Asking me to pick my favorite credit card would be like asking a father of 22 to pick his favorite child. And yes, I do have that many open, active credit cards (but only one child).
However, there’s one card that I use more frequently than any other in my wallet — and that’s my American Express® Gold Card.
Here’s why the Amex Gold has been (and will remain) a mainstay in my wallet.
Lucrative earning rates
The most appealing feature of the card is a pair of lucrative bonus categories:
4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide
4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases every year, then 1 point per dollar)
I often eat out with my family, but we also love to cook at home. While it sometimes seems like our grocery bill is high, we never come anywhere near the Amex Gold’s yearly spending cap ($25,000 a year, equating to $480 a week.) And since the card waives foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), I can confidently swipe it at restaurants abroad to still earn those bonus points.
These bonus categories alone make the Amex Gold a perfect fit for me.
Read more: The best credit cards for dining
Uber and Grubhub benefits
Beyond the everyday earning rates, I’m a big fan of the card’s extra benefits.
I’m not a power Uber user, but we easily find ways to use the $10 in Uber Cash each month that the Amex Gold offers, which is valid for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S. I also typically treat myself to lunch through a participating dining partner to receive up to $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
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By maxing out both benefits, I effectively reduce the annual fee on the card from $250 (see rates and fees) to just $10.
Targeted offers
In my opinion, one of the most underutilized perks of travel cards is access to targeted discounts and offers. And of the major issuers, Amex Offers are my favorite.
In the past three years, I’ve received a total of $265 in statement credits by adding these offers to my Amex Gold card. In addition, I’ve been targeted for a 20,000-point bonus for activating Amex Pay Over Time on the card (worth $400 to me), and I also referred a friend to the card earlier in the year, resulting in a one-time bonus of 20,000 points along with three months of an extra 5 points per dollar on U.S. supermarket purchases (since expired).
These offers help boost my Membership Rewards points balance.
Related: How to refer friends and earn points, miles or cash credits
Valuable transfer partners
Finally, I love redeeming American Express Membership Rewards points. We value Amex points at 2 cents apiece here at TPG, thanks to the program’s valuable transfer partners — including Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles and British Airways Avios.
Earlier this year, I booked round-trip, business-class flights on Philippine Airlines from the U.S. to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) by transferring just 95,000 points to ANA Mileage Club. These flights would’ve set me back more than $6,000 had I paid out of pocket.
I also frequently convert my Amex points to Avios to book Iberia business-class tickets to Spain. On off-peak dates, nonstop flights are just 42,500 Avios from nearby Miami International Airport (MIA) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) — though they start at just 34,000 Avios from Boston Logan International Airport, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD).
In fact, thanks to the current 30% transfer bonus, you can snag these flights for as little as 27,000 Amex points each way.
Related: The best American Express cards
Bottom line
I get a ton of value from my 22 travel cards, but the Amex Gold card stands out. I love earning 4 points per dollar on a large part of my everyday spending, and Amex’s transfer partners help me and my family travel the world. The added perks and targeted offers are just icing on the cake.
If you’re not yet a cardholder, you can apply today to earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. However, you should also check the CardMatch tool to see if you’re targeted for an even higher welcome bonus (offer subject to change at any time).
Official application link: American Express Gold Card
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information and offers.
Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
Citi Premier® Card overview
The Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) is an under-the-radar gem with a phenomenal range of bonus categories. While the card isn’t as strong on the redemption side as similar offerings from Chase or Amex, the ability to earn 3 points per dollar on air travel, hotels, gas stations, supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout) for just $95 a year is still a pretty great deal. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The Citi Premier Card is one of the best earners on a wide variety of everyday spending. It accrues 3 points per dollar with airlines, hotels, gas stations, restaurants and supermarkets — an excellent slate of bonus categories for a card with a $95 annual fee.
Not only that, but the points you earn with the Citi Premier are among the most versatile rewards currencies and are worth 1.8 cents each by TPG valuations. That’s because Citi has improved the ThankYou Rewards program substantially over the years to compete with American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Here’s what else you should know about this card — and why you might want to apply now.
Related: The best Citi credit cards
Citi Premier welcome offer
The Citi Premier is currently offering 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. According to our valuations, that bonus is worth $1,080. However, we have seen a public offer for 75,000 points for the same spending requirement, so opt for that offer if you can access it.
Citi uses a rather interesting rule to determine bonus eligibility. You won’t be able to earn the bonus on the Citi Premier if you’ve opened or closed the Citi Rewards+® Card (see rates and fees), Citi ThankYou® Preferred*, Citi Premier or Citi Prestige® Card*in the last 24 months. Most issuers count that time solely based on when you opened a card or received a bonus, but with Citi, your clock also resets if you close a card, so it’s all in the timing.
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*The Citi ThankYou Preferred and Citi Prestige are no longer available for new applicants. The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
There’s a $95 annual fee on the Citi Premier.
Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions
Earning points on the Citi Premier
The Citi Premier’s earning structure is one aspect where the card shines. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar on purchases in the following categories, with no caps or annual limits:
The card also earns 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
These earning rates are among the most impressive of any travel rewards card, especially considering the Citi Premier’s affordable annual fee.
To coincide with the launch of Citi Travel with Booking.com, Premier cardholders can earn 10 points per dollar on bookings for hotels, rental cars and eligible attractions when booking through the portal through June 30, 2024.
Related: The best credit cards with annual fees under $100
Redeeming points on the Citi Premier
The Citi Premier is also a top choice for travelers, thanks to its participation in the ThankYou Rewards program, which currently has 14 airline transfer partners and two hotel partners.
