections
High annual fee
No transfer partners
Limited lounge access passes
No longer available to new applicants
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve welcome offer
The card is closed to new applicants. Therefore, a welcome offer is not available.
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve has several valuable benefits, but the most easily used is a statement credit of up to $325 for travel purchases and dining, including takeout and restaurant delivery purchases, each year. Eligible travel purchases include airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxis, limousines, trains and cruise lines.
The Altitude Reserve’s statement credit competes well against my [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve®”] (see [termsConditions pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]), which has a slightly lower annual credit of $300 and is only applicable on travel purchases.
Like with many cards, cardholders also get up to $120 in statement credits every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
D3SIGN/GETTY IMAGES
Cardholders receive eight free visits to Priority Pass lounges annually, valid for one person per visit. After the free visits, cardholders can expect to pay $35 per person per visit. With so many credit cards offering full Priority Pass Select membership, limited access from the Altitude Reserve is a huge negative point for a $400 annual fee card. I would say the Sapphire Reserve is a better option as it comes with a Priority Pass Select membership and gives cardholders access to Chase Sapphire lounges.
Another notable perk? This card does not charge foreign transaction fees, similar to many other travel credit cards.
Earning points on the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
The points-earning structure on this card is simple and makes it a fan favorite among credit card enthusiasts. Cardholders earn the following:
5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.
3 points per dollar spent on all purchases made with the Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Pay mobile wallet systems.
3 points per dollar spent on all eligible travel purchases.
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Eligible travel purchases include those made directly with airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, limousines, trains and cruise lines. Qualifying mobile-app purchases can be made in a store, in-app or online.
ASIAVISION/GETTY IMAGES
The rise in popularity and ease of mobile wallet purchases make this card unique in the cards marketplace. With such an impressive bonus category, large expenses such as auto body repairs or the purchase of electronic goods or jewelry make this card worthwhile.
Cash-back credit cardsthat offer quarterly bonus categories have, in the past, included mobile wallet purchases. However, having a card that has this as a permanent category with no earning limit is truly innovative.
But that’s just part of the story since the points can be worth a strong 1.5 cents each when redeemed through the issuer’s portal — not the 1 cent per point/mile that most loyalty programs offer.
Redeeming points on the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
Points are worth 1.5 cents apiece for travel purchases, including those made directly from airlines, hotels, car rental companies, taxis, trains and cruise lines.
You’ll receive a statement credit toward your credit card purchases when you redeem your points. You also have the choice to redeem your points in real time, a unique feature for a credit card. When you make a purchase in a selected category, you’ll receive a text asking if you’d like to apply points to the cost of your purchase.
SOLSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
Redeeming your points for real-time rewards will net 1 cent per point, so keep that difference in mind. It’s still a valuable option, but I recommend redeeming your points for travel whenever possible.
Which cards compete with the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
A few cards go head-to-head with the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve when comparing annual fees, statement credits, earning rates, and benefits.
If you prefer Chase: The [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve”] recently received a refresh and sports a higher $795 annual fee and comes with a $300 annual travel credit that can be applied to purchases on flights, hotels and even ride-hailing services or parking fees. The card also comes with a full Priority Pass Select membership and access to Sapphire lounges. To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.
If you prefer Capital One: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides access to Priority Pass and Capital One lounges and has a slightly lower annual fee of $395. Cardholders earn a simple 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and receive $300 in credits for eligible purchases made through the Capital One Travel portal each year. To learn more, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture X.
If you prefer a lower annual fee: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a low annual fee of $95. The card offers a simple earning structure of 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. The rewards you earn can be transferred to 15-plus airline and hotel partners for greater redemptions. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
If you’re a frequent mobile wallet user, this card is worth it for the extra points you can earn, as most places accept mobile wallet payments. The major obstacle is that the card is closed to new applicants, but a product change from an existing U.S. Bank card may be possible.
Bottom line
Compared to some cards like the [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve”], the U.S. Altitude Reserve card has a low profile. Perhaps that’s because it doesn’t allow you to transfer rewards to airline or hotel programs. It’s also easy to be put off by the card’s $400 annual fee — until you realize it also comes with $325 a year in annual travel statement credits. For trips that are hard to take by redeeming airline miles or hotel points, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve can be invaluable.
If you already have this card, I recommend keeping it. For those who have another U.S. Bank card, it’s worth a shot to call customer service and request a product change.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Chase’s duo of personal Sapphire cards hold the ticket to lucrative Chase Ultimate Rewards points. While the mid-tier [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]) and premium [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve®”] (see [termsConditions pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]) share a family, the cards diverge in benefits, earning rates and, especially, annual fee thresholds.
