Two of the most popular rewards cards are the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. On the face of it, there’s little to choose between them.

Dig a little deeper as I have, and you’ll see there are several key differences that you must consider in your selection. After all, you want the card that delivers for you, don’t you?

Capital One Venture Rewards – An Overview

If you want a credit card with easy-to-understand points earning and redemption policies, then the Capital One Venture card could be for you. There’s no need to think about spending categories before you use the card – every dollar you spend has equal points value.

With the need for meticulous planning eliminated, the Capital One Venture card is ideal if you take spontaneous trips (and who doesn’t enjoy a spur-of-the-moment travel treat?).

You’ll earn two miles for every $1 you spend on your credit card. This is boosted to 5 miles for every rental car and hotel you book through. It really is that simple!

For me, a standout feature of the Capital One Venture card is how easy it is to use the miles you’ve accumulated. You can use them for airline tickets, hotel stays, rental cars, and more, with no blackout dates or restrictions.

For new cardholders, there’s a significant sign-up bonus provided you meet the spending requirement of $4,000 in the first three months.

Chase Sapphire Preferred – An Overview

If you’re prepared to take a more strategic approach to spending, and want a card that pays higher travel and dining rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a real winner. Better for the meticulous travel planner, this card delivers on every step – from booking to dining out, and beyond.

Rather than the miles awarded on the Capital One Venture card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card awards points on eligible spending.

This is where you need to be strategic: x5 points for travel bought via Chase Ultimate Rewards; x3 dining points at restaurants worldwide, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and select streaming services; double points for travel not booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards; and 1 point for every dollar on all other spending.

The real magic unfolds with Chase Sapphire Preferred card’s flexible redemption options. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

As a new cardholder, you’ll benefit from a generous welcome bonus upon meeting the requirement to spend $4,000 in the first three months. This could be worth hundreds in travel rewards.

Features In Comparison

Let’s look at each of the key features in more detail.

Key Features

Both cards charge a $95 annual fee. The credit rating requirement of 670 to 850 is the same for both cards, too, and neither card offers an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers.

Here’s how the other key features of each card compare:

Sign-Up Bonuses

With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit card, you leave the runway with a sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles provided you spend $4,000 within the first three months.

This is worth $750 if you redeem these miles through the Capital One Travel portal – a fantastic springboard to your next travel adventure, and a substantial initial boost to your rewards journey.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card awards a welcome bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 within the first three months.

You’ll receive a 25% uplift in value on these points should you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, making the bonus worth $750. A fantastic kickstart to your travel plans.

Earning Rewards

The Capital One Venture card is a champion of simplicity. You earn two miles for every $1 spent on all purchases, which increases to 5 miles for every $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

It’s a straightforward earnings formula that means you don’t need to worry about complex spending categories. Personally, I like this – it’s easy to calculate how many miles you’re earning on all your spending.

Conversely, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers better rewards if you don’t mind a little strategic shopping. It’s a much more complex earnings matrix:

• 10x points when you book hotels through the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3x points on dining worldwide, including eligible delivery services and takeout
• Double points on other travel purchases
• A base rate of 1 point per $1 on all other spending

It’s a multi-tiered approach that rewards targeted spending to maximize benefits.

Redemption Options

You’ve earned your points, now what? Both cards offer versatile ways to redeem your points, though the redemption processes are likely to appeal to different types of travelers.

If you’re likely to want to transfer your points to other schemes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a more impressive range of transfer partners. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a straightforward approach to redeeming travel rewards, the Capital One Venture card is better.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Every mile you earn is worth 1 cent should you redeem your points through Capital One’s travel portal. You can also use your miles as a statement credit.

Your miles can also be transferred to more than 15 travel programs, which include airlines and hotels. You’ll receive 1,000 miles or points for every 1,000 Capital One miles you transfer to the following partners:

As well as all the above, you’ll receive 750 miles if you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to EVA Air (Infinity MileageLands) and 500 points for transferring 1,000 Capital One miles to ALL (Accor Live Limitless).

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred boosts the value of your points by offering a 25% bonus when you book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

This means you get an effective 1.25 cents per point, instead of the 1 cent per point if you choose to transfer to another rewards scheme. That’s a big difference when budgeting for flights, hotels, car rentals, and experiences through Chase.

Like the Capital One Venture card, you can also choose to transfer to partner schemes. You can transfer at 1:1 to the following partners:

As you can see, both rewards programs offer a good slice of flexibility for points/miles redemption – which is best for you depends upon your individual travel preferences.

Travel Benefits and Protections

Of course, the value you reap from a rewards credit card is not only found in the accumulation of points or miles. You should also consider the other perks you could benefit from by being a Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire card holder.

These perks not only save you money; they also give you peace of mind.

I’m talking about perks like travel and car rental insurance, purchase protection, and more. Capital One focuses on perks that deliver a better travel experience, while Chase Sapphire is better if you plan to rent a car or put travel expenses on your card.

Travel Insurance

As a Capital One Venture cardholder, you have travel accident insurance for you and your family, covering death or dismemberment.

Chase Sapphire goes a step or two further with more comprehensive insurance cover. This includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and travel accident insurance.

Car Rental Insurance

So long as you decline the car rental company’s own insurance, your Capital One Venture card will cover damage due to collision or theft. This fills in the gaps that might not be covered by your personal car insurance.

Sapphire Preferred provides car rental insurance that I really like – primary. This means that all eventualities are covered before you need to claim off your personal car insurance, with most rental vehicles covered at home and abroad (providing you pay with your card and decline the car rental company’s own insurance).

If, like me, you often need a car to go about your business or enjoy your family vacation, you’ll never be ripped off by expensive car rental insurance policies again.

Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit

Don’t you just hate the lines at airport security? Then you’re going to love the credit that Capital One Venture gives you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees – $100 every four years.

I’ve been in line for over an hour, both ends of an airport, on more than one occasion. How I wish I’d had this credit then.

Extended Warranty Protection and Purchase Protection

With the Capital One Venture card, you get the standard purchase protection for $500 per claim up to 90 days after purchase date provided by credit cards.

Chase Sapphire does much better than this. As well as purchase protection that extends to 120 days and for up to $500 (and $50,000 per account), you also receive an enhanced extended warranty that adds a year to manufacturer’s warranties of three years or less.

No need to even consider accepting a salesperson’s ‘kind offer’ of expensive in-store extended warranty options ever again!

Additional Benefits

There are a couple of other benefits you should know about before deciding which card to apply for.

For example, if you enjoy relaxing in an airport lounge rather than mingling in the melee of an airport, then you could be tempted by two complimentary visits to Capital One or Plaza Premium lounges as a Capital One Venture cardholder.

However, while the Capital One offer puts it among the best credit cards for lounge access, you might prefer the $50 annual hotel credit (for hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards) and 10% annual points bonus attached to your Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Annual Fees & Additional Costs

Both cards charge an annual fee of $95, and neither charge foreign transaction fees (this could add up to significant savings, with many cards charging as much as 3% for transactions outside of the United Sates).

Of course, if you don’t pay off your balance when it is due, you will incur interest charges and possibly late payment fees.

Expiry of Points/Miles

There is no limit on the points or miles you can accumulate on either card, and, providing you keep your account open and in good standing, your points/miles balance will never expire.

10 Tips to Help You Decide

1. If you value simplicity and a straightforward rewards program, the Capital One Venture card is the card for you.

2. Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you frequently spend on travel and dining and want to maximize the value of your points.

3. If you travel internationally, both cards waive foreign transaction fees, but consider other travel benefits that might sway your decision.

4. If your travel often involves car rentals, the Chase Sapphire Preferred provides extra peace of mind with its primary rental insurance.

5. Consider the Capital One Venture card if you appreciate the flexibility of booking travel without blackout dates or specific airline and hotel restrictions.

6. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is best for rewards maximizers and if you are happy to plan your spending and redemption strategy.

7. Look at the sign-up bonuses; if you can meet the spending requirements, these bonuses can significantly offset the annual fee of either card in the first year.

8. If you value protection during your travels, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers comprehensive coverage.

9. Consider your spending habits; the Capital One Venture’s flat rate on all purchases might be more beneficial.

10. Lastly, consider your long-term travel goals and loyalty to airline or hotel brands, and choose the card that aligns best with your personal travel preferences.

Example Scenarios – Which One Is You?

Both the Capital One Venture card and Chase Sapphire Preferred card are great options if you want a card to build up points or miles to use for travel-related rewards. Which is best for you depends on your spending habits, travel preferences, and rewards optimization strategy.

Using the tips above, here are three examples:

The Frequent Traveler

If you’re a frequent traveler who values a simple-to-use rewards card, the Capital One Venture card could suit you best.

Its flat 2x miles on everyday purchases and 5x on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel make it straightforward to accumulate miles. Its rewards options are super flexible, and with no blackout dates it’s easy to plan time away using your accumulated miles.

On the other hand, if you spend more on frequent travel and dining experiences, the Chase Sapphire Preferred could prove to offer greater value. The 25% bonus value on travel redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, together with premium insurance cover, make it a smart choice if you travel frequently and want added security.

The Everyday Spender

If you want to earn rewards for everyday spending, the Capital One Venture card offers an uncomplicated system. You earn 2x points whether you are grocery shopping, filling up the tank, or buying gifts.

This is great for accumulating miles steadily without the complication of figuring out how many miles you will be earning for different types of spending.

If you spend more on travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card may be a better option. However, if you are willing to plan your spending more strategically, and leverage the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, the extra effort could deliver higher rewards.

The Rewards Maximizer

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card points earnings matrix may be more complicated than the easy-to-understand Capital One Venture miles formula, but it’s the card to go for to earn higher rates in specific spending categories.

If you then redeem your points through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll boost their value further. The Capital One Venture card doesn’t offer quite the same potential value.

Travel Reward Credit Card Alternatives

There are alternative travel reward credit cards you might consider, ranging from zero-fee cards to the $650-a-year Amex Platinum card. These include:

• Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card – Great if you want flat rate rewards, no annual fees, and are looking for balance transfer options.
• American Express Gold Card – A good choice if you want to earn big rewards on everyday spending, including dining and supermarkets.
• The American Express Platinum Card – Tailored for luxury travelers seeking premium travel perks, such as global dining credits, lounge access, and hotel benefits.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve –An upgrade from the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, improving benefits including annual travel credits and lounge access, for more frequent travelers.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Ideal if you travel frequently with enhanced travel portal benefits.
• Bilt World Elite Mastercard Credit Card – A bit of a curveball, this is a unique card that allows you to earn travel rewards on the rent you pay, with no annual fee.

The Bottom Line

Both the Capital One Venture card and Chase Sapphire Preferred card are top credit cards to earn travel rewards.

The Capital One Venture card is ideal if you prefer a straightforward earnings formula and want streamlined travel experiences.

If you are a strategic spender, you might prefer the opportunity to maximize earnings from travel and dining purchases, and the flexibility and value in point transfers offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Ultimately, your choice of cards depends upon aligning the card’s benefits with your spending habits and rewards preferences. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from maximizing your benefits by having more than one card – that’s what I do.

Choosing the right air miles credit card can be tricky. There’s an armful of choices available, and each has a unique set of features and benefits.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or you’re planning the trip of a lifetime (I’m heading toward the perfect storm of a major birthday for both me and my wife, coupled with a big-number wedding anniversary), the card (or cards) you have in your pocket can make a huge difference.