While you’ll notice that many of the frequent flyer programs are those of international airlines, there are still some high-value (and easily redeemable) awards to be booked through them.
For instance, you can leverage Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles for decent business-class award availability on those airlines and their SkyTeam partners, get some phenomenal deals on Star Alliance awards using Avianca LifeMiles and snag some great Oneworld tickets with Qatar Privilege Club.
You can also redeem your ThankYou Points for travel directly through the Citi portal at a rate of 1 cent each, but that’s well below TPG’s valuation of ThankYou points at 1.8 cents each, a number derived largely from Citi’s extensive list of transfer partners.
Related: The ultimate guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards
Citi Premier benefits
Much of the Citi Premier’s value proposition comes from its ability to earn bonus points in many categories without charging a hefty annual fee. As such, you shouldn’t expect an overwhelming number of perks, but there are several benefits of this card that can help you recoup your annual fee:
$100 annual hotel credit: You’ll enjoy a $100 credit once per calendar year for single-stay hotel bookings of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) made through the Citi travel portal.
Extended warranty protection: This adds 24 months to a manufacturer’s warranty when you purchase a covered item using your card.
Damage and theft protection: This can reimburse you for repairing or replacing an eligible item damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase (up to $10,000 per incident and $50,000 per year).
World Elite Mastercard benefits: As a World Elite Mastercard, the Citi Premier confers several travel-related perks that consumers might not know about. These include a $5 monthly Lyft credit after taking three rides in a calendar month and access to the Mastercard luxury hotels and resorts portfolio for on-property perks like complimentary breakfast and room upgrades upon availability. Through the World Elite Mastercard program, you’ll also enjoy perks like cellphone protection and Global Emergency Services.
Citi Entertainment: This program gives cardholders special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events — from concerts and sporting events to unique dining experiences and movie screenings — before the general public can buy them.
No foreign transaction fees: Like any good travel card, the Citi Premier allows you to travel freely without incurring a fee on international spending.
Which cards compete with the Citi Premier?
As an affordable travel rewards card, the Citi Premier has a few direct competitors that might be a better fit for you:
If you prefer Chase cards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, with an annual fee of $95, competes directly with the Citi Premier. While Chase’s transfer partners (including United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt) might be more beneficial for many travelers, there are also some overlaps, including Singapore KrisFlyer, Emirates Skywards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. For more information, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
If you want a flat earnings rate: Try the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). It, too, charges a $95 annual fee, but this card comes with a less lucrative (but much simpler) earning rate of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. Instead of an annual hotel credit, you’ll get up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application credit once every four years with the Venture. You’ll even get two annual lounge visits per year to Capital One’s lounges — or you can use those passes at over 100 Plaza Premium lounge locations. For more information, read our full review of the Venture Rewards card.
If you want added perks: One of the Citi Premier’s closest competitors over at American Express is the American Express® Gold Card, which earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants, 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases. The Amex Gold Card also comes with up to $10 in monthly dining credits at select restaurants (up to $120 in annual statement credits) and up to $10 in monthly U.S. Uber Cash (up to $120 annually), offsetting the majority of the $250 annual fee (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required for select benefits. For more information, read our full review of the Amex Gold.
For additional options, check out our full list of the top travel rewards cards.
Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier: Which mid-tier travel card is better?
Bottom line
Despite a bevy of competitors, the Citi Premier’s long list of bonus categories and solid sign-up bonus make it one of the most lucrative points-earning cards in its price range. The wide range of ThankYou Rewards transfer partners makes this card compelling, especially for travelers who desire the flexibility to redeem points with various loyalty programs. It’s worth a look if you’re partial to Citi or looking for a versatile travel card to add to your wallet.
Official application link: Citi Premier Cardwith 60,000 bonus ThankYou points after $4,000 in spending in the first three months of account opening.
Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox, Stella Shon, Eric Rosen and Christina Ly.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
It seems almost every airline, hotel chain and credit card issuer has launched its own premium credit card, enticing customers with luxury travel perks paired with hefty annual fees. Many of these cards offer solid value, especially if you’re loyal to the underlying brand.
There are two long-standing titans of the premium card market. Of course, we’re talking about The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The former built the market for premium rewards cards decades ago, while the latter is responsible for growing its mass appeal.
Since the Sapphire Reserve debuted in 2016, competition between these two cards has been fierce. Today, we will look at how they stack up against each other and whether you should consider adding one (or both) to your wallet.
Related: The best travel credit cards
Welcome offer
When considering a new card, especially one with a $500-plus annual fee, most people first look at the welcome offer to see how much of that annual fee they can start recouping immediately.
With its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Amex Platinum is currently offering new applicants 80,000 Membership Rewards points after they spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of cardmembership. However, it’s worth checking to see if you’re targeted for a higher offer of up to 125,000 points through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).
TPG values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, making the initial welcome offer of 80,000 points worth $1,600 alone. Since Amex only allows you to earn a welcome offer on each of its cards once per lifetime, it might be tempting to hold off on applying for the Amex Platinum in hopes that you may be targeted through CardMatch for a higher bonus at some point in the future.
Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
TPG also values Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, making this bonus worth $1,200. That’s significantly lower than the Amex Platinum offer, though the spending requirement to earn the bonus is also lower.
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Winner: The Amex Platinum takes the lead in this first category, especially if you are targeted for an elevated offer through CardMatch.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular cards based on offer history
Earning
Long after your bonus has been earned and spent, you’ll want a card to help you quickly rack up valuable transferable points.
Both of these cards get that done but in very different ways. Your best option depends on which other Chase or Amex cards you currently have in your wallet and how the bonus categories on those other cards overlap with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum.