Still, adding one of these cards to your wallet is one of the best ways for points and miles enthusiasts to collect Chase points, TPG’s top-rated currency (alongside Bilt Points), per our June 2025 valuations.
Before the Sapphire Reserve’s sweeping refresh in 2025, you couldn’t hold both the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards at the same time. Now, you can hold both cards, but there are new restrictions that may make some new applicants ineligible for bonus offers. And, it’s important to remember Chase’s 5/24 rule when applying for one of the issuer’s cards.
If you’re considering applying for the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve, there are multiple factors to consider. The cards share a name and a rewards currency, but they’re vastly different in practice. The Sapphire Reserve offers an array of perks at a steep $795 annual fee, while the Sapphire Preferred is a simpler option for a lower $95 annual fee.
It’s important to consider your travel style and overall points and miles strategy before you make your choice. Let’s get into the comparison.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve comparison
Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee
$95
$795
Earning rates
Earn 5 points per dollar spent on all travel booked through Chase Travel℠, eligible Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027) and eligible Peloton purchases over $150 (through Dec. 30, 2027)
Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart® and wholesale clubs)
Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Earn 10 points per dollar spent on eligible Peloton purchases over $150 (through Dec. 30, 2027)
Earn 8 points per dollar on all Chase Travel℠ purchases
Earn 5 points per dollar on eligible Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
Earn 4 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked directly
Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining purchases worldwide
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Purchases that qualify for the annual $300 travel credit will not earn points
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel promo credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Key benefits
Annual $50 hotel credit when you book through Chase Travel
DoorDash DashPass subscription (activate by Dec. 31, 2027) and monthly DoorDash credit on non-restaurant purchases
Travel and purchase protections
10% anniversary points boost
Annual flexible $300 travel credit
Complimentary subscriptions for Apple TV+ and Apple Music; one-time activation is required
$500 credit for The Edit, Chase’s curated collection of luxury hotels and resorts, broken up into $250 semiannual credits (use toward pre-paid bookings of two nights or more)
Biannual $150 dining credit to use with Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables; $300 annually
Biannual $150 StubHub and viagogo credit; $300 annually (activation required)
Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status through Dec. 31, 2027 (with the ability to spend your way to IHG Diamond status)
DoorDash DashPass subscription valued at $120 annually (activate by Dec. 31, 2027) plus $300 each year in monthly DoorDash promotions
$120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee credit every four years
$120 in annual Lyft in-app credits, earned monthly ($10 each month; through Sept. 30, 2027)
$120 each year in monthly Peloton membership credits through Dec. 31, 2027 (maximum of $10 per month; one-time activation required)
Spend-incentivized credits, including Southwest Airlines A-List status, a Southwest Airlines credit and a credit to The Shops at Chase
Travel and purchase protections
Lounge access
None
Chase Sapphire lounge access
Priority Pass Select membership
Authorized user annual fee
$0
$195 for each user
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve welcome bonus
New applicants for the [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve”] can earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel promo credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
This offer is worth $2,550 when you factor in TPG’s June 2025 valuations for the points value and add the $500 travel credit, which is a history-making best-ever for the card’s bonus.
Note that the terms for the $500 credit state the following: The promotional credit is valid for a one-time use only, if you apply the promotional credit to a transaction less than $500, you will forfeit the remaining balance.
Meanwhile, you can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening with the [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Preferred”]. This is worth about $1,538 when considering TPG’s valuations.
THE POINTS GUY
Per the new bonus eligibility requirements for Chase’s suite of personal Sapphire cards, those who currently hold a consumer Sapphire card will not be eligible for a bonus on the other consumer Sapphire card.
Plus, if you’ve previously earned a bonus on the Sapphire Reserve, you almost certainly won’t be eligible for a second bonus on the Sapphire Reserve. Likewise, if you previously earned a bonus on a Sapphire Preferred, you almost definitely will be ineligible for a second bonus on the Sapphire Preferred.
Chase also factors in your 5/24 status when reviewing applicants, so be sure to calculate your 5/24 standing before you apply.
Winner: Sapphire Reserve. The card’s current bonus offers over $1,000 more in value than the Sapphire Preferred.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve benefits
The [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Preferred”] and [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve”] are separated most distinctly by their benefits. Let’s break down what you can expect from each card.
