The Minnesota-based airline Sun Country has its own credit card for frequent fliers of the budget carrier. The Sun Country Visa credit card, issued by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), has an annual fee but also some perks that may make the card a worthwhile investment. Certainly, this card could make sense for people who fly Sun Country’s relatively limited routes: The airline is in more than 100 airports across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, Canada and the Caribbean.
But if Sun Country airline doesn’t satisfy your travel plans, then the Sun Country credit card won’t do much for you, either. In that case, a general travel card or another airline card would be a better fit.
1. It has an annual fee
You’ll pay $69 a year for the Sun Country credit card, placing it within the mid-tier travel card category. Compared with similar cards, the Sun Country falls a little short in terms of value. For example, for a slightly higher annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on everything else, a $100 credit for Global Entry or PreCheck every four years, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to transfer miles to Capital One’s 15 travel partners.
2. Perks can help offset the fee
Sun Country cardholders get the following benefits, some of which can help recoup some of the annual fee:
Priority boarding on Sun Country flights every time you fly.
One free premium drink per flight.
50% off seat selections and first checked bag for you and your travel companions when traveling on the same itinerary. Seat selections and bag fees must be prepurchased to receive the discount.
The ability to get 10,000 bonus points if you spend at least $10,000 over 12 consecutive billing cycles beginning with the account anniversary. Points are worth 1 cent each, so 10,000 bonus points are worth $100 toward Sun Country flights.
3. It has a decent sign-up bonus
New Sun Country Visa cardholders can get 25,000 points if they spend at least $1,000 in the first three billing cycles after account opening. Because 1 point is worth 1 cent, the sign-up bonus is worth $250. Note that the bonus can only be redeemed toward more Sun Country flights.
The Sun Country card’s welcome offer is fine, but it’s hardly the best. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, widely recognized as the gold standard among mid-tier travel cards, has a $95 annual fee, but the sign-up bonus is far superior to the Sun Country card’s. New Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card holders get the following welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
4. The card pairs well with Sun Country’s loyalty program
The Sun Country card earns the most points on Sun Country bookings, but it has some good everyday spending categories, too. The card earns:
Unlimited 3 points for each $1 on Sun Country purchases.
Unlimited 2 points for each $1 on gas and groceries. (Wholesale clubs are ineligible.)
Unlimited 1 point for each $1 on everything else.
Even better, rewards earned with the credit card are stackable with Sun Country’s loyalty program, Sun Country Rewards. Members of the Sun Country Rewards Program get:
2 points for every $1 spent directly with Sun Country, either online at suncountry.com or by calling Sun Country Reservations.
1 point for every $1 spent on bookings made through a travel agent or other travel websites.
That means if you have the Sun Country credit card and are enrolled in the Sun Country Rewards Program, which you can do at www.suncountry.com, you’ll earn 5 points per $1 on Sun Country purchases.
Rewards don’t expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.
5. Redemption is limited
Points earned with the Sun Country card are only redeemable for travel booked directly with Sun Country including flights, seats, checked bags and vacation packages. Again, consider a general travel card or another airline card if you want more redemption options.
Credit card rewards can help you get some money back on every dollar you spend, but they can also be confusing. First, there’s deciding which card to apply for if you don’t yet carry a rewards card. Then, there’s how and where best to use it. And finally, the good stuff: cashing in your earned rewards.
Rewards program rules can get intense. Points may be worth a certain value when redeemed for travel but have another value if traded in for cash back. Sometimes you can transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs, or combine them with someone else’s points. Airline miles might be worth more for international travel bookings, but if you just want a cheaper ticket for a domestic flight, your points wouldn’t be reaching their full potential.
It’s enough to make anyone want to toss their wallet out a window. But with some gentle strategizing, maximizing rewards is possible. (And, yes, if what you want most is discounted domestic travel, go for it.)
Match your lifestyle and desired level of effort
Friends may have strong opinions about which card is best, but your ideal card doesn’t need to be trendy. Think about where you spend money the most, how much effort you’re willing to put in to manage cards and rewards, and what you’d like to redeem rewards for.
If what you want is simplicity, opt for a card that earns a high flat rate on everything. If you’re comfortable with some additional complexity, select cards that earn higher rates for your specific spending, such as at grocery stores, gas stations or restaurants, or on travel-related purchases.
Cash-back cards offer the easiest redemption options, typically a statement credit that lowers your next credit card bill, or perhaps a direct deposit into your bank account. Travel cards offer the glamorous promise of cheaper vacations, but using points and miles requires some longer-term planning.
“Try to avoid groupthink and allowing others to influence what card is right for you,” says Juan Ruiz, co-founder of JetBetter, a travel concierge and award booking service. “Picking the right card is like being prescribed medication by a doctor.”
Spend with a strategy
Generous sign-up bonuses make rewards cards extra appealing. If you hit a certain spending target, like $3,000 in the first three months you have the card, you can earn a bonus worth hundreds of dollars.
As exciting as this can be, proceed with caution. Think of rewards as something you earn when you buy the things you would have purchased anyway, like groceries or gas. Racking up a big credit card bill just for the points could leave you owing more than you can afford to pay back, in which case interest will outweigh rewards. A spending minimum that’s out of your budget is a sign that a card isn’t right for you.
“Don’t twist yourself into knots to try and buy things that you shouldn’t,” says Robert Walker, founder of AwardCat, a service that helps travelers find and book award travel. “Think ahead and be strategic with it.” Walker recommends looking for regular expenses you might not have thought to put on a credit card, such as utility bills or even taxes. If you don’t incur an extra fee to pay with a credit card, or if the fee is negated by a sign-up bonus, this is another way to make everyday costs work harder for you.