Whether its miles for flights, upgrades, or hotel stays you want to earn, not all air miles credit cards are equal. Some will help you pile up the points quickly.

Others offer incredible perks that let you travel like a VIP. An airline branded credit card could be a game changer.

Here’s the question: which is the best for you?

Read on as we reveal which air miles credit cards offer the best benefits for your specific travel needs and consumer habits.

Factors To Consider

Before you sign up for an air miles credit card, there’s something I want to share with you.

The obvious strategy when choosing which is the best card is to think about which benefits and perks are most appealing to you. It’s a good strategy, except it might lead you up the wrong path.

You should also consider your nearest airport, and if it has a principal airline. If it does, then you might be best to focus on that airline’s branded card.

The same applies if you favor a specific airline. On the other hand, a more flexible airline miles credit card that allows you to transfer points/miles to a partner could be most appealing.

The long and short of it is to consider your travel goals, your spending and travel habits, what benefits and perks appeal most to you, if you have a specific airline loyalty or need, and how important flexibility of rewards is to you.

Ultimately, you’ll probably find two or more credit cards are much better than one.

Got all that? Then let’s drill down to the best air miles credit cards to meet different objectives before we examine these cards in more detail.

Best Airline Branded Credit Cards

Airline branded credit cards offer unique benefits tailored to frequent flyers of their respective airlines. These benefits might include welcome bonuses, travel perks like priority boarding and lounge access, and the ability to earn miles on everyday purchases.

The best airline branded credit cards for air miles are:

• American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
• British Airways Visa Signature® Card
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
• United℠ Explorer Card

Which is the best for you really depends upon your airline preferences, though the British Airways Visa Signature Card has the best flexibility.

Best Air Miles Credit Cards For No Annual Fees

If you want an air miles credit card without annual fees, there are several options available to you. Of course, the benefits and perks aren’t likely to be as good as fee-charging cards, but you have a good range of benefits available, nonetheless.

Some of these cards may be classed as free from annual fees because the fee is waived during the first year. The best cards with no annual fees are:

• American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
• Discover it® Miles

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is the pick of these. It operates a cashback rewards system, and you can use this cashback to book in several ways, including booking travel through the Chase Travel portal.

Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Welcome Bonuses

Don’t you just love it when you get something for nothing? Okay, welcome bonuses aren’t exactly something for nothing, but they are valuable rewards for spending on a new credit card.

Of all the cards that we’ve reviewed in this article, only Discover it Miles and Chase Freedom Unlimited don’t give a welcome bonus.

However, the Discover it Miles card matches the miles you’ve earned during the first year, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited gives an extra 1.5% cashback on your spending during the first year (limited to an extra $300 on $20,000 of spending).

The cards with the highest and fastest welcome bonus offers are:

• British Airways Visa Signature® Card – Earn 75,000 Avios by spending $5,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Earn 75,000 miles as a bonus when you spend $4,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 on the card during the first three months after opening the account.

Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Anniversary Bonuses

Welcome bonuses are fantastic but so, too, are anniversary bonuses. It’s like being given a gift for your loyalty each year. The best cards for anniversary bonuses are:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Of these, Capital One Venture X awards the highest miles for your card loyalty – an attractive 10,000 miles every year.

Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Luxury Travel Perks

If you fly frequently, you’ll appreciate a few perks on your journey – like lounge access, priority check-in, and travel credits. Ther following cards offer some of the best travel perks going:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express is the standout card here, with access to the Global Lounge Collection, up to $200 in Uber savings annually, comprehensive travel insurances, and more.

Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Earning Miles & Points

After welcome bonuses and anniversary bonuses, you’ll want to know what card is best to earn miles or points.

The choice depends on your spending habits. Some cards are better if you dine out frequently. Others pay higher rewards for frequent travellers.

Some ramp up rewards for everyday spending. Here are 10 cards that cover all bases:

American Express® Gold Card

4x points at restaurants worldwide, 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on less than $25,000 per calendar year), 3x points when you book flights via amextravel.com or directly with airlines.

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL, 2 Avios for every $1 you spend on hotel accommodation.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Unlimited 2x miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Unlimited 10x miles on car rental and hotels booked via Capital One Travel, and 5x miles when you book flights via Capital One Travel.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

5x on travel purchased via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, online grocery shopping, and select streaming services.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit, 3x points on dining at restaurants.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

3x miles on Delta purchases and directly with hotels, 2x Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

3x miles on Delta purchases.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Earn 3x points on Southwest® purchases; 2x points on local travel and commuting, including rideshare; 2x points on cable, phone, and internet services; select streaming services.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

5x Membership Rewards points by booking flights directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.

Best Air Miles Credit Cards For Transferring Miles & Points

If you want the most flexibility in how you redeem your miles or points, it’s best to opt for a card that lets you transfer accumulated miles to other airline, hotel, and travel-related loyalty programs.

Not only can you benefit from rewards when spending on your card, but you’ll also improve your potential to maximize your redemptions. The best cards for transferring miles/points are:

• American Express® Gold Card (through the Membership Rewards program)
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Which is the best card for transferring air miles to partner programs? It’s a close call, but edging it are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which both offer 1:1 point transfer to a broad choice of partners.

Breaking Down Air Miles Credit Cards Features & Benefits

American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card

American Express® Gold Card

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Discover it® Miles

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

United℠ Explorer Card

Take Off With The Best Airline Credit Card

Wrapping up, choosing the best air miles credit cards depends on your habits and travel goals. Whether your preference is for a card with no annual fees, one that gives a few luxury travel perks, or one that makes it easy to accumulate miles, there’s an air miles credit card designed for you.

As you consider all your options, think about your travel habits, airline loyalties, and how much you value reward flexibility.

The perfect air miles credit card is out there, ready to make each journey more rewarding. Then sign up for the card(s) that promise to deliver the most rewarding travel experiences to you.

It’s a world in which your next ride to an airport, your next meal out, and your next hotel stay brings you closer to a wealth of rewards, including free nights at more than 7,000 properties around the globe.

As if this isn’t enough, it gets even better. With lowest price guarantees, free Wi-Fi, digital check-ins, and the option to choose your own room, you cease to be a meagre hotel guest.

You become a valued member enjoying discounts, bonus points, and more. Did I mention the mobile app that turns your phone into a room key and travel planner yet?

The Hiton Honors Rewards Program has the power to shift your travel experiences into overdrive, and it’s free to join. Read on to get the low-down on all you need to know.

Hilton Honors: The Basics

Let’s start with a quick breakdown of what Hilton Honors is all about, and what better starting point than their lowest price guarantee?

If you’ve ever booked a hotel room and then found it to be advertised cheaper elsewhere, you’ll know the feeling of frustration and regret – the ‘if only’ annoyance that taints even the most enjoyable stay.

Well, you can wave goodbye to that emotional anxiety, thanks to Hilton’s lowest price guarantee, which could be the best around. Hilton won’t only match a lower qualified price, but they will also throw in a 25% discount on your stay.

That’s a great sweetener to add to the peace of mind of knowing you’ve got the best deal.

As a Hilton Honors member, you also get to choose your own room, access exclusive Hilton Honors experiences, and benefit from other perks like free Wi-Fi. The further you move up the membership scale, the more benefits become available to you – but more about these later.

You can earn points in a multitude of ways, from dining experiences to hotel stays and more. When you come to redeem them, you can claim free nights and experiences, and even spend them on shopping!

How to Earn Hilton Honors Points

It’s not hard to accumulate points in the Hilton Honors program. Every time you check into a Hilton hotel, you’re earning.

You earn while you sleep, eat, and even when using extra services like spa treatments and room service. It’s a little like Hilton are tipping you for being their guest!

However, the opportunities to earn Hilton points ripple out far from the hotel lobby:

Lyft Rides Turn Your Miles Into Points

Link your Hilton Honors account with your Lyft account, and you’ll earn points for every ride you take. Whether you’re traveling to the airport or getting around town, each journey gives you a reward.

It’s the perfect union of getting to where you want to go, and moving closer to where you want to be on vacation.

Earn While You Eat

If you enjoy dining out, why not get a little extra than what’s on the menu? Register your credit card with your Hilton Honors account, and you’ll start earning points for every forkful at participating restaurants.

Your dining adventures not only fuel your body and soul, but they can fuel your travel plans, too.

Hilton Promotions To Pump Up Your Points

Keep an eye out for Hilton promotions, a magnificent way to accelerate your points accumulation. You could earn bonus points for stays, on seasonal offers, and for using Hilton branded credit cards.

Watch out for Hilton Honors emails in your inbox for details of their latest promotion to ensure you don’t miss out.

Earn On Rental Cars

If you use a Hilton partner when you hire a rental car, you could earn up to 5,000 points per rental. Drive your route to Hilton points with Enterprise, National, and Alamo.

Dial Up Bonus Points

Are you a frequent flyer who needs to stay in touch with family, friends, and work back home? Then buy a OneSimCard to earn 100 points for signing up and an extra point for every minute on incoming and outgoing calls when you’re abroad.

Buy Points To Boost Your Balance

If you’re short of points, you can also buy them to top up your balance.

I wouldn’t recommend this route though – the points cost 1 cent each (with a minimum purchase of 1,000) while the estimated value of a Hilton point is 0.5 cents.

Swipe Points With Hilton Branded Credit Cards

There are several Hilton branded credit cards for individuals that will help you accumulate points on everyday shopping – the easiest way to earn your points. Terms apply with all the cards (and are subject to change), but here are the basics at the time of writing:

Hilton Honors American Express Card

No annual fee, and a 100,000-point welcome bonus if you spend $2,000 in the first six months.

You’ll earn 5 bonus points for each $1 spent at US restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations; 7 points for each $1 of eligible purchases at a Hilton hotel or resort; and 3 points for other eligible purchases.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

For a $150 annual fee, your rewards receive a massive boost – 155,000 points welcome bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first six months; up to $200 cash back on eligible Hilton purchases; and between 3 and 12 bonus points for spending on your card.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? But how about this: for spending $15,000 within a (calendar) year you get a free night reward at a weekend, and 10 free airport lounge visits when you enroll in a complimentary Priority Pass membership.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Now we’re really cooking on gas! This card may come with a $550 annual fee, but you’ll earn up to 14 points for every dollar of eligible spending on top of the 150,000-point welcome bonus for spending $6,000 in the first six months.

On top of this, you’ll enjoy automatic Hilton Honors Diamond Status, a free annual weekend night for signing up and on every renewal, up to $400 in statement credits for eligible spending at Hilton Resorts, $200 for eligible flight purchases, and unlimited Priority Pass Lounge visits.

How To Redeem Hilton Honors Points

Now for the fun part – how to spend all those points you’ve accumulated:

Unlock Free Nights

Rack up those points and start swapping them for free nights at the Hilton properties.

There’s no fixed points redemption – how many points required depends on the category of hotel, location, season, etc. – but each free night is a chance for a new experience without reaching into your pocket.

VIP Experiences

Hilton Honors Experiences offer you the chance to live like a VIP.

From backstage passes to private dinners with a top chef to VIP tickets for sports events, and more, you can trade in your points for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Shop Till You Drop

If retail therapy is your go-to, use your points when you shop online with Amazon or Hilton’s online mall.

It’s not how to get the most value from your points, but it’s perfect when you have your eye on something special.

Fly High With Airline Transfers

Convert your points into air miles with one of Hilton’s airline partners and fly to a destination of your desire.

Rides & Drives

Use your points to pay for Lyft rides, or redeem them for rental cars with Hilton’s partners. Your points really can keep you on the move.