With the $95 Sapphire Preferred, you’ll receive:
$50 annual hotel credit that you can use when you book through Chase Travel
Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription for at least one year (when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027) and $120 in DoorDash credits for non-restaurant purchases, given out as $10 in monthly credits
THE IVENS HOTEL/FACEBOOK
Those who opt for the premium, $795 Sapphire Reserve can expect:
$500 annual statement credit for The Edit, Chase’s curated collection of luxury hotels and resorts (split into two biannual $250 credits) for pre-paid bookings of two nights or more
$300 annual statement credit for StubHub or Viagogo purchases of concert and event tickets (split into two biannual $150 credits; activation required)
$300 annually in monthly DoorDash promotions (a $5 restaurant promo and two $10 promos on non-restaurant purchases each month; activate by Dec. 31, 2027) plus a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership valued at $120 manually (activate by Dec. 31, 2027)
$300 annual dining credit and primetime reservations at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, which you can book on OpenTable (split into two biannual $150 credits automatically applied within the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program)
Complimentary annual memberships for Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions (one-time activation per service is required through chase.com or the Chase Mobile app)
$120 in annual statement credits toward a Peloton membership ($10 monthly through Dec. 31, 2027)
$120 in annual Lyft in-app credits, up to $10 monthly through Sept. 30, 2027
You can also receive extra benefits after spending $75,000 on the Sapphire Reserve in a calendar year. These include:
Southwest Airlines A-List status
$500 Southwest Airlines credit when booking through Chase Travel
Complimentary IHG Diamond Elite status
$250 credit for The Shops at Chase
Two facts are apparent: The Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee is significantly higher than that of the Sapphire Preferred, and the Sapphire Reserve undoubtedly outweighs the Sapphire Preferred in terms of benefits.
A key distinction for many frequent travelers will be the Sapphire Reserve’s lounge access. The issuer has opened eight clubs and has plans to open three more. Plus, the Priority Pass network includes over 1,700 lounges across the globe.
The Sapphire Reserve maintains its beloved, flexible $300 travel credit despite the card’s overall refresh. It broadly applies to a wide range of travel purchases and is automatically applied to your account. The Sapphire Preferred’s $50 hotel credit, on the other hand, is limited to Chase Travel purchases, which is more restrictive by comparison.
It’s also worth noting that both cards come with a suite of travel protections, including baggage delay insurance, lost luggage insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty protection and trip delay reimbursement. However, the more premium Sapphire Reserve has broader coverage with certain policies than the Sapphire Preferred.
Plus, the more premium Sapphire Reserve includes emergency medical and dental benefits and emergency evacuation and transportation that the Sapphire Preferred does not.
Now, when you break down the statement credits line by line, it’s important to consider how you’re spending already. Do you subscribe to Apple TV+ and Apple Music, frequently order from DoorDash or buy tickets on StubHub? If you can’t easily use the Sapphire Reserve’s credits, it may not be a worthwhile investment.
If the Sapphire Reserve is too expensive or too complicated, the Sapphire Preferred is a great alternative.
Winner: Sapphire Reserve. The more premium card comes with lounge access, a more flexible travel credit and a laundry list of statement credits to maximize.
Earning points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve
There are some variations in how the [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Sapphire Preferred”] and [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve”] earn points.
With the Sapphire Preferred, you’ll earn:
5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel, eligible Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027) and eligible Peloton purchases pf $150 or more (through Dec. 30, 2027)
3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
CREAM_PH/GETTY IMAGES
The Sapphire Reserve earns:
10 points per dollar spent on eligible Peloton purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 30, 2027)
8 points per dollar spent on all Chase Travel purchases
5 points per dollar spent on eligible Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
3 points per dollar spent on dining purchases worldwide
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
The Reserve outpaces the Preferred in multiple bonus categories, including Chase Travel purchases (8 points to 5 points), flights and hotels booked directly (4 points to 2 points) and Peloton purchases (10 points to 5 points). The two cards earn at the same rate on Lyft rides (5 points) and dining purchases (3 points).
The Sapphire Preferred actually earns more on select streaming services (3 points to 1 point) and online groceries (3 points to 1 point).
Plus, the Sapphire Preferred retains a general travel bonus category (2 points per dollar) that the Sapphire Reserve dropped in its 2025 refresh. So, if you book Airbnb stays, cruises or any other general travel outside of Chase Travel, direct flights or direct hotels, you’re better off earning 2 points per dollar on the Preferred than 1 point per dollar on the Reserve.
As a Sapphire Preferred cardholder who rarely books through portals like Chase Travel, I value the simplicity of my card’s general travel category.
However, I also appreciate the Sapphire Reserve’s bonus offerings on purchases made directly with airlines and hotels at 4 points per dollar and can see how that would add value to many cardholders.
Winner: Sapphire Reserve. In most categories, it earns more than the Preferred, though the earning difference in the general travel category is worth considering.
Redeeming points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve
With the [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve”] refresh, Chase rolled out its new points accelerator called Points Boost. This will replace the previous 50% and 25% points bonus on the Sapphire Reserve and [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Sapphire Preferred”] cards, respectively. If you’re deciding between these cards at this point, you’ll be solely eligible for Points Boost, so we’ll focus on that here.
