Maximize Your Rewards with My Top Credit Card Picks!
I’m passionate about using credit cards to make travel more affordable and accessible. Through travel hacking, I’ve turned what would have been a $15,000 trip into just $3,000 by maximizing points and miles. Every card in my wallet (23 in total!) adds unique value, from monthly rewards to travel perks that make every trip smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to save on everyday expenses or dream of seeing the world on a budget, these cards offer incredible benefits to help you reach your goals.
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are referral links, meaning that if you choose to apply through these links, I may receive a small reward or commission at no additional cost to you. These recommendations are based on my personal experience and research. Please consider your financial situation and goals carefully before applying, and always read the terms of each card for the most up-to-date information.
American Express® Gold Card
Perfect for Foodies and Travelers
Key Benefits:
Generous Rewards on Dining & Groceries Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1X).
Great for Travel Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Monthly Dining Credits Up to $10 in statement credits monthly (up to $120 annually) when you use the card at participating partners like Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations.
Annual Uber Cash Credits Receive $10 in Uber Cash each month, usable for Uber Eats and Uber rides in the U.S. (up to $120 annually).
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Ultimate Card for Marriott Bonvoy Fans
Key Benefits:
Generous Welcome Bonus Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.
Free Night Award Enjoy an annual Free Night Award (up to 85,000 points) for every card renewal, making it a valuable benefit for frequent Marriott guests.
Elite Status Perks Receive automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, unlocking room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points on stays.
$300 Annual Dining Credit Get up to $300 in statement credits per year for dining purchases at restaurants worldwide ($25 per month).
Bonus Points on Stays and Dining Earn 6X points at Marriott hotels, 3X points on dining worldwide, and 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Priority Pass™ Lounge Access Enjoy unlimited access to over 1,300 Priority Pass™ lounges worldwide, adding comfort to your travels.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Key Benefits:
Generous Welcome Bonus Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
Elevated Points on Dining and Travel Earn 2X points on travel purchases and 3X points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out.
Flexible Redemption Options. Points are redeemable through Chase Ultimate Rewards® for travel, cash back, or statement credits. Get 25% more value when redeeming points for travel, so each point is worth 1.25 cents.
Travel Protections. Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and baggage delay insurance.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Ideal for Travel Rewards Seekers
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Key Benefits:
High Points on Every Purchase Earn 2X miles on all purchases, plus 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
Substantial Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for travel or transferred to travel partners.
Annual Travel Credit Receive up to $300 in statement credits each year for bookings through Capital One Travel, helping offset the annual fee.
Access to Lounges Enjoy unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and access to over 1,300 Priority Pass™ lounges worldwide for you and two guests.
Anniversary Bonus Miles Earn 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary, equivalent to $100 in travel.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Premium Travel Card with High-Value Perks
American Express® Platinum Card
Key Benefits:
Generous Welcome Bonus Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Extensive Airport Lounge Access Enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including the exclusive Centurion® Lounges, Priority Pass™ lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs® (when flying Delta).
Travel Credits and Savings Get up to $200 in airline fee credits with a selected airline each year, up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, and up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits.
5X Points on Flights and Hotels Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
Comprehensive Travel Protections Benefit from travel protections, including trip delay and baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and premium Global Assist®.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Luxury Travel and Exclusive Perks
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Perfect for Business Owners Who Love Hilton Stays
Key Benefits:
Generous Welcome Bonus Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 1/8/2025.
Automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status Enjoy benefits like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and bonus points on Hilton stays. Plus, the opportunity to reach Diamond status through additional spending.
Bonus Points on Business Categories Earn 12X points on Hilton purchases, 6X points on gas, shipping, wireless phone services, flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, and car rentals, and 3X points on all other purchases.
Weekend Free Night Reward Earn a Weekend Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year, with the opportunity to earn an additional Free Night after $60,000 in purchases.
Business Expense Management Tools
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card
No Annual Fee and Flexible Cash Back Rewards
Key Benefits:
Generous Welcome Bonus Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening..
High Cash Back on Dining and Drugstores Earn 3% cash back on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 3% cash back at drugstores.
1% Unlimited Cash Back Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases, allowing you to earn on every dollar you spend.
Introductory 0% APR Offer Enjoy 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, providing flexibility to pay off big purchases over time (standard variable APR applies after the intro period).
Travel and Purchase Protections Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection, adding extra value without an annual fee.
No Annual Fee Perfect for those who want a rewards card without the annual cost.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Best for Frequent Delta Flyers Seeking Extra Perks
Key Benefits:
Welcome Bonus Miles Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn Miles Quickly Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases, 3X miles on hotels, and 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, making it easy to accumulate miles for your next trip.
Annual Companion Certificate Receive a domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal, adding great value for couples or friends who frequently travel together.
Delta Perks and Status Boost® Enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding, free checked bags, and a Status Boost® to help you reach Medallion Status faster. You can earn up to 20,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) each year by meeting spending requirements.
Travel Protections Includes trip delay insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and baggage insurance plan, providing peace of mind during travel.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
United℠ Explorer Card
Perfect for United Travelers Seeking Extra Perks
Key Benefits:
Generous Welcome Bonus Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn Miles on Every Purchase Earn 2X miles on United purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), and hotel stays. Earn 1X mile on all other purchases, making it easy to accumulate miles for your next United flight.
Free Checked Bag and Priority Boarding Enjoy your first checked bag free for yourself and one companion on the same reservation, along with priority boarding, helping you save on travel fees and enjoy a smoother boarding experience.
Two United Club℠ Passes Annually Receive two United Club℠ passes each year, giving you access to United Club locations with complimentary snacks, beverages, and comfortable seating.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Fee Credit Get up to $100 statement credit every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, making travel more convenient and streamlined.
No Foreign Transaction Fees