Here are the bonus categories for these two cards:
Bonus multiplier
Amex Platinum
Chase Sapphire Reserve
10 points per dollar
N/A.
Lyft rides (through March 2025.)
Hotels and car rentals booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Chase Dining purchases made through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $250 or more, with a maximum of 50,000 points (through March 2025).
5 points per dollar
Airfare booked directly with airlines and airfare booked with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel.
Airfare booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
3 points per dollar
N/A.
Travel and dining.
1 point per dollar
All other purchases.
All other purchases.
Chase offers a broader range of bonus categories, including everyday purchases like travel and dining.
While the Amex Platinum does pull ahead on airfare booked directly with airlines (with a terrific 10% return), the Chase Sapphire Reserve pulls ahead for dozens of other travel expenses, including most hotels, ride-hailing services, parking fees, tolls and tours. It also has an equally broad 3 points per dollar spent on dining that the Platinum can’t match.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best for earning thanks to its favorable everyday bonus categories that help you earn more points in the long term.
Related: Best reward cards for each bonus category
Redemption options
With Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards tied at 2 cents apiece in TPG’s valuations, it’s worth looking at the different transfer partners to decide which ones best suit your needs.
Let’s start with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. In addition to 11 airline and three hotel transfer partners, Sapphire Reserve customers get a 50% bonus when redeeming points for travel directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This gives you an absolute minimum redemption value of 1.5 cents per point, meaning you can book a seat on any flight that’s for sale, even if there isn’t award space available.
That said, you’ll often get a better value by transferring your points to the loyalty programs of airlines and hotels instead. All Chase partner transfers are at a 1:1 ratio, and most of them are instant. Ultimate Rewards has a real edge for hotel bookings because of its partnership with World of Hyatt, where you can book an award night for as low as 3,500 points per night.
On the airline side of things, popular redemption options include United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, British Airways Avios, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue — though the last three also partner with Amex Membership Rewards. The same holds true for Air Canada Aeroplan — though if you also hold the Aeroplan Credit Card, you can enjoy a 10% bonus on certain transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to your Aeroplan account.
Finally, you also have the Pay Yourself Back option with the Sapphire Reserve, allowing you to use points to cover certain purchases at higher values:
1.5 cents per point for select charitable donations (through Dec. 31, 2023.)
1.25 cents per point for purchases at gas stations and grocery stores (through Sept. 30, 2023.)
1.25 cents per point to cover your annual fee (through Sept. 30, 2023.)
Again, though, the best redemption option will typically come from maximizing Chase’s transfer partners.
Meanwhile, Amex Membership Rewards has a whopping 20 transfer partners, but not all are worth your attention. Some have transfer ratios below 1:1, have longer transfer times (which means you risk watching your award space disappear) or simply don’t have reasonably priced redemption options.
Some of the best are ANA Mileage Club, Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles, each of which offers attractively priced options for booking Star Alliance tickets. Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, British Airways Executive Club and Delta SkyMiles are also popular transfer options.
However, if you opt to use your points directly through American Express Travel, you won’t get nearly the value you do through Chase. Flight bookings are a flat 1 cent per point, while hotel reservations clock in at just 0.7 cents apiece. As a result, you’re typically much better off with the transfer options.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve comes out on top for redemption options since it offers a 1:1 transfer ratio for all of its airline and hotel partners, the Pay Yourself Back feature and more flexibility with its 50% bonus for travel booked in Ultimate Rewards.
Perks and benefits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum are two of the most valuable rewards cards on the market, but they’re also two of the most expensive. You’ll pay a $550 annual fee with the Sapphire Reserve and a $695 annual fee with the Amex Platinum.
So, what do you get in exchange for that upfront cost? For starters, both cards feature airport lounge access and additional travel and food delivery credits, among other benefits. Let’s take a look below at the most popular and valuable perks available (note that enrollment is required for select benefits):
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
This is by far the trickiest part of the comparison, with many different pieces to unpack. It’s also the one where your own personal preferences may sway you to one card or another.
For starters, the Sapphire Reserve still has an edge over Amex regarding the $300 annual travel credit. Not only is it a higher amount than the up-to-$200 airline fee credit that comes with the Amex Platinum, but it’s also much less restrictive. It will automatically apply to a broad range of travel purchases. In contrast, the $200 Amex airline credit only applies to select fees such as seat assignments or checked bags — and you’re limited to a single airline you designate each year.
Regarding ride-hailing services, some people see the up-to-$200 in annual (U.S.) Uber Cash (broken into $15 a month, with a $20 bonus in December) that comes with the Amex Platinum card as a cash-like credit. However, not everyone uses a ride-hailing service or places an Uber Eats order in the U.S. once a month, which means the 10 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides with the Sapphire Reserve might be a more valuable option.
On the flip side, if you live in a smaller city or never order food, you might find the DoorDash partnership with Chase useless.
The same can be said of certain perks on the Amex Platinum — including statement credits with Saks Fifth Avenue, Clear and select digital entertainment providers. If you already use these services or merchants, it’s like money back in your pocket. If not, you may find they aren’t a real value-add relative to the annual fee.
Meanwhile, the Amex Platinum is widely considered the most comprehensive card for airport lounge access. Although the Priority Pass Select membership that comes with this card no longer allows you to access participating restaurants (you can with a Chase-issued Priority Pass membership), the access to Amex’s wide collection of Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs on same-day Delta flights should be enough to make up for that.
Meanwhile, the Sapphire Reserve only offers Priority Pass access, they are expanding their network of Chase lounges, with the first U.S. location open in Boston.