Enjoy your rewards
Credit card rewards are worth nothing if unredeemed, so there’s no reason to admire your pile of points for too long. With some cash-back cards, you can redeem any number of points, though some cards require you to save up a certain minimum number before making a redemption.
For travel, you can certainly spend months agonizing over how to best use your points, but don’t get lost in the research for long. “People get caught up trying to do the smartest thing, but the value of the reward is what you get out of it,” says Matthew Goldman, founder of Totavi, a financial technology consulting firm.
Goldman suggests establishing the minimum value you’d accept per point and aim for a redemption that meets that. So if you can redeem points for 1 cent each for travel, but only 0.8 cent each for gift cards, skip the gift cards. Still, even a less-than-perfect redemption is worthwhile compared with holding onto your points forever. “They’re not part of your legacy or your estate,” Goldman says. “Don’t stress yourself out so much. Do something that’s enjoyable.”
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
Looking for the best fun jobs that pay well? Many people dream of having a job they love that also pays well. I completely get it – you don’t want to hate working a job that you’ll be at 40 hours a week! I’m very grateful to have a job that I love. I don’t…
Looking for the best fun jobs that pay well?
Many people dream of having a job they love that also pays well. I completely get it – you don’t want to hate working a job that you’ll be at 40 hours a week!
I’m very grateful to have a job that I love. I don’t dread any day of the week, and I genuinely love what I do. Due to that, I hope everyone gets to feel the same about their job as well.
Thankfully, it’s easy to find a job that lets you do what you enjoy and still pays you a good paycheck. Whether you love working online or driving fast cars, there are many job options that let you have fun while also making good money.
Whether you want to make extra income or find a full-time job, there are many fun jobs that pay well that may interest you.
Fun Jobs That Pay Well
When you’re looking for a job, it’s great to find one that you find fun and that also pays well. Here are some top choices to start with:
Bloggers work from anywhere and write about topics such as family, recipes, personal finance, travel, and more. This is what I do, and I think it’s a ton of fun. Plus, it pays very well!
Art therapists use creativity to help others. They draw or paint as a way to support people’s emotional health. This job requires a master’s degree, but it combines art with helping people, which can be very rewarding.
A Ferrari driving instructor teaches others how to drive a luxury sports car. It’s not just exciting; it can also pay between $90,000 and $120,000 a year.
If you like spotting mistakes in content, then finding a proofreading job may be perfect for you. Proofreaders act like an extra set of eyes to read articles, papers, books, ads, and other written content.
Below are over 40 other fun jobs that pay well that I recommend learning more about.
1. Blogger
If you want to find a fun job that pays well, my favorite way is to start a blog. That’s exactly what I do for a living!
A blog is content written on a website. It usually includes articles like what you’re reading here.
You can blog about something you’re passionate about or something you know a lot about. Or even a topic you want to learn more about (people love following others’ firsthand journeys!).
I began Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and since then, my blog has earned me over $5,000,000 over the years.
I started my blog on a whim to share my own money journey. At first, I didn’t even know people could earn money from blogs or how to make a successful one. And now, it’s my full-time job!
There are many ways to make money blogging such as:
Advertising revenue (banner ads that you see in blog posts)
Sponsored blog posts (when a blogger partners with a company to promote a specific item or company)
Affiliate marketing (when a blogger receives income for referring readers to a product)
Selling digital products or services (such as courses, clothing, books, and more)
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Printables designer
Making and selling printables can be a fun way to earn money. When you create printables on Etsy, you only need to make one digital file for each product. After that, you can sell it many times to make more money.
Printables are things you can find online and print at home.
These can be things like a planner, coloring pages, wall art prints, greeting cards, gift tags, and so much more.
I buy printables frequently, and so do others all the time. Recently, I bought a printable for my daughter and it was a useful tool to help teach her the alphabet. I love that I can easily search what I’m looking for and get exactly what I want – plus I can print it right at home quickly!
Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
3. Voice actor
A voice-over actor is someone you hear but don’t usually see in things like videos on YouTube, documentaries, radio ads, TV ads, corporate talks, online courses, audiobooks, video games, movies, and cartoons.
Voice actors don’t necessarily need experience for this job (although it can be helpful later on). What’s important is having a voice that matches what the company is searching for.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Voice Over Actor
4. Photographer
As a photographer, you get a special chance to capture moments and tell stories with your camera. Photography has many different areas where you can focus, and they can be both satisfying and financially rewarding.
Here are some examples:
Photojournalist – You document events for media outlets, such as National Geographic.
Wedding Photographer – Your role would be capturing wedding moments in couples’ lives.
Stock photo photographer – Photographers can sell their pictures on stock image sites, which are really popular. These sites let customers purchase pictures for things like websites, TV shows, books, and social media.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
5. Buy and sell flipper
Being a buy-and-sell flipper means you’re into flipping items for profit.
This includes getting undervalued things from flea markets, garage sales, or online places and then selling them for more money.
This could be things like clothing, electronics, furniture, cars, and so much more. Basically, anything and everything!
Your success depends on how good you are at finding good deals, knowing the values in the market, and selling things again for a profit.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
6. Proofreader
As a proofreader, your careful attention to detail can become a rewarding career. Proofreading means going through texts to fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes before they get published. This job is important to make sure written content is clear and doesn’t have errors.
Many people, like authors, website owners, and students often hire proofreaders to make their work better. There’s a big need for proofreaders, and you can find jobs on various platforms.
Even the best writers can make mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why getting a proofreader can be really helpful for almost everyone.