Points Boost allows eligible cardmembers who redeem points through Chase Travel to receive up to 2 cents per point in value for their points when booking eligible travel through Chase Travel. The card and redemption you choose will determine how high your potential redemption rate can be (see your rewards program agreement for full details).
LECHATNOIR/GETTY IMAGES
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can receive a value of up to 2 cents per point on select hotel and flight bookings made through Chase Travel. Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders will get up to 1.5 cents per point in value on select hotel and flight bookings made through Chase Travel. If Sapphire Preferred cardholders book premium cabin tickets on select airlines, they may receive up to 1.75 cents per point in value.
The base redemption rate for both the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve will be 1 cent per point on Chase Travel redemptions not eligible for Points Boost.
Holding the Sapphire Reserve unlocks higher potential value through Points Boost than if you had the Sapphire Preferred. However, you’ll have to book a Points Boost-eligible booking with select hotels and flight itineraries to get more than a 1-cent per point value. So, it’s important to be flexible if you want to maximize Chase points this way.
You can also redeem your points for cash back or gift cards, but these redemptions generally give you poor value. Most of the time, we recommend transferring your Chase points to one of its partners to get the most out of your points.
Winner: Sapphire Reserve. You could get up to 2 cents per point in value with select Points Boost bookings, which is higher than that of the Sapphire Preferred.
Transferring points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve
The best way to get maximum value from your points earned with the [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Sapphire Preferred”] or the [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve”] is to transfer them to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners.
Danyal Ahmed, a credit cards writer at TPG, previously transferred 70,000 Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan to fly Lufthansa business class from Frankfurt to Los Angeles.
I’ve previously redeemed 17,500 Chase points for two standard nights at Hyatt Place Atlanta/Cobb Galleria, a Category 2 property, for my sister’s graduation from college. My favorite Chase redemptions are simple and fit into my lifestyle to offset small trips I need to take anyway.
Winner: Tie. Both cards come with the same transfer options.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve?
The [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve”] wins over the [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Sapphire Preferred”] in side-by-side comparisons of benefits, earning rates and redemption options through the Chase Travel portal, so it may be natural for some credit card enthusiasts to veer toward the premium option.
However, with an annual fee difference as steep as $700, it’s important to consider your own spending habits and travel preferences when you’re making a choice.
DRAGANA991/GETTY IMAGES
Does airport lounge access matter a lot to you? Are you organized enough to keep track of the Reserve’s credits (especially those earned monthly and biannually)? Are its bonus categories a game changer?
If you answer most of these questions with “yes,” the Sapphire Reserve may be your choice. If your answer is no, the Sapphire Preferred is still an excellent option at a modest $95 annual fee, especially for travelers who value simplicity and primarily transfer their Chase points to partners.
Personally, I’m a big fan of the Sapphire Preferred and frequently recommend it to my friends just getting into the points and miles hobby. However, we also have staff members who find plenty of value in holding the Sapphire Reserve year after year. The choice comes down to you.
How to upgrade from the Sapphire Preferred to the Sapphire Reserve
You can upgrade from the [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Sapphire Preferred”] to the [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve”] by calling the number on the back of your card.
You can do the same if you want to downgrade your Sapphire Reserve to the Sapphire Preferred. You have to hold your card for at least 12 months before you can downgrade. However, you won’t be eligible for a welcome offer on your new card if you choose to upgrade or downgrade.
It’s important to note that before the Sapphire Reserve’s 2025 refresh, you couldn’t hold both Sapphire cards at the same time. Now, you can. So, if you want the extra perks of the Sapphire Reserve along with benefits specific to the Sapphire Preferred, you could potentially hold both.
Both the [applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Preferred”] and the [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve”] are popular travel cards that have earned their place in the points and miles zeitgeist.
While the cards share a family, they have grown increasingly different through the years, and one card isn’t going to be the best option for every traveler.
If you value luxury perks like airport lounge access, can maximize statement credits and appreciate high earning rates, the Sapphire Reserve is the pick for you. If you’re into simplicity and don’t want to pay a high annual fee, apply for the Sapphire Preferred.
TrueBlue members simply need to complete the following travel between June 25 and Dec. 31:
Fly to 15 JetBlue destinations: Earn 150,000 bonus TrueBlue points
Fly to 20 JetBlue destinations: Earn an additional 200,000 bonus TrueBlue points (350,000 in total)
Fly to 25 JetBlue destinations: Earn 25 years of Mosaic 1, plus all the above bonus TrueBlue points
Based on our June 2025 valuation of TrueBlue points, 350,000 points would be worth a staggering $4,725. If you are a regular JetBlue traveler who can make use of the Moisaic 1 benefits over the next 25 years, this promotion could potentially be worth many thousands of dollars more.