Another area where Amex excels is by offering Gold elite status with both Marriott and Hilton to Platinum cardholders. Chase offers no equivalent benefit.
Chase has historically been the leader in travel insurance, with generous terms. Amex has partially closed the gap, adding a suite of travel protection benefits to the Amex Platinum card (see here for more).
Winner: Amex Platinum is the clear winner when it comes to perks and benefits, which include its $1,400-plus in annual statement credits, expanded airport lounge access, travel protections, and elite status with Marriott and Hilton. However, if you’re looking for a more flexible travel credit, comprehensive protections and fewer lifestyle perks, the Sapphire Reserve could be a better option.
Related: How long it takes to receive statement credits
Bottom line
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express are two of the most popular premium rewards cards on the market. However, they offer slightly different value propositions.
Between hotel elite status and Centurion Lounge access, the Amex Platinum is better suited for those looking to enjoy a more luxurious travel lifestyle. If you frequently purchase airfare qualifying for 5 points per dollar, this card deserves a spot in your wallet.
The Sapphire Reserve, by comparison, is a premium card that’s simple enough for beginners and pros alike. The $300 annual travel credit is automatically applied to a wide range of purchases. Plus, you earn 3 points per dollar on travel (excluding the $300 travel credit) and dining and these categories are broad enough that you won’t be scratching your head trying to decide if you’re swiping the right card.
However, some may even find that it makes sense to carry both cards. If you can take advantage of all the annual statement credits and luxury perks, these cards can actually complement each other well.
Official application link: Amex Platinum Official application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson, Ryan Wilcox, Stella Shon, Juan Ruiz and Chris Dong.
For years, the unquestionable leaders of the premium card market were The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
That all changed when Capital One shook up the industry with its debut of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) in late 2021 — undercutting both of its rivals by offering competitive perks at a lower $395 annual fee.
Perhaps you’re one of the many Sapphire Reserve cardmembers who’ve questioned your loyalty to Chase with the launch of the Venture X. Or, maybe you’re on the hunt for your first premium travel rewards card.
Today, we’ll help you decide whether the Capital One Venture X or the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the better card for you.
Comparing the Capital One Venture X and the Chase Sapphire Reserve
Feature
Capital One Venture X
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee
$395.
$550.
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Earning rate
10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
2 miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
5 points per dollar on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining.
1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Statement credits
Up to $300 in annual statement credit toward travel booked through Capital One Travel.
Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, every four years.
Up to $300 in annual statement credit toward travel purchases.
Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/Nexus credit, every four years.
Other card benefits
Priority Pass lounge access for the primary cardholder and complimentary access for two guests.
Capital One lounge access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests.
10,000 bonus miles received every card anniversary.
Complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status*.
Travel and purchase protections.
No foreign transaction fees.
Priority Pass lounge access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests.
Chase lounge access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests.
Complimentary car rental elite status with National Car Rental, Avis and Silvercar.
Partner benefits like a DoorDash DashPass membership (through 2024).
Travel and purchase protections.
No foreign transaction fees.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
Annual fee
The annual fee on the the Sapphire Reserve is $550. Note that it costs an additional $75 to add an authorized user.
At $395 per year, the Capital One Venture X is one of the most affordable premium cards. Best of all, you can add up to four authorized users for no additional cost.
Winner: The Capital One Venture X for its lower annual fee for the primary cardholder and no additional cost for up to four authorized users.
Welcome bonus
Both cards require the same amount of spend in a given time frame ($4,000 in the first three months of account opening) to unlock their introductory offers.
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TPG values Chase Ultimate Rewards points slightly higher than Capital One miles due to its superior transfer partners — we estimate that Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2 cents apiece while Capital One miles are worth 1.85 cents apiece.
The Capital One Venture X’s welcome bonus of 75,000 miles is worth about $1,388, while the Sapphire Reserve’s bonus of 60,000 points is worth $1,200.
Winner: Capital One Venture X.
Earning
Which premium card will offer better returns in the long run? For this analysis, we factored in the value of each currency to their rewards rates:
Capital One Venture X
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Earning rate
10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel (18.5% return).
5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel (9.25% return).
2 miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases (3.7% return).
10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Ultimate Rewards (20% return).
5 points per dollar on flights booked through Ultimate Rewards (10% return).
3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining purchases (6% return).
1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases (2% return).
Both the Venture X and the Sapphire Reserve offer fantastic returns for travel purchased through their respective portals.
While the Venture X offers simplicity, with 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers higher returns for two lucrative bonus categories — travel (booked outside of Ultimate Rewards) and dining purchases.
Chase defines travel as a broad category, including everything from rental homes and buses to rideshares and parking fees. Similarly, dining purchases include takeout and delivery services, widening the spectrum for what falls under this category.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve, as it offers bonus categories beyond travel portal bookings. However, non-bonus purchases only garner 1 point per dollar. If you’re the type of consumer who has a ton of varied spend outside of travel and dining, then the Venture X may be a better card for you for its simple earning rate.
Redeeming
With both of these programs, transferring your points to travel partners is the most rewarding way to redeem your points and miles.
The Chase Ultimate Rewards program is a long-time crowd favorite. You can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points at a simple, 1:1 ratio (so every 1,000 Chase points equates to 1,000 points or miles in a Chase transfer partner program).
On the other hand, the Capital One miles program has partners that transfer at a 1:1 ratio for the most part, but there are a few exceptions that transfer at a less favorable ratio.
Let’s compare the partners side-by-side (all transfer at a 1:1 ratio unless otherwise stated).
Capital One miles
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Aeromexico Club Premier.
Air Canada Aeroplan.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
ALL Accor Live Limitless (2:1).