Points & Money Nights

If you haven’t accumulated enough points for a free night, you can use points and cash. You decide how many points to use (the minimum is 5,000) and add the cash needed to pay for your stay.

This is often better value than buying the points you would need for a points-only free night.

Membership Tiers & Benefits

As a Hilton Honors member, you’ll enjoy benefits that include access to the Hilton Honors Discount rate, earning points toward free nights and more, no resort fees on reward stays, digital check-in, choosing your room, a digital key, free Wi-Fi, and exclusive Hilton Honors Experiences.

However, the more nights you stay with Hilton, the more benefits and rewards you get:

Silver (10+ Nights)

Receive free bottled water, every fifth night free on reward stays, elite rollover nights, and all-inclusive spa discount. Oh, and a 20% earning bonus on stays.

Gold (40+ Nights)

See your points earning bonus boosted by 80% and, in addition to all the extras you receive as a silver member, you become eligible for space-available room upgrades, a daily food and beverage credit, and milestone bonuses.

Diamond (60+ Nights)

Your points earnings bonus rises to 100% on stays, plus you receive a 48-hour room guarantee, premium Wi-Fi, and Executive Lounge access.

The Hilton App

I like to think of the Hilton App as a personal assistant in your pocket. Its features make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable, both before and during your stay.

Before your stay, you’ll be able to use the app to search for the best rates among Hilton’s huge portfolio. Once booked, you can manage your reservation in the app, track previous and upcoming stays, and even discover local attractions.

In addition, you can choose the exact room you want up to 24 hours before you arrive, and the app helps you to snag exclusive offers to earn even more points.

During your stay, there’s no need to wait in line at the front desk to pick up your key – the app acts as a key to your room. It also controls your TV, lights, and thermostat in locations where this is possible.

Forget about the wait at reception to check out, too – the app takes care of this for you. Finally, if you need a ride during or after your stay, request a Lyft through the app.

Overall, the Hilton app is a powerful addition to your armory, giving you more control and greater choices.

Maximize Your Hilton Honors Membership Benefits

The Hilton Honors Program offers terrific benefits as it is, but here are five simple tactics that will help you to get the most out of your membership:

Sign up for and use a Hilton branded credit card: The welcome bonuses are an incredible springboard to free nights and more. The extra bonus points available are the bread and butter of significant points accumulation.

Sign up for email notifications to stay ahead of promotions and exclusive deals.

Take advantage of the Hilton app: It’s your powerhouse tool from choosing a room to checking out and beyond.

Plan ahead: Plan stays around free nights and 5^th night-free deals.

Remember that loyalty pays: The more you stay with Hilton, the faster you’ll rise through the membership tiers to unlock even more benefits and points-earning potential.

How Do I Sign Up For Hilton Honors Membership?

Joining the Hilton Honors Program couldn’t be easier:

1. Visit the Hilton Honors sign-up page.
2. Fill out the online form with the basic information required (such as name, address, email address, and so on).
3. Set your preferences to tailor your Hilton experiences.
4. Download the app.

That’s it – you’re only four steps away from earning points and taking full advantage of membership.

Become More Than A Guest With Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors is a one-of-its-kind program. With a rich blend of benefits like free nights, digital conveniences through its app, exclusive experiences, and an array of ways to earn and spend points, it’s a must-have membership for all types of travelers.

Every trip you plan and every stay you take can be enhanced with tangible rewards.

If you believe that a rewards program shouldn’t be just about where you stay, but about making each trip more rewarding as an experience and in value for money, you should sign up for Hilton Honors today.

However, like all airport experiences, not all lounges are equal. If you’re traveling from Edinburgh, an option you’ll have is to visit the Aspire Lounge at Gate 16.

Is it worth the entrance price or one of your Priority Pass visits? Find out in my Aspire Lounge Edinburgh review…

Finding The Edinburgh Aspire Lounge At Gate 16

I’ve been to some airports where reaching the lounge is a little like searching for a needle in a haystack. You won’t have such problems with this Aspire Lounge.

It’s perched above Pret A Manger in the northeast corner of the terminal; perfect if you’re flying from gates 10 through 29.

If you are departing from gates 1 through 9, there is another Aspire Lounge at Gate 4. It’s not as modern as the lounge at gate 16, but you do get many of the same services and food and drink choices.

Once you’ve cleared security, it’s a straightforward walk to the lounge at gate 16 – turn right, and keep going! It’s going to take you around 5 to 10 minutes to get there, assuming you don’t make any impromptu stops on the way.

First Impressions

When you walk into the lounge, the first thing you’ll notice is the eclectic vibe. It’s cozy yet spacious.

There’s a mix of comfortable sofas, dining tables, and work booths that are like mini-offices. The light’s not so bright as to cause glare, but not too soft to strain your eyes – exactly right, whether you’re catching up on a little work or a little sleep before boarding.

The Work Booths

As I’m the kind of traveler who falls asleep quickly on planes (especially long-haul flights), I tend to use lounges to do a little work before flying. If you do likewise, you’ll find the work booths in this lounge more than adequate.

The Wi-Fi is fast and free, with no annoying sign-in pages. Documents and the like take no time to download – which is also great for that last-minute book purchase to while away the time on your flight.

There’s a charging point at each desk, too. Plug in and ensure you have enough juice to power your device across the Atlantic.

Let’s Talk Food & Drink

There’s no need to go hungry here, with a range of hot and cold food and snacks served buffet style. There are options galore on the breakfast menu, from bacon and eggs to pancakes, cereals, and fruit.

From midday through to close, you can enjoy light meals that might include options such as chicken tikka masala, chili con carne, and cauliflower, butternut squash and spinach dhansak with rice, as well as a range of salads, pastries, cheese, sliced ham, and biscuits.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available – though you’ll need to pay a little extra for premium brand drinks, champagne, and prosecco – as well as tea and coffee.

You won’t be able to get a full three-course menu here, but there’s no limit on what you can eat, and a fair selection. Plenty if, like me, you want something substantial enough to sate your appetite without blowing you up like a balloon before you take your seat on the plane.

The Atmosphere

Have you ever experienced that some airport lounges can feel a little stiff and stuffy? Not so with Aspire in Edinburgh. If you’re mixing business with pleasure, the work booths are solid gold.

They’re quiet, adequately equipped and comfortable, and just enough separation from your fellow lounge visitors. No problems with catching up with emails, creating some content, or doing a spot of brainstorming.

Outside of the booths, you’ll find there’s a community feel about the place. It’s somewhere you can people watch, while maintaining the privacy you seek.

From families going on vacation and kicking back in a family booth with personal televisions, to couples getting away for a romantic weekend, to executives taking solo business trips, the world wanders in and out of this relaxed airport lounge.

If you simply want to do a bit of bird watching – the 500,000-pound, metal variety, that is – then you’ll love the view over the airfield and toward the beautiful city you’re leaving behind.

Extras That Count

Apart from the relaxing surroundings, the splendid views, the ample food and drink, and the ideal workstations and family booths, you’ll also be able to pick up any one of a number of complimentary newspapers and magazines to read while you wait to be called for your flight.

However, a standout feature is the PressReader access. This is like a digital newsstand for downloading any of up to 7,000 publications from around the world.

No need to struggle with an armful of newspapers and magazines when boarding your flight – simply download onto your mobile device and away you go. There, you have reading material for your flight, and also for when you arrive at your destination.

Who Can Use This Lounge?

Whichever your class of travel, you can use the Aspire Lounges at Edinburgh Airport. You will be expected to be wearing smart casual dress – no sports shirts, baseball caps, or other sportswear; no clothing with offensive language or slogans; etc.

While you don’t need to book, I’ve been caught out when I haven’t reserved my entry before. To avoid being disappointed or being asked to wait to gain entry, I’d recommend that you book online.

Opening Times

The Aspire Lounge at Gate 16 is open Monday to Sunday between 4:30am and 8pm, except on Saturday when it closes at 7pm. (The lounge at Gate 4 has similar opening hours, except it is open between 9am and 5pm on Tuesday.)

You can stay in the lounge for up to three hours before your flight time. If you have pre-booked directly with Executive Lounges and your flight is delayed, you can stay in the lounge until your flight is ready to board.

How Much Does The Aspire Lounge At Edinburgh Airport Cost?

When I last checked this lounge, the cost was £43.99 for an adult, with a concession price of £39.99 for those aged 65 and older. Children between 2 and 11 are charged £29.99, and those younger than this are free of charge.

Of course, these prices are subject to change, and you should always check prices before you book entry.

If you’ve booked using a cardholder scheme – like Priority Pass, for example – don’t forget to take your pass/membership card with you.

Maximize Your Aspire Lounge Experience

You’ll want to get as much as you can from your time in the Aspire Lounge. To do this, all it takes is a little planning to make the most of your Aspire experience. Here are a few pointers.

Book Your Entry

Don’t risk arriving and being turned away – book your entry ahead of time. This is especially important during peak times – like summer and the holiday season.

Plus, when you book direct, you’ll get some extra benefits like free delay cover.

Plan Your Time In The Lounge

Have a game plan for your lounge stay. Know which gate you’ll be departing from, and your boarding time.

Consider how long you want to chill in the lounge before your flight, and factor in lounge-to-gate walk time. If you plan to do some work while you’re here, prepare it in advance.

Arrive Early

A no-brainer? Sure is, but it’s about more than being on time for your flight. For me, it’s about giving myself plenty of time to enjoy the lounge.

I don’t want to be rushed. I don’t want to feel like I haven’t had value for money.

Arrive early and you get a better choice of seats, too, whether you want a quiet corner, a window seat, or a place for people watching.

Settle In

When you have arrived and checked into the Aspire Lounge, take a few moments to get settled. Do you want to relax with a newspaper, or do you want to get stuck in some work?

Take the bag off your shoulder, sit down, and breathe. Get a drink, and let the pre-flight stress melt away.

Charge Your Devices

There’s nothing worse than boarding a flight with partially charged devices, is there? There are plenty of charging points here – use them and charge everything you can.

You don’t want to get halfway through that film you downloaded for the flight only for it to be interrupted because of a lack of charge.

Make Use Of PressReader

PressReader gives access to thousands of global publications. You don’t want to miss this gem!

Before you arrive at the airport, review what publications are available on the PressReader website, and make a list of those you want to download. Stock up while you’re in the lounge; they’re all yours to keep for the flight and beyond.

Enjoy All The Aspire Amenities

Finally, take advantage of all the amenities that the Aspire Lounge has to offer. Tasty, complimentary food and drinks, and a desk to work at in a quiet, comfortable environment.

Whether you want to have a hearty breakfast, simply sip a coffee while you get up to date on the latest headlines, enjoy the views, or have a snack while catching up on last-minute work tasks, this is your time and space to ease into your flight.

Seat Belts On, Prepare For Take Off

Usually, those last couple of hours before your flight departs is time to kill. Shouldn’t it be an integral part of your journey?

Book into the Aspire Lounge at Edinburgh Airport, and you’ll elevate your travel experience from the humdrum. You don’t need a First Class ticket to feel like a VIP.

Oh, that question about if the cost is worth it? I think you now know the answer.

One Key will land in the UK in just a few months, and my bet is that it will redefine how we all think about travel rewards.

The brainchild of travel giants Hotels.com®, Expedia®, and Vrbo, the One Key program isn’t just another travel rewards program. It’s the most extensive and inclusive ever rolled out in the UK.

Believe me, it’s worth getting excited about.