“With ’25 for 25,’ we’re celebrating a milestone and inviting our most loyal customers to join the party in a big way,” Ed Pouthier, JetBlue’s vice president of loyalty and personalization, said in a statement. “JetBlue’s award-winning TrueBlue loyalty program is all about making travel more meaningful and memorable, and this promotion is a thank-you to the customers who’ve helped us reach 25 years of incredible growth.”
Anyone earning Mosaic 1 status as part of this promotion can also enjoy one Perks You Pick from the following list:
Early boarding with Group B (except on Blue Basic fares)
Priority security (where available)
Free inflight alcoholic drink (one drink per flight)
Double bonus points on a JetBlue Vacations package (one-time use only)
5,000 TrueBlue bonus points
JetBlue flies to more than 100 destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and Europe, so flying to 15-25 of them within the six-month time frame is achievable.
JetBlue global route map. FLIGHTCONNECTIONS
What are the rules of this promotion?
As you would expect, some terms and conditions for this offer apply, though they are not onerous.
Each destination can only be counted once.
Departure airports will not count as destinations.
Domestic and international destinations are included.
You must travel on a JetBlue-operated flight with your TrueBlue number attached.
Blue Basic fares are excluded, though flights booked with TrueBlue points, Cash + Points bookings and flights booked through JetBlue Vacations qualify for this offer.
Points and status will be issued within two to three weeks of offer completion.
Mosaic benefits, perk selections and offerings are subject to change.
With qualifying TrueBlue redemptions for Blue fares starting at just 5,000 points, earning these huge prizes could be easier than you think.
JETBLUE
Just remember not to book Blue Basic in order to qualify.
TrueBlue is a transfer partner of the following credit card programs if you are looking to keep your cash outlay low:
Following the Scandinavian Airlines EuroBonus challenge, which gave members a chance to earn 1 million EuroBonus points in 2024, it’s great to see such a creative and generous offer from JetBlue.
This would involve a significant investment of time and money to earn. However, if you are planning to fly to a number of JetBlue destinations before the end of this year, it could be worth deciding if you can meet the 15-, 20- or 25-destination threshold to score such enormous rewards.
Editor’s note: We bring you new deals of the day as we find them, so check back soon for more. Availability for these deals changes regularly, so book now!
If you’ve been procrastinating booking your summer vacation, it’s not too late to find a great deal.
We found several United Airlines flights with award pricing as low as 5,000 United MileagePlus miles each way to destinations such as San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and San Diego.
Whether you are planning a California beach vacation or a trip to Chicago (the Windy City has a ton of free activities to make your trip even more affordable), here’s how you can save on summer travel by redeeming United MileagePlus miles.
Routes: Between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS) in Wyoming; San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO); John Wayne Airport (SNA) in California and SFO; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT); and Miami International Airport (MIA) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, among others
TPG tip: If you prefer creature comforts like a larger seat, priority check-in and boarding, and complimentary food and beverages, you can also find first-class deals on these routes for as few as 30,000 United MileagePlus miles.
Best way to book: United MileagePlus; transfer Bilt Rewards Points or Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United at a 1:1 rate
Price: Between 5,000 and 7,000 United miles plus $5.60 in taxes and fees each way, depending on origin and destination
Retail price: Starting from $121 round-trip
Travel dates: July and August, though exact dates vary by destination
We used the time-saving Seats.aero tool to quickly find domestic award availability throughout the summer. If your dates and destinations are flexible, you can do a broad search to show flights from your home airport to any airport in North America for the next 60 days (or you can search a full year out with a Seats.aero pro account).
SEATS.AERO
As an example of some available options, one-way economy flights from SAN to SFO are available for 5,000 United miles and minimal fees and taxes. Your round-trip flight would cost 10,000 United miles plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.
UNITED AIRLINES
Or, you can pay slightly more and fly between MIA and IAH for 13,600 United miles round-trip.
UNITED AIRLINES
You can book these flights online through the United website. But remember, card transfers to partner programs like United MileagePlus cannot be reversed, so ensure you find availability before transferring points or miles.
How to earn the points or miles required for TPG’s deal of the day
It’s easy to earn United miles with the following credit cards offering great welcome bonuses:
[applyLink pid=”7752″ overridetext=”United Quest℠ Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”7752″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
[applyLink pid=”6976″ overridetext=”United Club℠ Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”6976″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
[applyLink pid=”22035884″ overridetext=”United℠ Explorer Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”22035884″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
You can also transfer Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 rate. Here are some great card welcome offers that earn points you can transfer to United:
[applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve®”] (see [termsConditions pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
[applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠”] ([termsConditions pid=”10965″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 in the first six months from account opening.
[applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
[applyLink pid=”221211974″ overridetext=”Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”221211974″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Bottom line
Airfare can get pretty pricy if you wait too long and book at the last minute. But United’s award pricing between several U.S. cities this summer means you can book that last-minute summer vacation without breaking your budget.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Since starting The Points Guy in 2010, one of my favorite things is hearing from readers who share incredible stories of how they’ve maximized points over the years. It really reminds me of just how valuable the information we share is and that it truly unlocks amazing experiences.
A huge part of that involves leveraging top travel rewards credit cards.
Maybe you’re looking to get a jump-start on your earning strategy ahead of a big trip, or maybe there are some new perks you want to leverage for your summer travels. Perhaps you’re just in the market for a juicy sign-up bonus.
Whatever you’re looking to do, check out my picks for the best credit cards you can add to your wallet to help you do it.
The best credit cards
[applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve®”] (see [termsConditions pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])
[applyLink pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”22125056″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])
Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
$95
[applyLink pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”The Platinum Card from American Express”]
Luxury benefits
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
$695 (see [termsConditions pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])
[applyLink pid=”7758″ overridetext=”The Business Platinum Card from American Express”]
Luxury perks for small-business owners
Earn 150,000 points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after spending $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel within the first three months of card membership. You can earn one or both of these offers, which end June 30.
Earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights, prepaid hotels, short-term rentals and prepaid flight-and-hotel packages booked at amextravel.com.
Earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on each eligible purchase in the U.S. for: construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million in purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
$695 (see [termsConditions pid=”7758″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])
[applyLink pid=”221211974″ overridetext=”Ink Business Preferred Credit Card”]
Bonus-earning
Earn 90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year.
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on rent without the transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points in a calendar year).
Earn 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases.
You must use your Bilt card five times each statement period to earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.
$0 (see [termsConditions pid=”10615″ overridetext=”rates and fees”])
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points plus a $500 Chase Travel credit after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $795.
THE POINTS GUY
Standout benefits: The [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve”] is offering an excellent welcome bonus and features new credits — in addition to familiar ones like the broad use $300 travel credit — which cardholders can utilize to offset the cost of its $795 annual fee.
If you travel as often as I do, the Sapphire Reserve can provide you with a ton of value thanks to perks like access to Chase Sapphire Lounges by the Club, the issuer’s top-tier airport lounges, and an up to $120 statement credit every four years for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus.
The [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Sapphire Reserve”] isn’t just a premium travel card, though. It’s also a lifestyle product designed to suit your day-to-day with things like complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music memberships (up to $250 value annually; one-time activation required per service; subscriptions run through June 22, 2027) and a $300 annual StubHub credit (split up into $150 from January through June and another $150 from July through December; activation required; valid through Dec. 31, 2027).
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95.
THE POINTS GUY
Standout benefits: The Sapphire Preferred offers lucrative earning rates and valuable perks like 3 points per dollar spent on dining and a $50 annual hotel credit, just to name a few, making it one of the best travel cards, according to TPG experts. It’s also a go-to card for both beginners and experts.
If you’d rather use this card’s welcome bonus in a more straightforward way, you can always redeem your points via Chase Travel.
I also love this card for its travel protections and insurance, even if you use it to book an award ticket. Just pay the taxes and fees with the Sapphire Preferred Card, and your trip is covered.
Overall, my Chase points are super valuable as part of my overall points and miles strategy, so if you are looking for a card with a low annual fee, a solid bonus offer and great perks, the Sapphire Preferred is a no-brainer.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $395.
THE POINTS GUY
Standout benefits: If you want to maximize points and miles when it comes to credit cards, your goal should be to earn more than 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases. This can be hard when most cards only offer bonus rewards in key categories like dining, groceries and gas.
Thankfully, the base earning rate on the Capital One Venture X is 2 miles per dollar spent, so a huge portion of my personal spending goes on this card. When I’m shopping for clothing, baby supplies, paying for insurance — all categories where I can’t earn 3, 4 or 5 miles per dollar — I put those on my Venture X.
While it has a $395 annual fee, don’t let that scare you. It’s easy to offset that annual fee with benefits like the $300 annual Capital One Travel credit and the 10,000 bonus miles earned each account anniversary. The latter becomes even more valuable when you transfer to airline loyalty programs, which I do often.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Annual fee: $325.
THE POINTS GUY
Standout benefits: If there’s one thing I do almost every day, it’s dine out or order in — so maximizing my points earnings from dining and groceries is huge. Since becoming a dad, my grocery bill has gone up dramatically, so this is where the Amex Gold is a no-brainer.
For starters, you’ll earn 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). This is a great way to ramp up your earnings on two huge spending categories, whether you’re dining out or entertaining at home.