In fact, although I have written over 2,000 articles, I have a proofreader who will have proofread this very blog post.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year)
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
7. Freelance writer
Freelance writers create content for clients, like blog posts and advertising. Freelance writing usually involves working independently. Clients give you a topic, you write about it, and then you might receive feedback, like suggestions to improve or add paragraphs.
You can write about any topic that you want to – such as travel, money, home, and so on.
How much you make as a freelance writer depends on your experience and the topics you write about. When you start, you might earn around $50 to $75 for a 500-word article. As you get better, you can charge more. For a 1,000-word article, you could make between $100 and $150. If you do well over time, you can ask for even higher rates.
I was a freelance writer for many years before transitioning to full-time writing here on Making Sense of Cents. It’s a great career where you can mostly work from home on your own.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
8. Graphic designer
A graphic designer is someone who makes designs for people and businesses. As a digital designer, you might create images, social media graphics, printables, T-shirt designs, business cards, stickers, logos, and more.
As a graphic designer, your main job is to communicate through visuals. You use a mix of typography, images, color, and layout to convey messages and brand identities. This field gives you the freedom to express your creativity in different ways, whether it’s through digital designs or print materials.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
9. Social media manager
Being a social media manager is an exciting career choice and your main job is to take care of how a company or person appears online on different platforms. Your tasks include interacting with followers, selecting content, and planning social media posts.
Here are the key areas you typically need to focus on:
Content creation – Create fresh, original posts tailored to each platform.
Engagement – Interact with the audience by responding to comments and direct messages.
Strategy planning – Use data analytics to drive social media strategies, aiming for increased engagement and reach.
The salary can vary, and you can choose to do this job either part-time or full-time.
10. Social media influencer
Related to the above, you can make money with your own social media accounts as well.
Have you ever followed someone on Instagram or TikTok and thought to yourself that it would be fun if you could do something similar?
Social media influencers use different online platforms to create, share, and connect with content that their audience likes. Your success depends on growing a big group of followers and establishing yourself as a trusted voice in your specific area.
As an influencer, you’ll create your brand by sharing your interests, pictures, and opinions on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and others.
You can earn money through sponsored posts (when brands pay you to promote their products or services in your Instagram posts), affiliate marketing (earning commissions from sales through your referral links), and by creating digital products like ebooks or online courses.
I’ve been a social media influencer for years, monetizing my Instagram and Facebook accounts. It’s a great experience as I get to collaborate with companies I love and promote products I already use.
11. Veterinarian
If you have a passion for animals, then becoming a veterinarian may be a great fit for you.
Veterinarians have a skilled and fulfilling role dedicated to animal health and welfare. The main responsibility is to provide medical care to animals, diagnose health problems, and perform surgeries.
Vets work in private clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, zoos, and more.
The veterinarian career path is rewarding as it lets you blend a love for animals with the chance to make a positive impact on their lives.
To become a veterinarian, you must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program and obtain a state license to practice. This usually involves:
A bachelor’s degree
A four-year veterinary program
The national average salary for veterinarians is around $100,000 per year.
12. Marine biologist
One job that I dreamed of as a kid was to become a marine biologist. It always sounded like so much fun to work with water and sea animals.
Marine biologists study marine organisms and how they behave and interact with the environment. Your work might take you from coastal wetlands to the deepest parts of the ocean.
Here are some of the things they do:
Conduct research on marine wildlife and ecosystems
Monitor the health of marine habitats
Develop conservation plans
Educate the public and policymakers
Marine biologists are important for understanding marine life and contributing to ocean conservation efforts.
13. Mystery shopper
Retailers, restaurants, and financial institutions need mystery shoppers for detailed feedback to improve their customer service and products.
This might not be a full-time job, but it can provide you with some extra money each month.
I remember when I first learned about mystery shoppers. I was working at a clothing store, and we would have mystery shoppers come in to see how we were doing. We never knew who the mystery shopper was, but we would get to read their report afterward and see what they thought of us.
After learning about mystery shopping, I found a website where I could become one as well. It sounded like fun to get paid to shop.
I would make about $150 to $200 per month through mystery shopping, and I also got free items and services, like $100 to spend at restaurants (where I had to provide feedback while I was there), makeup, and more.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Mystery Shopper
14. Architect
Architects have a special mix of creativity and technical skills, allowing them to design buildings that are not just attractive but also functional and safe.
Their role includes making detailed plans, and considering factors like sustainability, budget, and client needs.
To become an architect, you typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture and you’ll need state licensure, which is obtained by passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
15. Stunt person
A stunt person is a cool job where you use your physical skills to create exciting action scenes for movies, TV, and live shows. It’s a big part of making the action look real and thrilling.
To do this job, you might need lots of training in things like martial arts, gymnastics, or extreme sports. You also have to be good at handling pressure and follow safety rules closely.
16. Professional video gamer
Yes, if you like video games, you may actually be able to make money as a professional video gamer.
While the amount of money you can make will definitely vary, top gamers have the potential to earn from tournament prizes, sponsorships, and streaming content for fans:
Tournaments: Prize pools can be large, reaching into the millions for top-ranking competitions.
Streaming: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube pay through ads, subscriptions, and donations.
Sponsorships: Companies may endorse you and pay you with sponsorships or free items.
You could maybe even find a job working for a video game designer, testing out video games so that companies can improve their video game design.
Recommended reading: How Much Do Twitch Streamers Make?
17. Chocolatier
Many people at some point in their lives want to become the person who makes chocolate and candy – sounds amazing after all, right?
A chocolatier is someone who uses cooking and art skills to make chocolates. It’s a job that needs creativity, precision, and a good sense of taste.