One Key for Freedom and Flexibility

Who hasn’t used at least one of Hotels.com, Expedia, or Vrbo to book accommodation, flights, or holiday experiences?

A bonus when booking travel and accommodation through these popular platforms is their rewards programs. The trouble is, they’re stilted and disjointed.

That’s changing.

One Key is replacing these separate rewards programs. They’re going to be combined into one, allowing you to earn and redeem rewards points (which will be called OneKeyCash) across all three platforms seamlessly.

Yep, you heard me right – you can earn OneKeyCash by booking a cozy hotel room on Hotels.com, then jet off on your next adventure using those rewards on Expedia for flights, or even snag the perfect holiday home on Vrbo. 

Imagine no longer being tied to one brand for bookings and rewards. That’s the freedom and flexibility delivered by One Key – with almost endless possibilities from a single rewards account.

One Key for Fast Rewards

A bugbear I’ve had for a while is the time it takes for rewards to hit your account. Now, you can forget this frustration. Gone are the days of waiting to rack up 10 nights for a reward. OneKeyCash will be paid into your account soon after your stay, and can be used immediately.

You don’t need to worry about losing any existing rewards, either. All your existing stamps and reward nights will be transferred automatically and converted to OneKeyCash. Providing your existing accounts are all under the same email address, you won’t have to lift a finger.

Unpick 2% OneKeyCash with Every Booking

As a One Key member, you’ll earn a minimum of 2% in OneKeyCash for every £1 you spend on eligible hotels, holiday rentals, activities, packages, and car hires. Move up the membership tiers, and you’ll unlock even higher OneKeyCash rewards.

At 0.2%, the OneKeyCash payout on flight bookings isn’t quite as exciting, though you do still get to earn on top of most airmiles and credit card reward programs.

One Key for a Ladder of Perks

If you aren’t a member of one of the big three loyalty schemes already, it’s free to sign up and join in the Blue tier of One Key membership. At this level, you’ll save 10%+ via member prices on more than 100,000 hotels worldwide, as well as having access to free price tracking for flights on Expedia. 

As you move up the tiers based on the number of ‘trip elements’ in a year – from Blue, through Silver, Gold, and Platinum – your rewards improve. You’ll have access to a range of benefits across flights, car hires, hotels, and holiday rentals, including:

• Earn up to 6% in OneKeyCash on stays at VIP Access properties
• Save 20%+ on member prices at 10,000 hotels worldwide
• Receive extra benefits at selected VIP Access hotels
• Get early check-in and late check outs as well as room upgrades when available
• Price Drop Protection included on selected flights

What’s a trip element?

Quite simply, distinct parts of your trip, such as one airline ticket, one hotel night, one night in a holiday rental, a one-day car hire, or one activity ticket. To qualify for OneKeyCash, an element must have a value of at least £20.

One Key – The UK Traveller’s New Best Friend

The launch of One Key is not far away, and I cannot wait. A rough timeline has been indicated which looks like October 2024 for it to roll out fully.

With a huge bundle of benefits designed to make travel experiences smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable, there’s a lot to look forward to. Finally, we’re all going to be able to explore the world on our terms with the One Key that unlocks a world of travel opportunities.

I’m going share more details and news about One Key as it’s released toward launch date – sign up to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss the boat!

Whatever the type of hotel, here’s something I’ve learned over the years – if you aren’t using hotel rewards programs, you’re missing out.

Hotel rewards schemes act like supercharged loyalty programs. You could earn free room upgrades, access to exclusive lounges, complimentary breakfasts, free nights, and more. Seriously good rewards, though not all of these programs are equal.

Which is best for you? Read on to find out my best hotel rewards programs.

Marriott Bonvoy

Best for: Frequent travelers who appreciate a wide variety of hotel options from luxury to budget-friendly, and who value flexibility in how to earn and use rewards.

Marriott Bonvoy is the world’s largest hotel chain, offering a range of more than 8,700 hotels across 30 brands in around 140 countries. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly accommodation, Marriott Bonvoy caters for you.

The key features of the Marriott Bonvoy program include its tiered membership levels: Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite. Each level offers progressively more generous benefits, including complimentary room upgrades, late check-out, and lounge access.

Earning rewards is easy: you accrue points with each hotel stay, by spending on Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, and via partnerships with airlines and other services.

You’ll earn points for each stay in a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, and these can be redeemed for free nights and flights (thanks to its partnership with several airlines), as well as experiences like exclusive concerts or cooking classes with renowned chefs.

How To fast-track Marriott Bonvoy rewards

To accelerate your earnings and enjoy enhanced benefits quickly, consider applying for one of the Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

You could earn significant welcome bonuses and earn on everyday spending, as well as be granted automatic Elite status – an immediate boost to your rewards journey.

Hilton Honors

Best for: If you frequently stay in cities around the world, and you desire easy status achievement along with a wide variety of redemption opportunities to enhance your travel experiences.

Hilton Honors is the loyalty program for Hilton Hotels & Resorts. The group has more than 7,000 properties across 22 brands in more than 120 countries.

Whether staying overnight on business, wanting a luxury break, or seeking a more casual stay, I’ve always found Hilton to have the answer to my accommodation needs.

The Hilton Honors program features four membership levels: Member, Silver, Gold, and Diamond. These tiers offer escalating rewards, including room upgrades, late check-out, and complimentary breakfast or food and drink credits.

As a Gold or Diamond member, you could enjoy extra-value benefits like luxury room upgrades and executive lounge access where available.

You’ll earn points each time you stay at a Hilton property. You can also earn points by spending on Hilton Honors co-branded credit cards, and via partnerships, including car rentals and flights with partner airlines.

You can also redeem points for free nights, experiences, and more. Something I particularly like about the Hilton Honors program is that you can pool your points with family and friends – this makes it even easier to enjoy benefits from the scheme.

Tip for fast-tracking Hilton Honors rewards

Hilton co-branded credit cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, offer significant welcome bonuses and complimentary Elite status. This will improve your benefits such as room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.

World of Hyatt

Best for: If you prefer premium-quality hotel experiences with generous rewards in popular destinations around the globe.

World of Hyatt may only have around 1,200 hotels globally, but they are among the best in the world, including gems like Park Hyatt, Andaz, and the Unbound Collection. The focus is on high-quality accommodation and exceptional personal service.

The World of Hyatt program encompasses four membership levels: Member, Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist, with each tier offering progressively richer benefits.

Noteworthy benefits include complimentary room upgrades, late checkout, and access to exclusive rates. At the top end of membership, you’ll enjoy lavish benefits such as free breakfast, suite upgrades, and waived resort fees on award stays, making it a standout for how it treats its elite members.

Earning rewards with World of Hyatt is straightforward. You’ll accumulate points through hotel stays, dining, and spa services at Hyatt properties, as well as through spending on the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Like many other hotel reward programs, World of Hyatt has also partnered with airlines and other travel services to offer alternative ways to earn points. You can redeem your points for a wide range of options to suit your unique preferences.

Tip for fast-tracking World of Hyatt rewards

To maximize your World of Hyatt points and quickly climb the ladder of membership levels, apply for the World of Hyatt Credit Card. It offers a substantial welcome bonus, additional points on Hyatt stays, and automatic Discoverist status, as well as earning points on everyday spending.

IHG One Rewards

Best for: If you enjoy staying at a variety of hotel options, from luxurious escapes to budget-friendly accommodation, and you want a program with easy-to-earn points options.

IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program of InterContinental Hotels Group, encompassing a network of more than 6,000 hotels in more than 100 countries. It stretches from prestigious brands like InterContinental to everyday hotels like Holiday Inn.

This broad range means you can find suitable accommodation for any trip.

The IHG program features tiered membership levels: Club, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Diamond Elite, each offering escalating rewards. Members enjoy benefits like room upgrades, late check-out, and points earning on stay.

The higher tiers offer additional benefits like complimentary breakfast and lounge access. You accumulate points for hotel stays, dining, and using other activities at IHG properties.

Points can be redeemed for free nights, flights, and various experiences, providing members with a plethora of options to utilize their rewards.

Tip for fast-tracking IHG One rewards

To fast-track your path to points accumulation and higher membership levels, sign up for the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card. With an attractive welcome bonus and complimentary Platinum Elite status, you’ll benefit from points earning rates and better chances for room upgrades.

Wyndham Rewards

Best for: If you want a straightforward way to earn and redeem points, and prefer to stay in budget to mid-range hotels.

With more than 9,000 hotels, several brands, and a global reach, you’ll never be short of accommodation options wherever you travel. Wyndham’s extensive portfolio includes brands like Wyndham, Days Inn, and Super 8 – covering major cities, small towns, and roadside accommodation.

No wonder it’s a favorite choice with both leisure and business travelers.

Its rewards program may be the simplest of all. Like other hotel loyalty schemes, it provides escalating benefits for a tier of membership levels: Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

Benefits include late check-out, preferred room choice, and point bonuses on stays.

Earning rewards with Wyndham is easy. You can accumulate points through hotel stays, using Wyndham Rewards credit cards, and through its partnerships with other travel services.

I especially like the simplicity of redeeming points. You don’t need to search through different accommodation options to get the best value – whatever accommodation you book, there’s a flat redemption rate for free stays across the board.

You can also use your points when booking car rentals, buying gift cards, and more.

Tip for Fast-Tracking Rewards

Use a Wyndham Rewards Credit Card to boost points accumulation and enjoy immediate status upgrades. As an example, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card gives automatic Gold status, a generous point bonus on Wyndham stays and gas purchases, and a sizable welcome bonus.

Choice Privileges

Best for: If you travel alone or with your family and prefer budget to mid-tier accommodation with a simple and flexible rewards program.

The Choice Hotels network is especially strong in the United States and Scandinavia, with around 7,500 hotels including brand names that include Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and the Ascend Hotel Collection.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for reliable, affordable accommodation, whether you’re on a road trip, family holiday, business travel, or exploring new cities.

The Choice Privileges program is structured around four membership tiers: Member, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Benefits escalate through each level, and include express reservations and check-in, extended check-out times, and bonus points on stays.

Earning rewards with Choice Privileges is straightforward: points accumulate through hotel stays, purchases with the Choice Privileges Visa Card, and spending with program partners that includes airlines and car rental companies.

You can redeem your points for free nights, unique experiences, gift cards, and air miles. It’s flexibility that you’ll love, though redemption rates do vary by property and season.

Tip for Fast-Tracking Rewards

Applying for the Choice Privileges Visa Card is a savvy move. You’ll earn points on your everyday spending and Choice hotel stays, plus you’ll get automatic elite status.

Best Western Rewards

Best for: If you want reliable, comfortable accommodation but wouldn’t call yourself a frequent traveler. Great for domestic and international trips.

Best Western is one of my favorite hotel chains. I’ve never been disappointed by the standard of accommodation, and with a choice of almost 4,500 hotels around the world, there’s always a Best Western hotel available.

Brands include Best Western, Best Western Plus, and Best Western Premier.

The rewards program is easy to understand, and offers terrific value with consistent benefits. Membership is structured into five tiers: Blue, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Diamond Select. As you move up through each level, you’ll enjoy improved benefits like room upgrades and early check-in/late check-out, as well as higher points on stays.

You can earn points in a number of ways – through hotel stays, spending on the Best Western Rewards Mastercard, and through partnerships with airlines and other travel services.

Redeem your points for free nights at any Best Western property worldwide, gift cards, merchandise, and more.