Avianca LifeMiles.
British Airways Executive Club.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.
Choice Privileges.
Emirates Skywards.
Etihad Guest.
EVA Infinity MileageLands (2:1.5).
Finnair Plus.
Qantas Frequent Flyer.
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
TAP Portugal Miles&Go.
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles.
Virgin Red.
Wyndham Rewards.
Aer Lingus AerClub.
Air Canada Aeroplan.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
British Airways Executive Club.
Emirates Skywards.
Iberia Plus.
IHG Rewards.
JetBlue TrueBlue.
Marriott Bonvoy.
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
Southwest Rapid Rewards.
United MileagePlus.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
World of Hyatt.
As you can see, there are quite a few overlaps. While Capital One offers more loyalty partners, there are no domestic airlines (after it lost JetBlue TrueBlue as a partner).
Meanwhile, Chase offers three domestic airlines — JetBlue, Southwest and United — as well as one particularly lucrative hotel program, World of Hyatt.
Of course, both the Venture X and Sapphire Reserve offer other (less lucrative) redemption options, such as gift cards and cash back.
However, with the Sapphire Reserve, your points are worth 50% more toward any travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal, making your points worth 1.5 cents apiece. While this isn’t as rewarding as transferring your points to Chase’s transfer partners, this redemption option is useful if you are having trouble finding award space.
Meanwhile, the Venture X offers fixed-rate travel redemptions at just 1 cent per mile — and while this can be applied to any travel purchase you charge to the card, it’s still notably lower.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve. More partners doesn’t necessarily equate to more value, which is why we peg Ultimate Rewards points at a higher value than Capital One miles. And even the fixed-value redemption option is 50% more lucrative.
Other benefits
Let’s talk about what makes these cards truly premium.
For starters, there’s an up to $300 annual travel statement credit on both cards. However, the Venture X’s travel credit is less flexible since you’ll have to book all travel on the Capital One portal in order to receive reimbursement. Meanwhile, the Sapphire Reserve will automatically reimburse for any purchases under the “travel” umbrella up to the $300 limit — and they don’t necessarily have to be booked directly with Chase.
As for lounge access, both cards offer Priority Pass membership, giving you access to 1,300-plus lounges worldwide.
On the one hand, the Venture X gets you Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests, whereas the Sapphire Reserve limits to you to two free guests (and then $27 each for additional guests.) Where the Sapphire Reserve fights back is that you can visit Priority Pass restaurants and spas, whereas you’re limited to lounges with the Venture X.
Both issuers are getting into the lounge game themselves, with Capital One’s first lounge open at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and more to come. The Venture X gets you access.
Chase has its first U.S. lounge open in Boston and the Sapphire Reserve card will get you access.
Finally, both are Visa Infinite cards, giving you high-level travel and purchase protections. Both also come with ancillary benefits that won’t necessarily move the needle for prospective applicants (such as the 10,000-mile anniversary bonus on the Venture X and partner benefits with the Sapphire Reserve), but these perks are all worth taking advantage of if you decide to apply for either card.
Winner: Tie. While the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s $300 travel credit is much more flexible, the Capital One Venture X comes with 10,000 bonus anniversary miles. They’re very similar on lounges.
Bottom line
Both the Venture X and the Sapphire Reserve have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s impossible to generalize which card comes out on top.
However, for a much more manageable annual fee, the Venture X is a fantastic offering — if you don’t mind using the travel portal to unlock many of the benefits on the card.
For those who prefer to book directly with travel providers, the Sapphire Reserve is likely the better option for you — but at the cost of a higher $550 annual fee.
Official application link: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Official application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card overview
The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers the same great redemption options as its sister cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) — but with a lower rewards rate and fewer perks. The miles earned on the card can be transferred to Capital One’s 15-plus airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly as a statement credit on eligible purchases. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
No matter which card from the Capital One Venture family you choose, all three options offer simple earnings structures, 17 airline and hotel transfer partners and easy-to-use rewards.
For those who like a straightforward option for earning and redeeming rewards, you can also use your miles to “pay” back travel purchases charged to your card in the past 90 days.
If you’re on the fence about paying an annual fee, you’ll want to take a look at the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
Capital One VentureOne welcome offer
The Capital One VentureOne comes with a sign-up bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG valuations that peg Capital One Venture miles at 1.85 cents apiece, this sign-up bonus is worth $370.
That’s significantly less than the Venture card’s bonus, which is currently at up to 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, and valued at $1,388 by TPG.
However, the 20,000-mile bonus is still higher than what many other no-annual-fee cards offer. Additionally, the spending requirement for the VentureOne card’s bonus is much easier to meet than the Venture card, with it requiring just $500 in spending.
Earning miles on the Capital One VentureOne
The VentureOne earning scheme is similar to the $95-a-year Venture card but with a slightly lower return on everyday spending.
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You’ll earn a flat 1.25 miles per dollar on everyday purchases, which equates to a solid 2.33% return using TPG valuations. While decent, it isn’t the best return for everyday spending. However, the benefit of an unlimited earning rate is that you don’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — exchanging simplicity for maximizing value.
Plus, if you are booking hotels and rental cars through the Capital One travel portal, you’ll earn 5 miles per dollar on those reservations — a solid 9.25% return.
Redeeming miles on the Capital One VentureOne
You have a few options when it comes to redeeming Venture miles.
The most straightforward way is to use them to pay for eligible purchases as a statement credit. This allows you to sign in to your Venture Rewards online account and redeem miles at a flat 1 cent apiece for a statement credit against eligible travel purchases you’ve made with the card in the last 90 days.