You might work for yourself, making chocolates, or you may even work for a large chocolate company. I know people who do both!
18. Personal trainer
If you want to find a job that you’ll love, becoming a personal trainer may be it.
Personal trainers play an active role by combining fitness with motivational skills to help people reach their health and fitness goals. This job includes:
Assessing clients’ fitness levels and health conditions
Developing personalized workout and nutrition plans
Demonstrating exercises and routines to clients
Tracking clients’ progress and adjusting plans as needed
How much you earn as a personal trainer can change a lot based on where you work, your qualifications, and the clients you get. Personal trainers usually make an average of $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
19. Supercar driving instructor
Supercar driving instructors have an exciting job where they help people learn how to drive fast cars on racetracks.
The role includes teaching safety and giving an exciting experience as well as explaining how to handle the vehicles, follow track rules, and use advanced driving techniques.
You can usually earn a high income doing this, plus you get to drive some of the world’s most exotic supercars.
20. Toy designer
Being a toy designer is probably most children’s dream career. After all, who hasn’t loved toys at one point in their life?
The toy industry is always looking for creative designers to make new toys that will grab kids’ attention and imagination.
Toy designers have a cool job where they mix creativity with making things work well. The main aim is to create toys that are fun and help kids learn and grow. This special job combines artistic skills with knowing about how children think and learn.
21. Restaurant critic
Restaurant critics evaluate dining establishments and share their experiences through written reviews. Their main responsibility is to provide an unbiased review of the food quality, service, ambiance, and overall dining experience.
To gain experience and get started, begin by developing your taste buds and learning about different cuisines. This can involve:
Going to cooking workshops
Exploring different food places when you travel
Creating your own blog or starting an Instagram dedicated to food
22. Brewmaster
If you love craft beers and enjoy understanding how fermentation works, becoming a brewmaster could be a fun and rewarding career.
Brewmasters manage the brewing process, such as creating recipes, choosing ingredients, and making sure the quality is top-notch during production.
To start, you might need formal education, such as a degree in brewing science or a related field. However, some brewmasters climb the ladder from roles like brewing assistants, gaining experience through on-the-job learning.
23. Fashion designer
Fashion designers make clothing, accessories, and shoes, and they draw designs, pick fabrics and patterns, and guide how the products designed should be made.
Fashion designing can be a fulfilling career if you love fashion and enjoy creating. It gives you a chance to express yourself personally and can even lead to getting noticed in the industry.
24. Food stylist
Food stylists combine culinary art with aesthetics, making sure that dishes not only taste good but also look delicious and perfect for photographs.
Their duties include choosing ingredients thoughtfully, preparing the food, and presenting it in a way that’s visually attractive. This is important for different media like advertising, packaging, cookbooks, and film.
25. Event planner
Event planners organize events, from big corporate conferences to small weddings. Their main job is to make sure every part of the event matches the client’s vision, fits the budget, and meets the goals.
According to Glassdoor, the average pay for an event planner is around $50,000 per year. Your salary can change based on things like your experience, where you work, and the size and type of events you handle.
26. Animator
If you’re looking for fun jobs that pay well, then becoming an animator may be it!
Animators make visual creations, and their main focus is on designing characters, environments, and entire worlds in 2D or 3D formats.
Here’s what you may work on:
Character design: Create and develop characters for various media.
Story development: Collaborate on storyboards to plan out visual narratives.
Animation: Work with digital tools to animate drawings and models.
The animation industry values creativity and technical skills and also pays competitive salaries with the opportunity to contribute to exciting storytelling processes. Whether you’re involved in creating animated TV shows, movies, or video games, being an animator can be both enjoyable and financially rewarding.
27. Real estate agent
Real estate agents are professionals who help people buy and sell properties, such as houses and commercial buildings.
I know a few real estate agents, and they all seem to love their jobs. They get to see beautiful new homes and properties and help their clients find their dream property.
Plus, they usually set their own schedule, which can help you create a better work-life balance.
28. Private investigator
Private investigators conduct investigations on various matters, including legal, financial, and personal issues.
This may include doing things like surveilling someone to get information, interviewing people to get details, researching public and legal documents, as well as gathering evidence for cases.
Here are some steps to becoming a private investigator:
Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Perhaps even get a degree or certification in criminal justice or a related field.
Gain experience in a related field such as law enforcement or the military.
Acquire a private investigator license, as required by your state.
29. Romance novelist
Starting a career as a romance novelist can bring both fulfillment and income. If you love storytelling and especially romance, this can be a fun one to think about.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money Self-Publishing Short Romance Novels
30. Interior designer
Interior designers mix creativity with practicality to decorate the insides of properties. Their job is to design and put in place the aesthetic and functional aspects of residential or commercial spaces.
Your job would be to create an environment that looks good and is comfortable for your clients.
31. Airline pilot
Airline pilots have a career that is both exciting and has the potential to make a lot of money. Their main job is to pilot commercial aircraft, flying from one place to another, and making sure everyone on board, including passengers and crew, stays safe.
Some of their daily duties include:
Conduct pre-flight inspections
Navigate the aircraft
Communicate with air traffic control
Monitor weather conditions and aircraft systems
Lead the crew and manage any in-flight issues
32. Drone pilot
Drones have gained popularity lately, not just for recreational use but also for jobs requiring aerial photos and videos. This creates a growing opportunity for individuals to start small businesses and make money with their drones.
Your job as a drone pilot may be to:
Take high-quality images and videos from unique perspectives, such as for real estate, construction, or events.
Perform inspections, surveys, and mapping for various industries like mining or agriculture.