You don’t need to worry about when you book free nights with this rewards program either – while many hotels reward schemes have blackout nights when you cannot use your points in exchange for a free night’s stay, Best Western does not have any blackout dates.

Tip for Fast-Tracking Rewards

The Best Western Rewards Mastercard is the best way to accelerate points accumulation on Best Western stays and everyday spending. Plus, you’ll receive automatic elite status.

Watch for frequent promotions and point purchase offers; a fantastic way to boost your points balance.

All – Accor Live Limitless

Best for: If you travel to Europe and Asia and prefer higher-end accommodation and bespoke experiences.

ALL – Accor Live Limitless is the rewards program for the Accor group of more than 5,000 worldwide properties including brands like Fairmont, Sofitel, and Banyan Tree. However, it also includes the budget-friendly IBIS brand (one of my go-to hotels when I’m traveling for business).

The ALL rewards program escalates across four status levels: Classic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Benefits include room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points on stays.

As a Platinum member, you’ll have access to benefits such as access to executive lounges and complimentary breakfast at select properties.

You earn rewards through hotel stays, dining and spa services at participating properties, and spending on Accor’s partnership platforms. It’s a highly flexible scheme – redeem your points for free nights (no blackout dates) or experiences, and you can even convert to airline miles with its partner airlines.

Tip for Fast-Tracking Rewards

Unlike most other hotel rewards programs, ALL does not offer a globally available branded credit card. But this doesn’t mean you can’t boost your points accumulation.

I’d recommend that you book stays during promotional periods that offer bonus points, and consider booking experiences through Accor’s lifestyle and experiences platform. You can also link other rewards programs from its partners to accumulate ALL rewards points faster.

iPrefer Hotel Rewards

Best for: Luxury independent and boutique hotels in far off destinations where you get to experience local culture.

Sometimes you want something different, a new and unique hotel experience, in a faraway place where you can embrace a different culture and pace of life. Welcome to Preferred Hotels & Resorts, an exclusive collection of over 650 independent hotels and resorts in more than 80 countries.

Its rewards program provides a pathway for you to enjoy incredible hotels that range from urban retreats to luxury resorts. Membership is straightforward, and you’ll enjoy some benefits such as complimentary internet, priority early check-in and late check-out, and room upgrades based on availability immediately.

You’ll earn points for every dollar you spend on points-earning opportunities. These include accommodation, dining, and spa services at participating properties.

As you might expect, redemption options are not standardized. The iPrefer program operates an innovative auction scheme for redeeming rewards for experiences, and you’ll also benefit from exclusive benefits like complimentary welcome amenities and exclusive food and drinks offers.

Tip for Fast-Tracking Rewards

Book your stays through the iPrefer app, and take advantage of exclusive offers and promotions that frequently provide bonus points.

How to Select the Best Hotel Rewards Program for You

Still confused which is the best hotel rewards program for you? Here’s are the four key things that I suggest you consider:

1. Your Travel Patterns & Hotel Preferences

Think about how often you travel, the destinations you visit, and the types of hotels you prefer.

2. Flexibility of Rewards

Do you need a rewards program that gives you more flexibility? Examine redemption options and benefits of membership, including free nights, upgrades, or even experiences, to match your travel preferences.

3. Points Earning Potential

How fast do you need to earn points, and how easy is it to accumulate points through stays, credit card spending, and partnerships? Think about your everyday spending, and consider how this could enhance your points accumulation.

4. Benefits of Programs with Partners

Remember that programs with extensive partnerships can offer additional ways to earn points and enjoy benefits beyond hotel stays.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a globetrotter, business traveler, or someone who prefers unique vacation experiences, there is a hotel reward program for you. To choose the right one, you’ll need to consider what matters most to you – is it the ease of earning points, variety of redemption options, or exclusive member benefits?

Choose wisely and you’ll soon discover your hotel stays are transformed into unforgettable experiences.

It’s a dilemma, isn’t it? I mean, here you are, sitting on a mountain of Amex Rewards points, and you’re planning for a vacation or business trip. You’re pondering whether to convert your Amex points to Avios or use them for a lavish meal at a Michelin-star restaurant.

For me, and on the face of it, this is a tough choice. I love traveling, and I love good food. Oh, the pressure of a decision!

What you really need to know is which option will give you the most bang for your buck.

Diving into the World of Amex Rewards and Avios Points

Imagine that every swipe of your card accumulates a form of currency that you can use to pay for a myriad of goods, services, or experiences. This is the world of Amex Rewards, in which every latte you buy and every full tank of gas you use earns you a little bonus toward your next adventure.

These points are hugely versatile, too – in fact, this is one of their most attractive features.

Now, picture a more unique currency. One that is designed for those of us who have one of the most exciting addictions – a lust for travel, a passion to stretch our horizons, experience different cultures, and meet new people.

Welcome to Avios points, the currency of exceptional travel options through British Airways, Aer Lingis, Iberia, and Vueling. Converting your Amex Rewards points to Avios is the key that unlocks all of these travel options.

Understanding Amex Rewards and Avios Points

First things first, I want to give you a brief rundown of both Amex Rewards and Avios Points. This will help you understand the value of both, and is crucial to make an informed decision when you are thinking about converting Amex to Avios points.

Amex Rewards

As you might expect from Amex, its Rewards Program is one of the best on the market. It is designed to reward you for everyday spending, and the points you can accumulate can be used to pay for anything from travel to dining, shopping to experiences, and more. Rewards points don’t expire, providing your account remains active and in good standing.

You earn Rewards points:

• On everyday spending – whether filling up your tank or refurbing your home, you’ll accumulate points from all your spending.
• Through sign-up bonuses – watch for the generous sign-up bonuses for new cardholders, which can fast-track you to a significant points balance.
• By taking advantage of special promotions – available periodically with specific retailers and categories, there’s something for everyone.

You can use your Rewards points:

• To spend on travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and car rental through Amex Travel
• For everyday shopping through the Amex shopping portal
• To exchange for gift cards to use at a variety of retailers and restaurants
• To pay statement credit, offsetting charges or paying for purchases made using your card
• To make charitable donations
• To convert to Avios points

Avios Points

Avios points are the rewards currency for a range of airlines, including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling, as well as Oneworld partner airlines. You can redeem your Avios points across all these airlines’ programs, providing a seamless experience for booking flights, upgrades, and more.

You can accumulate Avios points by:

• Everyday spending on co-branded Avios credit cards
• Spending online with partner retailers
• Taking advantage of special promotions and bonuses on activities such as booking flights or spending with specific partners
• Buying Avios directly to top up your account (though this is not usually the most cost-effective method)
• Transferring points accumulated on other cards to Avios (as Amex allows)

You can redeem your Avios points:

• To book flights across the Avios partners’ network
• To upgrade seats to business or first class
• For hotel stays, car rentals, and unique travel experiences

Pros of Converting American Express Rewards Points to Avios

Converting Amex to Avios points isn’t simply about exchanging one currency for another. It’s about unlocking a treasure chest of travel. Without this conversion, these opportunities might just remain out of reach.

Here are three reasons you’ll be champing at the bit to switch out of Amex Rewards and into Avios points:

1. Hitting the Sweet Spots of Avios Awards

Though you convert at a rate of 1:1, you’ll find that your Avios points go further than your Amex Rewards points after conversion – especially if you search the Avios program for special deals.

Use your points for flying across the pond to Europe, or to upgrade to business or first class cabins, and you could realize a value of 2 cents per point and more.

2. Using Avios for Short-Haul Flights

Want to jet off for a weekend escape? Who doesn’t, right?

Converting your Amex into Avios can be a game-changer. You could score short-haul flights for a lot less than you think.

You’ll find the Avios programs are awash with last-minute deals that give incredible value for each point, and this is going to leave more money in your pocket to make incredible memories while you’re away. You’ll be hard pushed to find better value.

3. Jet off to Exotic Destinations with Partner Airlines

Avios partners with the Oneworld Alliance, meaning you get access to mind-blowing deals to the four corners of the world, including many destinations off the beaten track. It’s like a VIP pass to visit the wonders of the world and experience those life-changing moments of discovery.

Cons of Converting American Express Rewards Points to Avios

Converting your Amex to Avios might seem beyond tempting, but it can be a complex decision to take. Sure, you’ll open up a sack full of travel opportunities, but it’s not without its limitations and challenges.

Here are three reasons why you might need to hit the pause before clicking on the convert button.

1. Conversion Might Not be the Best Option

It may not be possible to fly direct to your desired destination through Avios partner airlines. You may be saving money by converting your Amex Rewards points to Avios points, but a couple of layovers may be exhausting and costly.

2. You Might Not be Getting Maximum Value from Your Points

The exchange rate of Amex to Avios might not always be in your favor. If this is the case, you could end up out of pocket. That Michelin-star dining experience suddenly looks a much better option.

You should also remember that Avios points are not nearly as flexible as Amex Rewards – Avios is designed specifically for travel-related purchases. Look on it like an investment, from which you want to gain the highest returns.

3. Taxes, Fees, and Availability Issues

When you convert Amex to Avios, you might encounter some otherwise ‘hidden’ – and nasty – surprises. Availability of premium cabins and popular routes gets filled quickly.

Then there are potentially high taxes and fees on some flights. While points may make prizes, patience and flexibility deliver the highest-value results.

When Should You Convert Rewards Points to Avios Points?

Have you ever been tightening (or loosening) a bolt, and been faced with the decision whether to use a spanner or a wrench? The choice depends on several factors, like how much you can see, the angle of attack, and the space you have to work in. Nothing is ever straightforward, is it?

The pros and cons of converting Amex to Avios give you a framework in which to make the decision whether to convert. I’ve found that there are three distinct scenarios in which conversion is undoubtedly the best tool to use:

1. When Avios Offers a Better Redemption Value

This is relatively straightforward. All you need to do is compare the cost of booking your desired flight or travel experience using your Amex Reward points vs Avios points. If you’re going to use more Amex points than Avios, then conversion is a clear winner.

2. When Booking Flights on Partner Airlines

So, you’re planning to fly with an airline like, say, Qatar or American Airlines. Have you checked the Avios deals on these yet? No? Did you forget that Avios includes the partner airlines in the Oneworld Alliance?

Use Avios and Oneworld to unlock routes and destinations at exceptional value.

3. To Take Advantage of Last-Minute Travel Deals

If you need to book a last-minute flight, you should really check out the Avios program. There are usually some fantastic deals available for last-minute travel.

Plus, fees are often lower. These advantages combined can make conversion from Amex to Avios a savvy choice.

How Do You Convert American Express Rewards to Avios Points?

The process to convert Amex to Avios points is relatively straightforward, though you will need to pay attention to the details as you navigate the conversion journey.

(Before you start, you’ll need to register for an Avios program. I’d also recommend that you register for the British Airways Executive Club – it’s free to do, and the value you get increases as you move up the tiers.)

Step 1: Log into your Amex account. This is where you’ll initiate the conversion.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Membership Rewards’ section, where you can explore various redemption options.

Step 3: Within the Membership Rewards section, find the option to ‘Transfer Points’ and click on it to proceed.

Step 4: Here, you’ll be presented with a list of Amex’s airline and hotel partners. Select British Airways Executive Club (or Avios) from the list.

Step 5: If you haven’t already linked your accounts, link your BA Exec Club account to your Amex account (don’t worry, this is completely safe to do). You will probably need to pass through an account verification process.

Step 6: Decide how many Amex points you wish to convert, and key in this amount – you’ll need to be mindful of minimum transfer amounts and prevailing conversion rates.