This includes many travel expenses that traditional miles won’t cover, from Uber rides to Airbnb stays. There are no award charts, blackout dates or minimum redemption amount.
Related: Use your Capital One Venture miles to stay at these 10 stunning Airbnb homes
However, to get more value from your sign-up bonus, you should try the more advanced redemption option — maximizing Capital One’s transfer partners. Capital One has 17 airline and hotel partners to which you can transfer your miles, including Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Avios, Etihad Guest and Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles.
This redemption option is slightly more advanced than just redeeming against charges at a fixed value, but it’s not as difficult as it sounds. We have plenty of guides that will teach you how to best redeem your miles using transfer partners:
Capital One VentureOne benefits
The VentureOne card comes with the standard suite of World Elite Mastercard travel and shopping benefits, including:
In addition to these World Elite Mastercard perks, the VentureOne is among the few no-annual-fee cards with no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option to use outside of the U.S. Benefits are only available to accounts approved for the World Elite Mastercard card, and terms apply.
Which cards compete with the Capital One VentureOne?
If this card sounds pretty appealing, know that there are actually several no-annual-fee cards that compete with the VentureOne, plus its older sibling:
For additional options, check out our full list of the best no-annual-fee cards.
Read more: The power of the Chase Trifecta: Sapphire Reserve, Ink Preferred and Freedom Unlimited
Is the Capital One VentureOne worth it?
The VentureOne is a solid no-annual-fee option for those who still want a healthy sign-up bonus, reasonable perks and the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners. However, you can get a higher earn rate on everyday purchases by getting a Venture card with an annual fee.
Bottom line
In addition to its perks and sign-up bonus, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card also beats other no-annual-fee cards for perks such as purchase protection and no foreign transaction fees. It’s a budget-friendly option for Capital One fans and frequent travelers alike.
Official application link: Capital One VentureOne
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox and Stella Shon.
Singapore Airlines’ first-class product has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best luxury experiences in the sky. Many in the points and miles world save up to book this bucket list experience, complete with Dom Perignon (and Krug) Champagne, caviar and some of the best inflight service out there.
Before we dive into how you can book your next first-class adventure on Singapore Airlines, let’s look at what you can expect from the different aircraft types operated by the carrier.
The first-class cabins
Currently, Singapore operates aircraft with two different first-class layouts — the Boeing 777-300 and the Airbus A380. On its 777-300s, the first-class cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 layout at the front. Each seat has plenty of room and turns into a lie-flat bed. The seats are similar to the business-class seats on this aircraft in layout, though they have more personal space and the first-class service sets them apart.
You’ll find Singapore Airlines’ famous Suites class on the Airbus A380s. The Suites are located at the front of the upper deck, and each one has a bed separate from the seat, providing an incredible amount of personal space you will not find on most commercial aircraft.
Two Suites can be combined into a double bed, making it ideal for couples. This is about as good as first class gets.
The A380 Suites are significantly better than the 777 first-class seats, so it’s worth going out of your way to book the A380 if possible.
Regardless of aircraft, you can count on some great Champagne, a great meal — don’t forget to “Book the Cook” — and plenty of hot towels to help you stay refreshed. If you are departing from Singapore, you will also have access to Singapore Airlines’ exclusive and recently renovated Private Room lounge.
If you see a route operated by one of Singapore’s new Airbus A350s or 787s, keep in mind that it doesn’t have a first-class cabin on this aircraft, but it does have a fantastic business class.
Related: 8 reasons I’m excited about Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites flying to the US
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How to book Singapore Airlines first class with miles
Unlike most airlines, Singapore Airlines will only let you book its first-class (and business-class) award tickets on long-haul routes through its own KrisFlyer program. So while United Airlines and Air Canada are both Star Alliance partners of Singapore Airlines, you won’t be able to use MileagePlus or Aeroplan miles to book these premium-cabin awards.
Suites-class options
Singapore Airlines is not operating A380 services to or from any destinations in the United States after switching the service from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to a 777 service in May.
Schedules and aircraft type are subject to change, but at the time of publication, over the northern summer period, Singapore will operate the A380 to the following destinations:
Destination from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
KrisFlyer miles required for Suites class (each way, per person at Saver level)
KrisFlyer miles required for Suites class (each way, per person at Advantage level)
New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
58,500 miles.
98,000 miles.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
45,000 miles.
73,000 miles.
London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR).
141,000 miles.
225,500 miles.
Melbourne Airport (MEL).
93,500 miles.
155,000 miles.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM).
58,500 miles.
98,000 miles.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
58,500 miles.
98,000 miles.
Sydney Airport (SYD).
93,500 miles.
155,000 miles.
First-class options
While the 777 first-class product isn’t quite as impressive as the A380 product, the good news is that Singapore Airlines flies the 777 product to several U.S. destinations. At the time of publication, over the northern summer period, Singapore will operate the 777 with first class to the following destinations:
Destination from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
KrisFlyer miles required for first class (each way, per person at Saver level)
KrisFlyer miles required for first class (each way, per person at Advantage level)
Auckland Airport (AKL).
93,500 miles.
155,000 miles.
New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
58,500 miles.
98,000 miles.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
141,000 miles.
225,500 miles.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
45,000 miles.
73,000 miles.
Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).
30,500 miles.
52,500 miles.
London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR).
141,000 miles.
225,500 miles.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via Tokyo.
146,500 miles.
228,000 miles.
Melbourne Airport (MEL).
93,500 miles.
155,000 miles.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM).
58,500 miles.
98,000 miles.
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) via Frankfurt.
148,500 miles.
243,000 miles.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
141,000 miles.
225,500 miles.
Sydney Airport (SYD).
93,500 miles.