Analyze data and images to give insights to clients.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money With A Drone
33. Sommelier
Sommeliers have a lot of knowledge of wine and can share it in a fun way.
This job is usually found in upscale restaurants, and this role involves suggesting wines that go well with customers’ meals, conducting wine tastings, managing wine service, and taking care of the wine cellar.
34. Chef
Chefs, of course, play an extremely important role in a restaurant kitchen, crafting menus and overlooking meal execution. Their primary responsibilities include tasks like:
Menu Design: They create food menus for a restaurant.
Food Preparation: They oversee and sometimes partake in the detailed preparation of ingredients.
Cooking: They cook the restaurant meals and oversee other cooks in the kitchen.
35. Cruise director
Cruise directors make sure passengers have an unforgettable experience aboard a cruise ship. This job requires a fun personality and excellent skills in managing both entertainment programs and a team of staff members.
Their responsibilities include planning and supervising all onboard entertainment, such as shows, events, and activities.
We went on an around the world cruise recently and had an amazing cruise director. It looked like such a fun job, and they got to travel everywhere that we did (of course!).
Recommended reading: How To Get Paid To Travel The World (18 Realistic Ideas!)
36. Astronomer
Astronomy is a field that combines the excitement of exploring the cosmos with the satisfaction of solving complex problems. As an astronomer, you enter a world dedicated to understanding celestial phenomena and the principles of the universe.
Usually, a Ph.D. in astronomy or a closely related field is needed to conduct independent research or work at a university. However, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you might find opportunities at planetariums, observatories, or assisting with research.
37. Netflix tagger
If you’re seeking a fun yet rewarding job, becoming a Netflix tagger could be an interesting option. In this job, you watch Netflix content and assign specific labels to shows and movies, influencing the platform’s recommendation algorithm.
To get started, you will need to apply through the Netflix jobs portal, where available positions are listed. Experience in film and media studies, while not mandatory, can give you an advantage.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Ways To Get Paid To Watch Netflix
37. Geologist
Geologists explore and study the earth’s composition, processes, and history.
Their job can lead to finding valuable resources like minerals, oil, and gas, and they also have an important part in environmental conservation and predicting natural disasters.
38. Dog walker
If you love pets, then this is the fun paying job for you!
Dog walkers do exactly that – walk dogs while their owners are busy, such as at work or on vacation. If you like dogs, then this can be a fun way to spend time with animals and get paid for it.
To become a sought-after dog walker, you should be reliable, good with animals, and you should have excellent customer service skills to build connections with clients. Dog walking allows you to enjoy the fresh air, bond with different dogs, and make money doing something you love.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Dog Walking Apps To Make Extra Money
39. Ethical hacker
Ethical hackers think and operate like malicious hackers but with a specific goal: identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
They act as safeguards, testing and securing systems to prevent potential breaches for companies.
This job involves a lot of problem-solving skills, as you are looking for possible security problems.
40. Travel agent
If you like planning trips, then becoming a travel agent may be a great way to have a fun high-paying job.
Travel agents craft and sell travel experiences. They help advise clients on different travel destinations and arrange transportation, hotels, tours, and more. It’s a job that not only pays well but allows you to help others travel.
You may help people plan their honeymoon, a trip to Disney World, an around-the-world cruise, and so much more. There are travel planners for every kind of trip that you can think of.
Your knowledge and skill in handling the challenges of travel planning make you a very important help to travelers who want their experiences to be stress free.
The average annual salary can vary by a lot, and this can be either a part-time or full-time job. There is a lot of job growth too, as more and more people are going on vacations!
41. Personal shopper
Personal shoppers give a shopping service for clients who either lack the time or the style to select their own stuff. As a personal shopper, your job may range from picking clothing to finding the perfect gift.
You may work at a high-end retail store, or you may be a freelance personal shopper – there are many jobs in this field!
42. Park ranger
Have you ever been to a beautiful place like Yosemite National Park and wondered what it would be like to work there?
Park rangers work in places like beautiful national parks and get to enjoy the scenery every single day. Their responsibilities include protecting and managing parks, wildlife, and historical sites and making sure that both the natural resources and the visitors exploring them are safe.
To become a park ranger, you usually need a combination of education in fields related to conservation, environmental science, or wildlife management, and relevant work experience.
Recommended reading: 15 Outdoor Jobs For People Who Love Being Outside
43. Tour guide
Being a tour guide gives you a chance to share your love for travel or history with others, all while making a living. You’ll get to be in different places like historical sites, museums, or outdoor adventures.
This can be a low-stress job with a big fun factor – as you get to explore places that you probably already love and are an expert at.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money as an Airbnb Experience Host
44. Yacht crew
Working on a yacht can be a thrilling job that mixes travel, adventure, and the chance to meet new people, along with the possibility of earning good money.
If you work on a yacht, your job could be as a captain, mechanic, server, cleaner, chef, and more. If you’re on a smaller boat, you might even handle all these tasks.
Jobs on a yacht or big sailing boat are usually hard work, but the perk is that you get to travel with most expenses covered, while also earning a high income.
45. Flight attendant
Being a flight attendant is important for making sure passengers are comfortable and safe. You’re like the friendly face of the airline during flights, taking care of different needs and keeping service standards high.
Plus, you get to enjoy the unique perk of discounted or free travel, which is a big perk of becoming a flight attendant.
Flight attendants can earn a good income, and the benefits are excellent. They usually make between $50,000 to over $100,000 a year. The training to become a flight attendant usually takes around 1 to 2 months.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Flight Attendant And Make $61,640 Each Year
46. Art therapist
Art therapists combine the creative process with psychological healing to provide a unique kind of mental health therapy. They conduct one-on-one or group therapy sessions, and being an art therapist can be very fulfilling as you help people discover their voice and heal through art.