Step 7: Review the conversion details, and click ‘Confirm’ to complete the transfer.

Strategies to Maximize the Value of Amex to Avios Conversions

To get the most from converting your Rewards points, you’ll need to play the game like a Chess Grandmaster. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but you’ll certainly need a strategy.

Here’s a strategy I’ve developed that should help you to maximize value and take full advantage of the pros while mitigating the cons.

1. Time Your Conversions

Be patient, and wait for bonuses. The conversion rate may be 1:1, but Amex/Avios run regular promotions offering bonus points for converting to Avios.

Timing your transfers for these can make a huge difference to your points value, and (literally) help you go further.

Planning ahead is also key, so that you can convert when bookings are low (avoid peak travel if possible). You’ll find that hitting these sweet spots will get you more miles, or cheaper premium deals, for fewer Avios points.

2. Combine Avios with Other Points for Bigger Savings

You can pool your Avios account with the Avios accounts of family members. This will give you the firepower to make more valuable redemptions, including long-haul flights and upgrades.

3. Book Partner Flights and Round-the-World Tickets

One of the things I most like about the Avios programs is that they give you access to deals from partner airlines in the Oneworld Alliance. Take time to do some research and look for flights to destinations that might otherwise be out of your reach. I’ve discovered some great-value flights this way.

Have you flown around the world yet? I haven’t, but the more I look into it, the more tempted I am.

Sure, you need a fair number of Avios points, but you’ll be surprised how much value you can squeeze out of them with a flexible plan. I mean, how else could you afford the luxury trip of a lifetime? And don’t forget, Avios points can also be used for accommodation, car rentals, and more.

How to Avoid Common Conversion Mistakes

I once heard a conversion horror story, about someone who transferred a large sum of Amex Reward points to Avios points with the aim of bagging a business class flight to Tokyo.

What they hadn’t done was check the availability. With demand much higher than they expected it to be, they couldn’t use their Avios to book.

The moral of this story is to always check availability before transferring points across to Avios.

Another mistake that is easy to make is to not consider the cost of taxes and fees. Sure, that flight to London is great value in Avios points; but when it comes to paying, you could be hit hard with additional costs that you haven’t allowed for.

The lesson? Always get your calculator out and figure out the total cost of redemption to uncover the real value of an Amex Rewards points transfer.

My rules to avoid such pitfalls are:

• Always check flight availability and seasonality before transferring points.
• Consider the total cost of redemption.
• Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations.

To Convert Amex to Avios, or Not to Convert…

Converting Amex Rewards points to Avios could unlock a world of high-value travel and unique experiences. However, whether you’re a globetrotter or an avid value seeker, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of conversion before committing yourself to a transfer.

Amex Rewards points are highly flexible. Avios points can boost the value of your Amex points when traveling, especially in the form of upgrades and worldwide experiences.

As with any decision, the key is to be strategic. Weigh up the pros and cons. Understand when to convert. Avoid the pitfalls. Do these things, and you’ll pilot your points to maximum value.

The bottom line? While converting Amex to Avios points may seem daunting at first, when you optimize your Amex points to leverage Avios offers, you’ll ensure that you extract the maximum value and benefit from enhanced travel experiences.

Or maybe you already have a Chase Sapphire Preferred card and are questioning an upgrade to Reserve.

I’ve run my slide rule over the costs, points earning opportunities, and other benefits of both for you. Here’s everything you should know about both options.

Quick Comparison Table

Want the clear-cut facts? Here’s a quick way to summarize the differences between Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve:

The Key Similarities

Both cards are great gateways to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Both also let you transfer your points to Chase’s airline partners (like Avios) and hotel partners.

This makes them invaluable for avid travelers who want to retain the flexibility of their credit card rewards points, but with the added benefit of being able to use these for more extensive travel options.

If you do travel internationally, you’ll also like the fact that neither card charges foreign transaction fees on purchases you make abroad. Plus, if your flight is delayed, or your luggage lost, or you have problems with a rental car, you’ll be thankful for the insurances that come as part of the benefits package for Chase Sapphire Reserve of Preferred cardholders.

If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll be able to enjoy dining out with a little more self-satisfaction, knowing that you get 3 points for every dollar you spend (and not only in the United States – all around the world). Plus, you get a free DoorDash DashPass subscription throughout 2024, meaning you can save almost $10 a month to get food delivered to your door.

Finally, if you’re a new customer, there’s the terrific welcome gesture of 60,000 bonus points. All you need to do is spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.

The Key Differences

With so many features and benefits in common, you might think it would be challenging to create an extra $500 of value for the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Preferred cards.

However, when you dig into the list of unique perks you get from each card, not only will you discover the exceptional value of the $95 annual fee for the Preferred card, but you’ll also appreciate why the Reserve card comes with an annual fee of $595.

What’s Great About Sapphire Preferred

Sapphire Preferred is a great choice if, like me, you want to squeeze a little extra value from everyday spending.

If you like traveling, you’ll receive a 25% boost to your points value when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase Travel Ultimate Rewards.

Plus, you get a $50 annual credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

You’re also eligible for a complimentary Instacart and membership for six months (and how handy is the $15 quarterly statement credits if you activate membership before July 31, 2024?).

Other benefits include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per covered person and $20,000 per trip
• Auto rental collision damage waiver reimbursing you for theft or collision damage for most rental cars
• Baggage delay coverage of up to $100 per day for five days
• Trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket
• Purchase protection of 120 days cover up to $500 and $50,000 per account
• Travel and emergency assistance while you’re away from home

On top of all this, at each card anniversary, you’ll receive a 10% bonus on the points you earned from your spending during the previous year.

The best $95 you’ll spend all year? Very likely!

What’s Great About Sapphire Reserve

Let’s look at what that extra $500 in annual fee for the Sapphire Reserve gets you in addition to the Preferred card.

Just like with the Preferred card, you’ll be extracting real value from everyday purchases.

However, Reserve ups the game in many ways, not least with the $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Chase Ultimate Rewards (use this and you’ve already offset half the annual fee). Use your points to book, and you’ll also receive a 50% boost on their value.

Now, though I love traveling, I loathe the hustle bustle of airports. You feel my pain, right? As a Reserve cardholder, crowd frustration is eliminated with Priority Pass Select membership.

This grants you access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide. Plus, you get credit for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck, smoothing out your airport experience every four years.

In addition to the insurance benefits provided by the Preferred card, you get up to $100,000 in cover for medical services and emergency transportation.

Worth every cent of the annual fee? No doubt in my mind, though there’s also a big switch-up on how many points you can earn if you sign up for the Sapphire Reserve rather than Sapphire Preferred (which more than makes up for no anniversary points bonus on the Reserve card).

How Many Points Can You Earn With Sapphire Reserve Vs Preferred?

Like I always say, points make prizes, and the points-scoring ability of both cards is very rewarding indeed, especially with Sapphire Reserve.

The Sapphire Preferred card offers a broad range of earnings opportunities, with points as follows:

• 5X total points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 5X points on Lyft rides
• 3X points on dining (includes eligible delivery services, and takeout)
• 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding certain retailers)
• 3X points on select streaming services
• 2X points on other travel purchases
• 1X points on other purchases

The Sapphire Reserve card ramps up your potential to earn points, especially if you’re a frequent traveler:

• 10X points on car rentals and hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• 10X points on dining purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• 10X points on Lyft rides
• 5X points on airfare purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• 3X points on other dining
• 3X points on other travel worldwide
• 1X points on all other purchases

Redeeming Your Points

When it comes to redeeming your points, both the Preferred and Reserved cards offer you the same opportunities, including transferring your points to Chase’s partners like Avios.

You can use the points to book travel direct through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, which gives you extra bang for your buck, or apply them through the ‘Pay Yourself Back’ feature to cover many expenses.

This last option won’t necessarily give you the best value, but it is worth considering if you’re sitting on a big points balance. Other options for redeeming your points include gift cards and cashback, though I’ve yet to find these give as good value compared to travel redemption options.

Where the two cards differ in the redemption stakes will become apparent when you redeem them through the Ultimate Rewards Portal or Pay Yourself Back feature. You get a much bigger value for points earned as a Reserve cardholder than as a Preferred cardholder – currently 1.5 cents vs 1.25 cents per point.

Sapphire Reserve vs Preferred: Which is Best for You?

Whenever I’ve had to decide between different cards, I’ve always found that the choice boils down to my lifestyle, spending habits, and the value I place on the rewards and benefits offered by the cards. So, let’s unpack the qualities of these two cards and see which appeals most to you.

First, we can safely say that they are both great for earning Ultimate Reward points, and that they both allow you to easily transfer those points to partners like Avios.

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll benefit from the various travel-related insurance covers that the cards offer you. If you’re a globetrotter, no foreign transaction fees will save you a few precious dollars every trip.

The dining rewards are a standout feature for both cards, as is the DoorDash DashPass subscription through 2024 and generous welcome bonus of 60,000 points after meeting the initial spend requirement.

The difference between the two cards becomes apparent when you examine the finer details.

I think that the $95 annual fee is a small price to pay for the Preferred card’s benefits, including a 25% boost in point value when redeemed for travel through Chase, and a $50 annual credit for hotel booking. It’s a robust card for those looking to get a bit more from their everyday spending and occasional travel.

However, if you’re a frequent traveler, you will probably be better opting for the Reserve. Sure, it comes with a higher price tag of $595 per year, but you get a ton of extra benefits for this.

The $300 annual travel credit is not to be sneezed at, plus you receive a far higher 50% value boost on travel redemptions. Then there is the Priority Pass lounge access, and Global Entry of TSA PreCheck fee credit.

In addition to these extra travel rewards and benefits, you can also earn points at a much faster rate on travel and dining purchases.

The Reserve card also delivers a higher value per point when you book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or Pay Yourself Back feature.

In summary, if you want a card that offers solid travel and dining rewards but with a lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great choice. It’s perfect for maximizing everyday spending and the occasional trip.

On the other hand, if you’re an avid traveler like me, the added benefits like lounge access, higher earning rates on travel, and more significant points value on redemptions, as well as the $300 travel credit, make the Chase Sapphire Reserve card worth every cent (and more) of the $595 annual fee.

Should Your Upgrade from Chase Sapphire Preferred to Reserve?

If you’re a Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholder and you’ve had your card for at least a year, you can upgrade to a Chase Sapphire Reserve card – but should you?

The higher earnings rates (especially on travel), unique travel perks, and higher points value when redeeming for Chase Travel make the Reserve card very attractive. However, the $595 annual fee is a much larger out-of-pocket expense.

The Pros of Upgrading

Here’s why it would make sense to upgrade (or, as Chase calls it, ‘product switch’).

You’ll get an immediate hike to the value of your Ultimate Rewards points. Remember the value of a point as a Preferred cardholder is 1.25 cents?

Overnight it becomes valued at 1.5 cents when redeeming them through the Ultimate Rewards portal. The bigger your points balance, the bigger the reward.

If you hold, say, 100,000 points, these are worth $1,250 of Ultimate Rewards travel as a Preferred cardholder. Upgrade to Reserve, and your points are magically valued at $1,500.

You also experience an improvement in your travel perks. From travel protection to priority lounge, a huge jump in annual travel credit access, and more, these benefits are a valuable package for frequent flyers.

The Cons of Upgrading

There are a few reasons why upgrading might not be the best decision for you. First, there’s the annual fee. $500 more is a big leap to make. You must be sure the extra cost is worth it for you – and that you can afford it.