155,000 miles.
Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND).
77,000 miles.
120,000 miles.
Zurich Airport (ZRH).
141,000 miles.
225,500 miles.
You can also try Singapore Airlines first class on the airline’s fifth-freedom routes. Here is the one-way pricing for Saver and Advantage awards:
Between New York and Frankfurt: 97,000 (Saver)/143,500 (Advantage) miles.
Between Los Angeles and Tokyo: 120,000 (Saver)/187,000 (Advantage) miles.
Related: Fifth-freedom routes: Flying top international airlines without setting foot in their home countries
KrisFlyer does not impose fuel surcharges on flights on its own metal, so fees, taxes and surcharges on first-class and Suites flights are reasonable.
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Saver availability is strictly limited, but you can pay more miles for an Advantage ticket. You might also consider waitlisting for a Saver award.
And if you only want to get a taste of Singapore Airlines first class on a short flight, you can book flights between Singapore and Jakarta for 40,000 Avianca LifeMiles on some dates.
Off the beaten points first reported you can use LifeMiles to book this route. But despite searching, we haven’t seen the ability to redeem LifeMiles for other Singapore Airlines first-class or suites-class routes.
How to earn Singapore KrisFlyer miles
While Singapore Airlines doesn’t offer a cobranded credit card in the U.S., the airline partners with several major rewards programs with transferable currencies, including:
Earning rewards with one or more of these programs and transferring them to Singapore Airlines is one of the easiest ways to earn KrisFlyer miles. The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to KrisFlyer miles:
American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Terms apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Check to see if you’re targeted for a 125,000-point welcome offer through CardMatch (offer subject to change at any time). Terms apply.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Citi Premier® Card: (see rates and fees) Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
In the case of transferable currencies that don’t instantly transfer to KrisFlyer, you’ll want to call and put a hold on your award ticket before initiating a transfer. That way, you won’t find yourself with stranded Singapore KrisFlyer miles because of a lack of award space.
Bottom line
At first glance, it might seem like only being able to book Singapore first-class awards with the KrisFlyer program would be a problem. However, when you consider that Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy points can all be transferred to your Singapore KrisFlyer account, it seems a lot more doable.
As with many premium-cabin awards, you’ll want to start looking for award space as soon as you know your travel dates. First-class award space on Singapore Airlines is not always easy to find, so starting your search as early as 355 days before your desired departure date is advisable. Also, consider waitlisting or searching at the last minute.
With a little planning, you’ll be able to earn the required miles and find the necessary award space to try one of the best first-class products in the world.
If you’ve spent any time around TPG, you know that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of our most beloved cards. We often recommend it as a great travel rewards card for beginners and travel rewards veterans alike for its solid earning potential, excellent point redemption options and relatively low annual fee.
We love the card so much that it made multiple appearances on our list of cards TPG staffers can’t live without.
If (for some reason) you haven’t gotten it yet, make that your next move.
Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card with a sign-up bonus of 80,000 points after you spend $4,000 in your first three months of account opening
But if you’ve already listened to us and gotten the Chase Sapphire Preferred, your next card decision might seem more daunting. If you ask a few of us which card you should get next, you will likely hear different answers. It can feel like choosing your next card is complicated when, in reality, there are just a lot of really good options of cards you can get to take you to the next phase of your points and miles journey.
Today we’re going to break down the three major schools of thought on which card you should get to pair with your trusty Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Three approaches
Your options fall into three categories:
There’s no single right answer that applies to everyone, so you’ll want to consider your own situation to identify which makes the most sense.
Related: The power of the Chase Trifecta
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Option 1: A card to earn additional Ultimate Rewards points
This is a great choice if you love the options to redeem and transfer the Chase Ultimate Rewards points from your Sapphire Preferred. With one of the Chase Freedom cards, you can maximize your spending categories to earn even more of these points from your everyday spending.
On their own, the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex are marketed as cash-back cards. If you also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred, though, you’ll be able to combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards points and transfer them to the full range of Chase transfer partners.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Annual fee: $0.
Sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on all purchases up to $20,000 spent in your first year.
Rewards rate: Earn 5% on travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 3% on dining and drugstores, and an unlimited 1.5% on all other purchases.
Why this card pairs well: This card is excellent to pair with your Chase Sapphire Preferred because it earns 1.5% (or points per dollar spent) on all purchases, which is 50% more than the Chase Sapphire Preferred (1 point per dollar spent on purchases outside of its bonus categories).
Even with my own more advanced card portfolio, this is a card I reach for often. It allows me to earn a decent return on purchases that don’t fall under most bonus categories, such as auto repairs and specialty items. With a current bonus of earning an additional 1.5% back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent) in your first year, it’s a no-brainer for most Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders.
Related: Chase Freedom Unlimited: A great card for beginners and pros alike
Official application link: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Flex
Annual fee: $0.
Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Rewards rate: 5% (or 5 points per dollar) cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. You’ll also get 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on drugstore purchases and dining, and 1% on all other purchases.
Why this card pairs well: With this card, you’ll get 5 points per dollar on qualifying purchases in merchant categories and at specific retailers that change each quarter. For example, during the second quarter of 2023 (April 1 through June 30), the bonus applies to Lowe’s and Amazon purchases — perfect timing for your spring cleaning and graduation gift purchases. This card gives you a great way to earn more Chase Ultimate Rewards points on different spending categories.
If you find yourself ready to juggle a few cards but want to keep earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can use all three cards (Sapphire Preferred, Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex) to maximize your points earning potential on all your purchases. Just be sure to time your applications carefully to maximize your approval chances.
