One of the most common questions I get is: “What’s the best credit card to get for free miles and points travel?” While I do have some favorite cards I always recommend, my answer depends on the day because credit card offers are constantly changing. A hot offer this week might not be around next week. Also, a hot offer might not be so hot for you if the points don’t match your travel goals (i.e. hotel points won’t help you if you are a large family who wants to stay in airbnbs). See Beginner’s Guide: 7 Steps to Free Travel with Miles and Points.
Capital One Venture Rewards Card
I frequently recommend the Capital One Venture Rewards Card (our affiliate link) to beginners because it’s so easy to use. The card earns 2X on all spending, and you can use the miles in a variety of ways. Currently, the card has an elevated bonus of 75,000 miles plus $250 to use in the Capital One travel portal after spending $4000 in the first 3 months. See this post for more details on the card.
Chase Ink Business Preferred
If you run a small business, you may qualify for the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card (affiliate link). The current welcome bonus is 120,000 points after spending $8000 in the first 3 months. I personally own this card, and I frequently transfer my points to Hyatt, British Airways and Southwest Airlines. See this post for more details.
Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Credit Cards
Currently, both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (affiliate link) and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card (affiliate link) have tiered welcome bonuses of up to 120,000 points. Combined with the spending to get these bonuses, you could have enough to earn a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass. This is a limited time offer that expires 9/16/24. See this post for all the details.
Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard
This is one of my favorite credit cards because the bonus is so easy to get. The AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard (non-affiliate link) currently has a bonus of up to 70,000 AA miles after one purchase, paying the $99 annual fee, and adding an authorized user who makes one purchase during the first 90 days. That’s it! Since I live near an American Airlines hub (DFW), I’ve gotten great use from AA miles.
Chase IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Currently, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (affiliate link) has a bonus of 5 free nights (up to 60,000 points each) after spending $4000 in the first 3 months. This is a limited time offer ending 9/4/24. This is a great value for the card’s $99 annual fee, which also includes an annual free night certificate. IHG’s 19 hotel brands include Holiday Inn, Kimpton, Iberostar, Crowne Plaza and more.
Bank of America Sonesta
It’s been a while since I’ve stayed in a Sonesta hotel property, but this card’s bonus is worth 5 nights or more depending on the location. The Bank of America Sonesta Mastercard (non-affiliate link) currently has a bonus of 125,000 points after spending $2000 in the first 90 days and adding and authorized user. See this post on Doctor of Credit for more information.
This is just a sampling of some of the hottest offers right now. To view more offers, both affiliate and non-affiliate, see our credit card page here. I also recommend reading over bank application rules here.
![a group of penguins on a beach](https://milesforfamily.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/casey-allen-UjpEGHu8uNU-unsplash-1024x683.jpg)
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
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