Next, while you may earn more points in some spending categories, you’ll lose the 10% anniversary bonus.

You’ll also need to consider your spending habits and patterns. As a Preferred cardholder, you earn 3x points on your grocery shopping. This falls to only 1x points as a Reserve cardholder.

In short, if you’re a frequent flyer, the extra benefits provided to you as a Reserve cardholder mean that upgrading from Preferred could be a savvy move. But if the $595 annual fee seems daunting, or most of your points are earned on grocery shopping, sticking with your Sapphire Preferred card may be the better option.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making Your Card Choice

Before you choose between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards, or whether to upgrade from Preferred to Reserve, you should assess which aligns best with your lifestyle and financial goals. These five questions will help you think about your spending habits, travel frequency, and how much you value the unique perks that come with each card.

1. How often do I travel?

If you’re an avid traveler or frequent flyer, the Reserve card’s more extensive travel benefits – such as the $300 travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and higher points value on redemptions – could justify the higher annual fee.

2. Do I dine out or order-in frequently?

You’ll earn points on both cards, but the Reserve card pays higher rates of points when you make your reservations/purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

3. How will I redeem my points?

If you redeem most of your points through travel bookings or via Pay Yourself Back, Reserve’s higher redemption value of 1.5 cents vs Preferred’s 1.25 cents could make a big difference.

4. Am I comfortable with a $595 annual fee?

You’ll need to be sure that the higher annual fee for the Reserve card is manageable, both financially and emotionally.

5. Am I already maxing out the benefits of my Sapphire Preferred card?

If you are a Preferred cardholder, before upgrading think about the benefits you currently have access to, and if you use them. For example, if you don’t use the $50 travel credit, would you use $300?

The Bottom Line

There may be a significant difference in annual fees between Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Preferred, but, while they share several of the same benefits, there is plenty to distinguish them.

Both are good cards, but which you should choose depends on factors that include how you use your card, your lifestyle, and how you plan to redeem the reward points you accumulate.

If you’re not certain that you will get value for the $595 annual fee charged for the Reserve card, then you should consider signing up for the Preferred card at only $95 per year. When you discover that you are maxing out your benefits, you can then upgrade to the Reserve card to access its much higher-value benefits and perks.

All you’ve got to do is figure out the best ways to earn the Avios points that will fuel your flight to your desired destinations and incredible travel rewards.

In this article, I share how to earn Avios points and boost your Avios balance to give you the biggest bang for your buck.

First Step: Join the Avios Points Club

British Airways and Iberia stand at the forefront of the Avios program. Because they are part of the Oneworld Alliance, you can also redeem your Avios points with an array of their partner airlines (including, for example, American Airlines and Qatar Airways).

That gives Avios points an astounding reach.

Avios points can also be transferred between the various Avios programs (which includes Aer Lingus and Vueling). This makes them pretty versatile, especially if, for instance, you’re planning a trip to Europe when you might need to access Vueling’s destinations.

Signing up for the Iberia Plus and British Airways Executive Club couldn’t be easier, or cheaper – both memberships are free.

Membership perks

I love the perks you get as a member of Iberia Plus and British Airways Executive Club.

You can earn mileage bonuses based upon your tier of membership (rewarding you with bonus Avios points) and, as you move up through the tiers, take advantage of extra baggage allowances and priority boarding. When you reach the appropriate tier, you won’t need a priority pass – you’ll benefit from complimentary VIP lounge experiences, where you can relax, dine, or work in comfort before your flight.

Climbing through the tiers makes upgrades more accessible, too – why not switch up for a more luxurious experience in the business or first class cabin?

Free to join and with terrific perks that aren’t available to non-members without paying for the privilege? You’d be mad not to register.

5 Strategies to Earn Avios Points

Points make prizes when it comes to accumulating Avios points – the more you can earn and the faster you can earn them, the bigger the prizes could be.

Don’t think the only way to earn Avios points is by booking flights. There are many avenues for earning. I think of these as coming under five strategies, from using your credit cards wisely to earning through subscriptions and shopping.

1. Fast-Track Avios Accumulation with Credit Cards

Credit cards offer one of the easiest ways to earn Avios points. Everyday purchases become points machines, like a bonus for doing no more than you would normally do. However, using them strategically can maximize your points accumulation.

First, you’ll need to sign up for an Avios credit card. The obvious candidates are co-branded cards specific to airlines like Iberia and British Airways.

Other cards with broader rewards programs that allow you to transfer points to Avios should also be in your mix – for example you can transfer Amex rewards points to Avios points with the click of a button. Look for the cards with substantial welcome bonuses – these points can give your Avios balance a huge boost.

One of the best methods to harness the welcome bonus is to open several cards strategically – spending enough on the first to win your bonus, then moving spending to the next, and so on. With this strategy, you could accumulate hundreds of thousands of bonus points over, say, 12 months, to add to the points you earn for using your cards for your everyday purchases.

Of course, it goes without saying that you’ll also need to be disciplined – don’t overspend, and always settle your balance when payment is due.

Not sure that you’ll spend enough to win your welcome bonus? Then why not add authorized users to your card? My wife’s spending makes reaching the bonus requirements a breeze!

Here’s a summary of the fees and features, welcome bonuses, and Avios transfer values of the major players in this space:

In summary, choose the right cards, take advantage of points-earning categories, and transfer points strategically, and you’ll turn everyday spending into exciting travel experiences.

2. Travel: Earning Avios the Traditional Way

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, select flights that earn Avios points for future flights. From domestic flights to long-haul layovers, you can earn Avios points through Iberia, British Airways, their Oneworld Alliance partners, and even some non-Alliance partners.

When flying with Iberia, British Airways, or Oneworld Alliance partners, the amount of Avios points you earn is usually based on three factors:

1. Flight distance
2. Type of ticket (economy, business class, or first class)
3. Your membership tier in Iberia Plus of British Airways Executive Club

On routes not covered by any of the Oneworld Alliance partners, always look for a flight with a direct partner that offers Avios points earnings opportunities.

3. Hospitality and Rentals: Beyond the Flight

Your travels don’t end when you exit your destination airport, so why should your Avios points earning come to a close? Great news! They don’t.

There are some lucrative opportunities to earn more Avios points on every trip you take, especially if you leverage partnerships with hotel chains and car rental companies.

Hotel Stays

A huge number of hotels let you collect Avios points when you book. You can also earn Avios by booking direct or via hotel loyalty programs.

For example, should you book with partners like Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International, Hilton Honors, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and Accor, you can either be ‘paid’ in Avios points or convert your loyalty points later.

Car Rentals

Depending on the length and purpose of a trip, I often need to rent a car. When I do, I always look for rental from a partner of British Airways of Iberia.

Not only do you earn Avios points from car rental agencies like Avis and Budget, but you’ll also get other benefits like discounts and free upgrades.

How many Avios points you’ll earn usually depends on rental cost, so premium and longer rentals accumulate more points. Again, watch out for promotions offering bonus Avios points – it pays to shop around.

4. Shopping and Subscriptions: Earning Points on the Ground

Your daily spending could produce a stream of points into your Avios program. If you’re shopping online from the comfort of your own home, shopping through Avios partners is a seamless way of earning points.

To take maximum advantage of these opportunities, start your online shopping journey through the airline’s website, and browse through the range of retailers you can access. There are hundreds of them, covering everything from fashion to technology to home goods, and more.

The Avios points promotions on these sites are not to be missed. Here are just a few that I’m browsing on the British Airways Executive Club site while I’m writing this:

When you’re an avid Avios points collector, you’ll soon get into the swing of checking out your retail therapy needs online through these portals, and watching for special Avios points promotions like these.

Now, onto subscriptions and other services. There are hundreds you can earn Avios from.

For example, earn Avios when you subscribe to magazines like The Economist (a favorite of mine) and collect 1,000 Avios from an annual subscription to ESPN.

You could also register your card with dining rewards programs that are associated with Avios, and earn points each time you eat out. Excellent news if you’re a foodie like me.

5. Unique Ways to Earn Avios

You might think that you can only earn Avios on flights, car rental, hotels, shopping, and online purchases. You’d be wrong. Here are a few lesser-known ways you can earn Avios points:

• Use the British Airways portal to book Airbnb and earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent
• Buy a lounge pass (if you don’t have a pass through your credit card already) to earn 5 Avios per $1 spent
• Reserve parking with ParkVia (formerly ParkCloud) to earn 5 Avios per $1 spent

You could also buy Avios points, though I’d only say you should do so if you need to top up your Avios balance to redeem for a specific flight or other redemption offer. There are three ways of doing this.

The first is to top up your Avios balance by buying points through the British Airways or Iberia portal. If you plan to use this in your Avios accumulation strategy, I’d recommend that you do so when there is a bonus promotion in play – these could be worth 50% or more in extra Avios points.

Second, you could boost your Avios through the British Airways portal. This is a recent addition to their offers.

The idea is simple – you can choose transactions from the last 30 days on which you want to earn extra points, and then boost these points by up to three times. The first 300,000 Avios boosted during a calendar year can be bought at the cheapest buying rate.

Finally, British Airways has also added a ‘Save by Subscribing’ feature. This is a good way to develop a steady stream of Avios into your account. The higher your subscription (ranging from Voyager to Adventurer), the more points you’ll receive – though the higher subscription fee you’ll pay.

Where Can You Fly Using Avios Points?

The Oneworld Alliance encompasses 15 airlines, flying to more than 900 destinations around the world. It also includes hundreds of airport lounges. The member airlines are:

7 Tips to Boost Your Bonus Points Earnings

Rounding off your strategic approach to earning Avios, here are the seven actions that I consider most profitable for all Avios points collectors:

1. Join Both Iberia Plus and British Airways Executive Club

These are your free gateways to eye-popping Avios earnings, and they offer you an incredible reach through their Oneworld Alliance partners.

2. Leverage Credit Cards

Be strategic with co-branded and partner credit cards to fast-track accumulation of Avios points. Sign up to cards with significant welcome bonuses. Add authorized users to give your points earning a further boost.

3. Be Strategic with Points Transfers

Transfer points from partner programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards to Avios during bonus promotions.

4. Earn on Every Flight You Take

Whenever possible, fly with a Oneworld Alliance airline. You’ll earn Avios points based on flight distance, ticket type, and membership tier.

5. Benefit from Hotel and Car Rental Partnerships

Book your accommodation and car rental through Avios partners like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Avis, and Budget to earn points. Again, don’t forget to look out for promotional offers for extra Avios.

6. Shop and Subscribe for Avios

Shop online via Avios associated portals and earn on everyday purchases, and take advantage of subscriptions and services that award Avios points.

7. Look Beyond Ordinary

As well as earning Avios from flights, hotels, and car rentals, consider other ways to earn Avios, like Airbnb bookings, lounge passes, or ParkVia for parking. Consider buying Avios during promotional periods if you need to top up your balance.

Maximize Your Avios Bonus Points to Unlock a World of Travel

As you can see, there is a vast number of ways to earn Avios points, from registering as members of the British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus, to taking advantage of every spending opportunity with a thoughtful credit card strategy.

Every flight, hotel stay, and car rental can add to your Avios balance. So, too, can your everyday spending. If you apply the strategies I’ve discussed in this article, you could join the elite club of Avios collectors with millions of points in their account faster than you thought possible.

That’s a question I find myself asking, and one I’ve been asked by other would-be Avios points collectors on my travels. The truth is that they do have a specific value, but you can also squeeze more value from them.