You also get various statement credits, which almost completely offset the card’s annual fee. This includes up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 per month, valid for rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. after using any Amex card when adding the Amex Gold to your Uber account) and up to $120 in dining statement credits with eligible dining partners (up to $10 per month). Enrollment is required.
I load my Amex Gold Card into all my delivery apps: Caviar, Seamless and Uber Eats. Those points really add up quickly. Then, to make those points even more valuable, I watch for transfer bonuses that Amex runs with travel partners so I can turn my points into miles and book airfare.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95.
THE POINTS GUY
Standout benefits: This is a great card no matter what your goals are — whether you’re newer to points and miles, prefer a straightforward earning structure or use it as part of a wider earning strategy, like me.
Similar to the Venture X, it allows you to earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, making it a great card for transactions that don’t fit into common bonus categories.
But it’s especially valuable because of the flexibility it offers to cover all sorts of travel with these miles.
For example, you can redeem these miles at 1 cent apiece against any travel charges you put on the card. Alternatively, you can book flights, rental cars or hotels through Capital One Travel with your miles — also at a value of 1 cent apiece.
But if, like me, you want to stretch the value of those miles even further, you can transfer those miles to any of the 15-plus hotel and airline programs that partner with Capital One.
For example, you could transfer the miles to Air France-KLM Flying Blue and book bougie business-class seats from the U.S. to Europe starting at 60,000 miles plus taxes and fees each way. Or, transfer to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, where you can find lie-flat Upper Class seats to the U.K. for as little as 29,000 points plus taxes and fees each way.
Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Annual fee: $695.
THE POINTS GUY
Standout benefits: Despite its high cost, the Amex Platinum remains a favorite of mine — and many TPG staffers as well.
I put all airfare on my Amex Platinum because I earn 5 points per dollar spent on airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) when I book directly with an airline or via Amex Travel. And while the annual fee is steep, the benefits include an up to $200 annual fee statement credit for airline incidentals and an up to $200 statement credit for prepaid bookings with American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. (Enrollment is required for select benefits.)
Amex continues to be a leader in the card lounge space, and this premium travel card provides access to its Centurion Lounges, plus Priority Pass lounges and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta Air Lines. (Enrollment is required for select benefits.)
Apply here:[applyLink pid=”22504813″ overridetext=”The Platinum Card from American Express”]
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after spending $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel within the first three months of card membership. You can earn one or both of these offers, which end June 30.
Annual fee: $695.
THE POINTS GUY
Standout benefits: One of my favorite perks on this card is Pay with Points — cardholders receive a 35% bonus when they Pay with Points on first- or business-class tickets through Amex Travel (up to 1 million points per calendar year).
Even though this is a business card, it comes with premium travel perks and business statement credits:
Centurion Lounge access and Priority Pass membership
A statement credit of $120 for Global Entry every four years or a statement credit of up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4 ½ years
An airline credit fee of up to $200 annually
Gold elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection
Even though the annual fee is $695, the annual statement credits and benefits more than offset that. For example, The Business Platinum card offers:
An up to $400 Dell statement credit per calendar year (up to $200 semiannually)**
An up to $360 Indeed statement credit per calendar year (up to $90 per quarter)
An up to $150 Adobe statement credit per calendar year (subject to auto-renewal)**
Up to $200 in Hilton credits per calendar year (up to $50 per quarter; Hilton for Business membership required)
Up to $120 per calendar year for U.S. wireless telephone providers (up to $10 per month)
An up to $199 Clear Plus membership statement credit per calendar year (subject to auto-renewal)
The aforementioned up to $200 airline fee credit per calendar year on charges made with an airline of your choosing
The aforementioned up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Enrollment required for select benefits.
**The Dell and Adobe credits are set to change July 1
If you maxed out these statement credits, you’d net $1,749 — about two and a half times the annual fee. Even if you didn’t have use for the Dell, Indeed and Adobe credits, but you still maxed out the travel-related credits along with the Hilton and U.S. wireless telephone service provider credits, you’d still come out ahead.
Apply here: [applyLink pid=”7758″ overridetext=”The Business Platinum Card from American Express”]
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95.
THE POINTS GUY
Standout benefits: I love my Ink Business Preferred card and its bonus categories — especially the online internet advertising category, which earns 3 points per dollar spent on up to $150,000 a year (then 1 point after that). If you max out this annual bonus, those 450,000 points you earn can be used for travel bookings via Chase Travel for up to 1.75 cents each (depending on the specific redemption; see your rewards program agreement for full details).
Chase points are very versatile, and I use mine as quickly as I earn them. If you own a small business or even have a business idea, you can apply using your Social Security number; check out our posts to see who might be eligible for a business credit card (you might be surprised!) and how to apply.