Art therapists work at schools, psychiatric hospitals, veterans associations, and more. Usually, you need a master’s degree to enter this field.
They use art therapy to assist people in expressing their emotions, dealing with complex feelings, and enhancing self-awareness. Their job isn’t just about being artistic; it’s deeply connected to therapeutic practices that help a variety of clients.
Another job similar to this is becoming a music therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find fun jobs that pay well.
What is the most high-paying fun job?
The most high-paying fun job can vary based on your skills and interests. Some high-paying fun jobs include being a blogger, pilot, stunt person, and romance book author.
What are random jobs that pay well?
There are many unique jobs, such as a private island caretaker, yacht captain, or a voice-over artist.
Which is the most exciting and highest paying job in this world?
This will depend on who you ask! Maybe it’s being a pilot, a stunt person, an actor, or something else.
What are some fun jobs that pay six figures?
Some fun jobs that pay over $100,000 may include becoming a blogger, selling printables, photographer, architect, and more.
What are some low-stress fun jobs that pay well?
Jobs like a yoga instructor or a massage therapist can be low stress and fun, and they provide a good income, especially when experienced or working in more affluent areas.
What are some fun jobs that pay well without a degree?
You can pursue jobs such as a social media influencer, a real estate agent, or a personal trainer, which can pay well and be rewarding without requiring a traditional four-year degree.
Best Fun Jobs That Pay Well – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best fun jobs that pay well.
There are many fun careers that pay a part-time or full-time income.
Careers like voice acting, managing social media, and ethical hacking not only pay well but also let you have a good balance between work and life. The key is to know your talents and find the right fit in these exciting jobs.
I have been working a fun job for many years now, and I really really love it. It makes each day enjoyable and I actually look forward to work. I hope that you get to one day say the same as well.
What do you think are the best fun jobs that pay well?
The best travel rewards are the ones that get you where you want to go, and some do a better job of that than others. Airline miles can help you book free flights and hotel points can help you book free rooms, but transferable points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards and AmEx Membership Rewards) can do both — and more.
Here are six reasons why transferable points are at the apex of travel rewards, and why you should prioritize earning them over other types of points and miles.
1. Transferable points provide flexibility
Suppose you’re in the market for a new travel credit card and you’ve narrowed your decision to two choices: the first card earns points that can be redeemed with your favorite airline, while the second card earns points that can be redeemed not only with your favorite airline, but also with your favorite hotel chain. The cards are functionally identical otherwise. Which do you choose?
The second card is the obvious answer. The option to redeem with both airline and hotel partners makes the rewards you earn from it more useful, since they can meet a broader range of award travel needs. In short, the rewards earned by the second card are more valuable because they’re more flexible.
Transferable points programs expand on that premise by partnering with a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, giving you a diverse range of redemption options instead of just one.
Flexibility isn’t the only ingredient needed to add value, since making points transferable doesn’t necessarily mean transferring them is worthwhile. For example, you can transfer Hilton Honors points to more than two dozen airline partners, but in most cases the transfer ratio is a dismal 10:1 (i.e., 10,000 Hilton points becomes 1,000 airline miles).
That provides marginal value because it’s only useful in marginal situations, like if you urgently need a small number of miles to book a highly valuable award flight. While Hilton Honors points are technically “transferable,” their transferability doesn’t add much.
In contrast, the major transferable points programs generally offer neutral or favorable transfer ratios, as well as transfers that process quickly (or in many cases, instantly). That kind of flexibility adds more clear and consistent value.
2. Transferable points have greater upside
Suppose you’re booking a long weekend trip from Denver to San Francisco in the spring. You’ll be attending a wedding at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco and plan to pay out of pocket for your room there, but you have 60,000 United Airlines MileagePlus miles you can use to book your flight.
You want to arrive Thursday morning and return Sunday evening, so you search United’s website and find an itinerary that suits your needs for 32,200 miles and $11.20 in fees. You compare that with the cash price of $375.72 and calculate a redemption value of 1.13 cents per mile. That’s quite close to NerdWallet’s valuation of1.2 cents per mile, so you’re satisfied.
Now imagine that instead of United miles, you have a reserve of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Instead of being able to redeem them solely for United flights, you can transfer those points to 11 airlines and three hotels based on which one suits your needs and offers the best value.
For example, instead of booking with United, you could transfer points to Southwest Airlines and book a comparable (though not identical) itinerary for 27,577 points and $11.20 in fees, versus a cash price of $386.97.
Assuming you’re not bothered by the earlier outbound departure and you don’t have a strong preference for one airline, the ability to choose between them saves you about 4,600 points on your flight.
Alternatively, you could transfer points to Hyatt to book your stay at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. The award cost is 17,000 points per night, totaling 51,000 points for your three-night visit.
Cash rates start at $323 per night, but the cheapest rates require advance purchase and are nonrefundable, while booking with points generally allows you to cancel with no penalty until two days before arrival.
A cash rate with a comparable cancellation policy totals $1,386.22 after taxes and fees, which yields a redemption value of over 2.7 cents per point (more than double what you’d get by redeeming for the United flights above).
This is just one example about a set itinerary, but it illustrates how the versatility of transferable points provides an upside when you’re not locked into specific travel providers.
Having more redemption options yields more opportunities to use points efficiently, which in turn raises the expected value of each redemption.
3. Transferable points have more favorable expiration policies
Many loyalty programs have expiration policies that can cause your rewards to vanish over time. While you’ll generally have 12 to 36 months to keep rewards active, some points and miles expire in as little as six months.