This article uncovers Avios points value. More than this, you’ll learn how to calculate that value, and how to maximize every point for flights, upgrades, and beyond. Look at it as your guide to making the most out of the already valuable Avios program.

Sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the journey as you discover how to unlock the maximum value of Avios.

How Much Are Avios Points Worth?

Let’s get straight out the block and answer the burning question: just how much is an Avios point worth?

The fact is that the value depends upon how you spend your Avios points. Which kind of makes it all a bit complex. However, here’s how I’d break it down…

The lower the cost of your flight, the lower value you’ll get. Move forward through the cabin, and you’ll max your Avios points value when you travel as near to the pilot as possible – it pays to fly luxury!

In dollar value, the rule of thumb is that an Avios point is worth around 0.8 cents to 1.5 cents when you redeem them for economy class tickets. If you use them for business class or first class seats, then their value really takes off, and you could redeem them at an equivalent 2 cents or higher.

(A friend of mine recently took a transatlantic flight and got more than 2 cents for each Avios he redeemed on first class tickets. Envious? Me? Not much!)

How Do Avios Stack Up Against Other Air Miles Programs?

Now that you know what Avios points are worth, the next question is, how do they compare to other frequent flyer/air miles programs?

The answer is that they hold their ground extremely well, and even more so if you use them wisely (we’ll come on to that a little later in this article).

For example, if you put them against the likes of American Airlines’ AAdvantage or Air France KLM’s Flying Blue, the average value of an Avios point for economy travel is very similar, hovering around 1.2 cents to 1.8 cents per mile.

In the latest comparison tables I’ve seen, here’s how the most popular frequent flyer air miles programs compare:

Avios – currently top of the pile. However, like I said a short while ago, you can get even more value from your Avios.

If you’re booking premium cabins, the difference between comparative values becomes even more distinctive. With Avios, you get real bang for your buck when it comes to luxury travel (especially with British Airways or its Oneworld Alliance partners).

I never look only at the numbers. I want to know what real value I’m getting. Like the wise man said, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”

How to Calculate the Value of Your Avios Points

Averages. What do they really mean? What you want to know is not how much an Avios point is worth, but how much your Avios points are worth.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a stellar math student to figure it out – you just need to apply this simple formula:

Value of Avios Points =

(Cash Price of the Ticket – Taxes and Fees) / Number of Avios Points Used

Before you book your flight, find out how much the ticket would cost if you were paying for it entirely in cash, including all additional charges, except taxes and fees. Then deduct the taxes and fees from the cash price. You do this because these are unavoidable – you would pay them anyway.

Finally, divide this figure by the total Avios points you’d need to spend on the booking. The result is how much each of your Avios points is worth in cash terms on this specific booking.

Here’s an example:

• Cash price of the ticket: $500
• Taxes and fees: $100
• Number of Avios points used: 20,000

Value of Avios points = ($500 – $100)/ 20,000 = $0.02 = 2 cents per Avios point.

Every time you book a flight (you can also apply this formula to other travel expenses on which you can use Avios points), use this simple method to ensure you are getting maximum value.

Should You Buy Avios Points?

The best way to accumulate Avios points is to sign up to the best Avios credit cards and use them strategically. (You could get up to 75,000 Avios points for doing no more than spending as you usually would as a bonus, too!)

If you’re short of Avios points or want to give your points balance a boost, you can buy more. You can then redeem these as you normally would, to purchase flight tickets, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

You can buy the points online, and they’ll be added to your Avios account almost immediately.

Too good to be true? Well, let’s put it this way, I’m selective about when to buy Avios points:

• If I can get them at the ‘same price’ (or cheaper) when spending on a credit card, why use cash to buy them?
• If I don’t plan to use them for a while, their value will depreciate. It’s like having cash under your mattress. Thanks to inflation, the $1,000 you have stashed away today won’t be worth $1,000 in a year.
• The cost to buy Avios points is often more than the value I can realize when redeeming them.

So, why even consider buying Avios points? Because every now and then you might want to:

• Give your Avios account an immediate boost – for example, to take advantage of a specific reward.
• Unlock high-value redemptions – when redeeming Avios points is more cost-effective than paying cash.
• Take advantage of promotional bonuses – when you can buy points at a great-value price.

So when should you buy Avios points? Follow these three rules and you won’t go far wrong:

1. If you need to top up your Avios balance for a specific, high-value redemption (I’ve found that buying points can cost less than paying for the ticket or upgrade outright).
2. To take advantage of special promotional offers, when points are offered for sale at good value – but always consider the inflationary effects of not using the points quickly.
3. Buy points for last-minute travel needs, when it makes better financial sense to redeem points instead of paying cash.

In short, buying Avios points can make sense. The secret is to be strategic about buying them – especially if you have only recently signed up for an Avios credit card (the last thing you want to do is miss out on thousands of bonus points).

How To Redeem Your Avios Points

Getting the best value from your Avios points extends further than booking flights. You’ll need to be strategic about how you redeem them – think beyond the seat on the plane, and use the Avios points value formula to compare how much value you’re getting.

From Flights to Upgrades

Of course, when you think of Avios points, it’s natural to think ‘flights’. You can redeem Avios with four programs: British Airways, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and Iberia. The value you receive varies greatly:

• Economy flights generally offer lower value. This is especially true for shorter flights where competition is high.
• Business and first class flights offer the highest points values, often equal to 2 cents or more per point.
• Upgrades often deliver the highest value per point (and it’s great to experience a bit of luxury at a fraction of the price).

Accommodation to Car Rentals

You can also redeem your Avios points for hotel stays and car rentals, though the value is often lower than you’d get for flights.

You should look for value when hotel room cash prices are usually high, but Avios redemption rates are stable – like during peak season or major events. Car rentals can also be good value if other transport options are limited, or car rental prices are expensive.

Essentials to Experiences

Redeeming your Avios points can also help you to unlock extra value on your travels. You’ve taken care of the essentials – flights from A to B, accommodation, and car rental.

What’s going to make your time away even more memorable?

When I’m traveling – even on a business trip – I like to do something special that will help me to remember my time away from home. It might be taking in a ball game or stadium concert, a wine tasting experience, or a hot air balloon trip (one of my favorite experiences to date).

Before using Avios points to pay for these experiences, there are a couple of checks you should make. First, make sure you’re getting personal value from the experience. Is this something you really want to do?

Also assess the Avios points value you’re getting. Could you get better value by using your Avios points on essentials like flights or accommodation?

In a nutshell, being strategic means tying your decision to your personal travel goals, the comparative value of your options, the convenience of using Avios points, and the enjoyment of the experience.

Get your strategy right, and you’ll maximize the value of your Avios points while transforming your travel experiences from ordinary to extraordinary.

Insider Strategies to Squeeze Maximum Value from Your Avios Points

While it may not be possible to hit every high-value Avios pitch out of the park (yep, I’m still a little envious that I missed out on those high-value transatlantic first class tickets, though I know there will be other deals coming), I’ve learned that you can boost the value of your points by being laser-focused with your points collection and redemption strategy.

Here are my insider strategies that will help you get every last drop of value from your Avios points:

Take Advantage of Credit Card Avios Bonuses

Definitely make sure you hit the spending requirements to bank your welcome bonus on new Avios credit cards – these could be worth hundreds of dollars, and are simply too good to miss.

Watch for the occasional transfer bonuses, too. When you transfer your points during these promotions, you’ll boost your Avios balance without needing to spend more.

Book Flights in Advance

The availability of rewards for flights (especially in business and first class) is often higher when you book in advance. You’ll get the most from your points by booking early, especially if you plan to travel at peak times.

Utilize Reward Flight Savers

I’m a fan of British Airways, and an even bigger fan of its Reward Flight Saver deals. Why? Because they cap taxes and fees, and that gives Avios points a back-pocket value boost.

Be Flexible With Travel Dates

If it’s possible, be flexible with your dates, just like you would if paying by cash for your travel needs. You could find better-value redemption rates or more availability in premium cabins.

Join the Executive Club

Subscriptions and memberships can offer some fantastic bonuses and extras. These are even better when subscription is free – like it is to join the British Airways Executive Club.

Here’s a taste of what you get:

• Collect Avios points to help pay for your next vacation
• Combine your Avios points with those of family members
• Special member offers and promotions
• Exclusive deals and more with the Club magazine
• Tier bonuses – earn more Avios points the higher up the tiers you move
• Companion vouchers that allow you to include a partner for just the cost of taxes and fees

British Airways Tiers And Benefits:

How Much Value Can You Get from Avios Points?

My friend still reminds me of that first class transatlantic flight deal he got using his Avios points. When he does, I now tell him just how much value he could have got…

Like the traveler who planned a trip to Tokyo, Japan, and flew in the unparalleled comfort of business class without the hefty price tag. The round-trip ticket would normally have cost $5,000, but he was savvy, booking 11 months in advance and redeeming 150,000 points to do so.

Not only did he avoid the normal scarcity of business class tickets on a high-demand flight, but he achieved a value of 3.3 cents per Avios point.

How about the couple who booked a last-minute weekend getaway to Paris? Now, last-minute flights aren’t what they used to be. They used to be cheap, now they’re expensive.

These tickets were $800 each. Redeeming Avios, the couple ‘paid’ 40,000 points – an equivalent of 2 cents per Avios point: doubled when combined with a companion voucher!

The moral of these stories is that an Avios strategy pays! (My friend replies with the same witty comment each time – “But I didn’t want to go to Paris or Tokyo.” Sometimes there is no winning!)

7 Bonus Tips to Maximize Your Avios Points Value

Okay, I’ve discussed various strategies for maximizing the value of your Avios points. But why stop there when you can power your points value with rocket fuel instead of jet fuel?

Here are seven bonus tips to help your Avios points value shoot through the stratosphere:

1. Consider Off-Peak Travel

You can get some tremendous deals on off-peak tickets, meaning less Avios points are needed.

2. Compare with Partner Airlines

Keep an eye on the deals you can get from partner airlines – sometimes these are better value.

3. Use Avios for Upgrades

Here’s a great way to milk value out of your Avios. If you have paid for an economy or premium economy ticket at a discounted rate, use your Avios to upgrade to a business class or first class cabin.

4. Consider Avios Part-Payment

Before redeeming Avios for the entire ticket cost, compare Avios part-payment value. Especially during promotions, you could save yourself some cash and get great value for your Avios points.

5. Book One-Way Tickets

Sometimes, buying two one-way tickets can be cheaper than buying a return ticket. This is especially true if one flight would be peak and the other off-peak. It may take a little more research, but the time you spend doing this could be worth hundreds of dollars in value.

6. Consider Multi-City and Stopover Options

If the time to travel isn’t a particular concern, booking multi-stop journeys can help you to access extra-value redemption options – and you get to add in a few of those memorable travel experiences, too.

7. Regularly Check for Promotions

Avios-partnered airlines and Avios credit cards run frequent promotions, helping you earn bonus points or get better value from the points in your Avios account. Keep your eyes open for these – they are one of the easiest ways to supercharge your points values.

Pilot Your Avios Points to Sky-High Value

Avios points are more than a currency for flights. They are the gateway to a world of travel opportunities: a flexible and powerful way to transform your travel experiences from ordinary to extraordinary.

But the value of your Avios points can vary significantly – and you want to beat that average value, don’t you?

There’s no real secret to maximizing how much value you extract from each Avios point. It just takes a little planning and a strategic approach to pilot your points to enjoy sky-high value at close to bargain basement prices.