In my opinion, this card is a heavyweight, especially for the low annual fee of $95.
Apply here:[applyLink pid=”221211974″ overridetext=”Ink Business Preferred Credit Card”]
Bilt Mastercard
Welcome offer: N/A.
Annual fee: $0 (see [termsConditions pid=”10615″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]).
THE POINTS GUY
Standout benefits: For so many people, rent is their biggest monthly expense. Yet for years, the only way to pay for rent was to give landlords checks or Venmo payments. If you wanted to pay by credit card, you would incur a fee.
The Bilt Mastercard has completely revolutionized this system. As long as you make at least five purchases with the card each statement period, you can earn points on rent payments and other qualifying net purchases. Even if your landlord only takes a check, Bilt can send checks and automated clearing house direct deposits so you can earn points on the transactions (up to 100,000 points per year).
Because you are paying rent via a credit card, you can also help build your credit history with each payment. It’s an absolute no-brainer, especially since there’s no annual fee (see [termsConditions pid=”10615″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]).
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy for picking the best credit cards. There are several factors you should analyze before selecting which ones deserve a spot in your wallet.
Preferred rewards
First, consider the type of rewards you want to earn for your purchases. If you want simplicity, a cash-back card may be a great option since you generally have few limitations on how those rewards can be used. On the other hand, if you’re after free travel or want to really maximize your spending, you may be better off with a transferable rewards currency like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Welcome bonus
Earning a big haul of points or miles as a welcome bonus is typically the best way to quickly boost your rewards balance. This is particularly lucrative if one of the cards you’re considering has a limited-time offer. Just be sure to review each issuer’s eligibility requirements, and consider checking your credit score in advance of your application so you have an idea of whether you’ll be approved.
Before opening any credit card (or opening a new one), take some time to analyze your spending habits over the last year, along with how you’re earning rewards on any cards currently in your wallet. Many TPG readers start with a simple, no-annual-fee card that earns 1 point, 1 mile or 1% cash back on all purchases, but, as I’ve said in my weekly newsletter before, “Friends don’t let friends earn only 1 point per dollar.”
MSTUDIOIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
If you spend a ton at restaurants, be sure you have a card that rewards you when making dining purchases. If you have a significant commute, pick up a card that rewards you for gas or transit expenses. It’s easy to double or even triple your earning rates for many purchases with the right combination of cards.
Annual fee
Finally, you should consider the out-of-pocket cost of any new card on your radar. While some have no annual fee (or waive the fee for the first year), others have hefty ones, as you saw in the list above.
In the first year, almost every card with a solid welcome offer will pay for itself (and then some), but you should take some time before you apply to make sure you can truly take advantage of that card’s benefits, both now and in the future.
How we chose the best credit cards
Many factors go into our selection of the best credit cards, including earning rates, welcome offers, benefits and perks. The cards I list above have personally allowed me to earn tens of thousands of dollars worth of rewards over the years.
You can learn more about how we analyze cards here at TPG on our methodology page.
Redemption options for the best credit cards
Savvy travelers will recognize that all the cards I list above have something in common: Each one earns transferable points or miles — and that’s no coincidence. These rewards are incredibly valuable because of the flexibility they offer. You’re not locked into one airline and its partners, or one hotel program and its participating brands. You are in the driver’s seat when it comes time to redeem.
TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY
For example, let’s say I want to fly Virgin Atlantic to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) in the carrier’s Upper Class, and the one-way flight I need is $4,000. I could use 400,000 Amex points to book through American Express Travel, but that same flight could also be 235,000 miles using Delta SkyMiles, which is a 1:1 transfer partner of Amex. However, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has prices as low as 29,000 points — and it, too, partners with Amex.
Bottom line
Credit cards can play a major role in unlocking rewards for purchases you’re already going to make, but there’s no one perfect card that works for everyone. The above options are just a few choices that’ve worked well for me over the years, but it’s critical for you to analyze which one makes sense for your individual situation.
Of course, if you do get into the world of travel credit cards, be sure you don’t spend beyond your means and pay your balances in full and on time every month.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click [termsConditions pid=”6344″ overridetext=”here”]. For the 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 Bilt Mastercard, click [termsConditions pid=”10615″ overridetext=”here”]. For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, clickhere.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest edition of the tournament in history, with 48 teams (up from 32 in previous years) and 104 mat...
"Green Horizons Traveler" is your go-to blog for sustainable and eco-friendly travel. We explore the world’s most stunning natural wonders while focusing on responsible tourism. Through inspiring stories, tips, and guides, we help you discover breathtaking destinations that prioritize conservation. Whether hiking through forests or relaxing on pristine beaches, we show you how to travel mindfully and make a positive impact. Join us on a journey to protect our planet while experiencing its beauty.