Option 2: A card to earn additional points with a Chase transfer partner
If you consistently transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to a specific transfer partner, like United MileagePlus or World of Hyatt, you can get a cobranded card to maximize your points.
United Quest Card
Annual fee: $250.
Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
Rewards rate: Earn 3 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases (immediately after earning the $125 United purchase credit) and 2 miles per dollar on all other travel, including airfare, trains, local transit, cruise lines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, resorts, ride-sharing services and tolls. You’ll also earn 2 miles per dollar on dining and select streaming services and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Why this card pairs well: Since United is one of the most valuable Chase travel partners, this card will greatly improve the value you receive when you transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to United. For example, when you have a United Quest card, your miles will go much further due to the additional award availability offered to all United cardholders.
You’ll also receive a free first and second checked bag for yourself and a companion, priority boarding and access to Premier upgrades on award tickets. Other benefits include two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits, 25% back on United inflight purchases and up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. A $125 annual United purchase credit will take the sting out of this card’s $250 annual fee.
If you fly United regularly, the United Quest card and Chase Sapphire Preferred combination offers valuable flexibility.
Related: 4 reasons to get the new United Quest Card
Official application link: United Quest Card
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Annual fee: $95.
Sign-up bonus: Earn up to 60,000 bonus points, including 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening and another 30,000 points by earning 2 points per dollar on purchases that normally earn just 1 point per dollar in your account’s first six months (on up to $15,000 spent).
Rewards rate: Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties; 2 points per dollar at restaurants and on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting as well as fitness club and gym memberships; and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Why this card pairs well: The World of Hyatt program is easily the most valuable hotel transfer partner offered by Ultimate Rewards, so you’ll want to enjoy as many perks as possible when redeeming your rewards for stays at Hyatt. You’ll receive Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open and five qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every year. Plus, you can earn two additional qualifying night credits every time you spend $5,000 on your card, making it much easier to reach the next tier of elite status even if you’re not on the road constantly.
Another popular benefit on the card is the annual free night you receive after your cardmember anniversary (valid at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort), as well as an additional free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year.
Related: The most award-friendly hotel program: Everything you need to know about World of Hyatt
Official application link: World of Hyatt Credit Card
Option 3: A card that diversifies your rewards
This is the one that opens the door to other options.
Suppose you feel comfortable using your Chase Ultimate Rewards and want to unlock even more possibilities. In that case, you’ll want to open a card that will build you another set of transferable points. Here are some great choices:
American Express® Gold Card
Annual fee: $250. (See rates & fees)
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 within six months of account opening. However, check the CardMatch Tool to see if you’re targeted for an even higher welcome offer (subject to change at any time).
Rewards rate: Earn 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants and 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). Earn 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or on Amex Travel and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Why this card pairs well: The Sapphire Preferred doesn’t offer a grocery bonus, so this is an excellent card to use at U.S. supermarkets.
Most importantly, you diversify your rewards by accessing American Express Membership Rewards, including unique transfer partners that Chase doesn’t have, such as Hilton, Delta Air Lines, ANA, Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas. Other benefits include up to $120 in annual dining credits and up to $120 each year in Uber Cash that you can use toward Uber Eats purchases or Uber rides in the U.S.
Related: American Express Gold card review
Official application link: American Express® Gold Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee: $95.
Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Rewards rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases.
Why this card pairs well: The Sapphire Preferred has incredible transfer partners, but they can’t account for all travel purchases. However, the miles you earn from your Capital One Venture can be redeemed for statement credits toward nearly any travel purchase.
Capital One also offers you the ability to transfer your miles to a lengthy list of airline and hotel programs, which have little overlap with Chase’s partners. Valuable additions include Wyndham Rewards, Turkish Airlines, Qantas and Choice Privileges. However, you also have access to some shared transfer partners like British Airways and Avianca LifeMiles, so pairing the Venture with the Sapphire Preferred could accelerate your potential earnings with these programs.
This card also offers you up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit.
Related: Capital One Venture Rewards credit card review
Official application link: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Citi Premier® Card
Annual fee: $95.
Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Rewards rate: Earn 3 ThankYou points per dollar spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. For a limited time, earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) when you book through the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024.
Why this card pairs well: The Citi ThankYou Rewards program offers several transfer partners that Chase doesn’t, such as Qatar, Etihad and Turkish. It also offers valuable bonus earning rates at supermarkets and gas stations, which the Sapphire Preferred doesn’t. This card also comes with a hotel savings benefit worth $100 off a $500 single hotel stay (excluding taxes and fees), once each calendar year. However, that stay must be booked through Citi’s travel portal, limiting its utility to some extent.
Related: Sizable rewards, manageable annual fee: Citi Premier credit card review
Official application link: Citi Premier® Card
Bottom line
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is excellent on its own, but it’s even better when paired with other cards. Whether you want to focus on earning more Chase Ultimate Rewards points, build out your stash of points or miles with one of Chase’s transfer partners or diversify into another set of transferable points, you have great options available to you.
Remember, there is no wrong choice when choosing your next card. Regardless of your choice, you’ll build on the knowledge you’ve obtained through the Chase Sapphire Preferred and take another step toward paying for your next trip with points and miles.
Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred should still be the first rewards card in your wallet
Additional reporting by Jason Steele.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card please click here.
You can currently receive a 15% transfer bonus when you transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Avianca LifeMiles miles. Normally you can transfer 1,000 MR points and receive 1,000 LifeMiles, during this promotion you’ll receive 1,150(1:1.15).
The Fine Print
Valid until 12/07/22
Our Verdict
This is a very common transfer bonus from American Express. Previous transfer offers are as follows:
You can find more AmEx transfer offers by clicking here.