It’s easy to let rewards lapse and disappear in that timeframe if you’re not a frequent traveler and you don’t monitor your loyalty accounts vigilantly.
In contrast, transferable points generally don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. That means you won’t have to keep track of when you last logged activity in each loyalty program or take action to keep dormant rewards from expiring.
4. Transferable points offer lucrative transfer bonuses
Most transfers to airline and hotel partners are done at a 1:1 ratio, so transferring typically gets you the same number of rewards you put in.
For example, transferring 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United Airlines gets you 1,000 United miles, or transferring 1,000 Citi ThankYou Rewards points to Wyndham Hotels gets you 1,000 Wyndham points. While exchange rates vary depending on the loyalty program and credit card you’re using, a 1:1 transfer ratio is the industry standard.
However, transferable points programs offer occasional transfer bonuses that boost the exchange rate, commonly by 20%-50%. Instead of the usual 1:1, every 1,000 points you transfer with a bonus could get you 1,200 to 1,500 points with the partner program (or in some cases, more).
These higher exchange rates can save you points when a transfer bonus aligns with your travel plans, since booking the trip you want requires fewer transferable points than it would normally.
Transfer bonuses also create opportunities to top up your loyalty account balances by sending points to the programs you use most (even if you don’t have immediate plans to redeem them).
5. Transferable points reduce the risk of devaluation
Loyalty programs change over time, and while they sometimes add features, lower award prices or introduce new redemption options that make rewards more valuable, the opposite is more common.
Devaluations are a regular occurrence among airline and hotel programs and sometimes take place with no warning. When your points or miles are suddenly in decline, you have little recourse.
Transferable points programs aren’t immune from devaluations; they add, remove and modify features just like airline and hotel programs.
However, transferable points are insulated from devaluation by the sheer number of available redemption options — when a single airline or hotel program devalues, other transfer partners are unaffected, so transferable points retain the bulk of their worth.
In short, earning transferable points is the award travel equivalent of diversifying investments: By having a share of many loyalty programs, you’re less affected by a downturn in one of them.
6. Transferable points offer alternative redemption options
Transfers to airline and hotel partners tend to be the most valuable use of rewards, but transferable points programs feature a variety of other ways to redeem them.
One is to book flights, hotels or other travel directly through the program’s travel portal, especially with programs that offer added value for travel portal redemptions. For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders get 1.5 cents per point when redeeming through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
NerdWallet Rating
Annual fee
$550
Some programs also offer added value when redeeming for cash equivalents like statement credits or gift cards. For example, the American Express Platinum Card for Schwab lets you redeem Membership Rewards points at 1.1 cents apiece for cash deposits to an eligible Charles Schwab account. Terms apply.
Even though cashing out yields a lower average return than transfers to travel partners, it’s nice to be given the option when you need it, as it’s one you generally don’t have with other points and miles programs.
Why you should be using transferable points
Among travel rewards, transferable points have the best chance to provide useful redemption options, yield a high return and retain their value over time.
That’s why they’re broadly prized above rewards from individual airline and hotel programs, and why earning them should be the focus of your award travel strategy.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Every major city in the U.S. has a unique skyline. Whether they have the tallest buildings or the prettiest mountain backdrop, a skyline makes a city instantly recognizable from afar. Since the world’s first skyscraper in Chicago in 1885, architects have continued to race each other to touch the sky.
Here are 30 of the best skylines across the country, from the Big Apple to Motor City.
Which city has the best skyline in the U.S.?
From coast to coast, near the water or in the desert, each skyline has an element that makes them striking. And one of the best in the country.
30. Houston, TX
The oldest building in the Houston skyline is the El Paso Energy building, completed in 1963 at 33 stories. The tallest, the JPMorgan Chase Tower, is double that at 75 floors. The tower was supposed to be 80 stories, but a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) analysis said anything over 75 stories was considered hazardous to air navigation.
Find an apartment for rent in Houston.
29. Denver, CO
Denver’s skyline can be enjoyed from several spots around the city, including Washington Park. Denver is exactly one mile high, with more than 200 visible peaks sneaking around the skyline for their moment in the limelight. The tallest building in this skyline is the 56-story Republic Plaza.
Find an apartment for rent in Denver.
28. St. Louis, MO
You can’t think about the St. Louis skyline without the Gateway Arch, the tallest manmade monument in the country. The 630-feet-tall stainless steel monument is genuinely iconic and marks the moment the Louisiana Purchase was signed. Next to it, the Mississippi River flows by and joins the Missouri River north of the city.
Find an apartment for rent in St. Louis.
27. Orlando, FL
Fun fact about the Orlando skyline: Lake Eola, in downtown Orlando, is a giant sinkhole. It’s around 80 feet at its deepest point. You can see the most iconic city landmark, the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, right in the middle of it. In the background, at 441 feet, the Suntrust Center is the tallest building in Central Florida.
Find an apartment for rent in Orlando.
26. Atlanta, GA
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta is the view of the skyline at the Jackson Street Bridge. It’s both used in “The Walking Dead,” and it’s a prime spot to capture a beautiful Instagram shot for your feed. While the skyscrapers themselves aren’t quite famous, the view is still worth the snapshot.
Find an apartment for rent in Atlanta.
25. San Diego, CA
America’s Finest City’s skyline has changed drastically in just a decade but buildings are usually capped at 500 feet due to concerns over planes crossing over the downtown on the flight path to San Diego International Airport. Petco Park offers the best sunset view of the San Diego skyline, a treat while watching the Padres hit a few home runs.
Find an apartment for rent in San Diego.
24. Tampa, FL
The most identifiable buildings in the Tampa skyline are the University of Tampa’s stainless steel minarets, a stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers that surround it. Previously the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel, the building was railroad tycoon Henry Plant’s legacy inspired by Moorish architecture.
Find an apartment for rent in Tampa.
23. San Francisco, CA
As the fog rolls in, past the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s skyline looks ethereal. The Bay Area skyline is a good mix of skyscrapers like the Salesforce Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid and smaller buildings, due to the earthquake risk in California.
Find an apartment for rent in San Francisco.
22. Nashville, TN
Well, Bob Dylan in 1969 named a whole album after the stunning Nashville skyline, and we can’t disagree. The southern city’s first skyscraper was only 12 stories tall back in 1905 — that number has now grown to 162 high-rises. The most identifiable of them all? The AT&T Building, nicknamed the Batman building, for its resemblance to the superhero’s mask.
Find an apartment for rent in Nashville.
21. Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota winters are infamous for being brutal, but Minneapolis has it figured it out. They stay mega cozy without going outdoors, thanks to the skyway system’s enclosed bridges that connect buildings throughout the city. It’s the most extensive pedestrian skywalk system in the world, connecting more than 20 of the tallest buildings in Minneapolis.
Find an apartment for rent in Minneapolis.
20. Knoxville, TN
The Sunsphere, the tower with the disco ball-like at the top, makes the Knoxville skyline easy to spot. The unique structure was built for the 1982 World’s Fair. After sitting abandoned for years, the 4th-floor observation deck reopened in 2022. It offers a 360-degree view of downtown Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Find an apartment for rent in Knoxville.
19. Indianapolis, IN
Today, Indianapolis’ skyline is marked by Monument Circle, a monument to the valor of the common soldier. Any building surrounding it cannot be taller than eight stories so the sunlight can reach the fountain.
Another fun fact: Circle City was home to one of the most remarkable feats in engineering in 1930 — the move of the 11,000-ton Indiana Bell building. For a little over a month, the building was rotated 90 degrees. Some 30 years later, it was demolished.
Find an apartment for rent in Indianapolis.
18. Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati is home to the world’s first reinforced concrete skyscraper, the 16-story Ingalls Building. Before 1903, no one had built a building taller than six floors. Today, it’s the Courtyard by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown. This is just one of many historic landmarks in the city’s skyline.
Find an apartment for rent in Cincinnati.
17. Milwaukee, WI
With Lake Michigan as a backdrop, Milwaukee’s skyline held the title for tallest skyscraper for a brief moment in time. In 1895, the Milwaukee City Hall was the tallest building in the city, taller than anything in New York or Chicago at the time. The beautiful walkways surrounding the atrium (and the building) still stand today.
Find an apartment for rent in Milwaukee.
16. Norfolk, VA
Lesser known than some of the skylines on the list, Norfolk’s has mostly mid-rise buildings, with the 26-story Dominion Tower taking the top spot for tallest in the skyline. What brings you is the reflection of the skyline on the Elizabeth River. The recently revitalized waterfront offers beautiful views of the city and a chance to see the restored shoreline.
Find an apartment for rent in Norfolk.
15. San Antonio, TX
The star of the San Antonio skyline is the Tower of the Americas, the 11th tallest skyscraper in the entire state. Right in downtown San Antonio, the 750-foot-tall observation tower offers some of the city’s best views. Initially built for the 1968 World’s Fair, the tower has a spot to grab a bite to eat at the top.
Find an apartment for rent in San Antonio.
14. Charlotte, NC
Here’s a fun fact: The majority of Charlotte’s current skyline was built in the 21st century starting in 2002 with the Hearst Tower. The city is a financial center in the Southeast with Bank of America, Wells Fargo and other institutions having a presence at each of the skyline’s buildings.
Find an apartment for rent in Charlotte.
13. Portland, OR
Downtown Portland’s skyline is composed of 31 high-rises, with the Wells Fargo Center taking the top spot for tallest building. Most of the city center is nestled in between the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Nearby, the historic Pittock Mansion offers incredible panoramic views of Portland and Mount Hood in the background.
Find an apartment for rent in Portland.
12. Phoenix, AZ
From the top of Camelback Mountain, about 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix, you can see the entire Phoenix metropolitan skyline. A striking view during sunset with the desert mountains in the background is not your usual skyline view.
Find an apartment for rent in Phoenix.
11. Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has over 400 bridges, and it’s hard to miss them in the city skyline. Like the Smithfield Street Bridge, the oldest steel bridge in the U.S., which crosses the Monongahela River. Pittsburgh’s skyline also features One Oxford Centre, a complex of six buildings with many sides to offer as many corner offices as possible.
Find an apartment for rent in Pittsburgh.
10. Memphis, TN
The downtown Memphis skyline overlooks the Mississippi river as it was purposely built on the banks by the city’s founders. These days, the Memphis Riverfront offers a beautiful river walk that connects two state parks, Meeman-Shelby Forest and T.O. Fuller.
Find an apartment for rent in Memphis.
9. Detroit, MI
Detroit has one of the most distinguishable skylines in the country. Motor City’s Sunset Point gives the most beautiful views of the skyline along the Detroit River. Or, if you want a bench to admire the skyline and the sunset, head over to Riverside Park with a small picnic. The Ambassador Bridge is the star of the show from this angle.
Find an apartment for rent in Detroit.
8. Dallas, TX
The Dallas skyline is recognizable, thanks to the 1980s hit series “Dallas” and has won best skyline multiple times, including USA TODAY. The Reunion Tower, a 561-foot observation deck, is one of the skyline landmarks in Dallas. The locals often call it “The Ball.”
Find an apartment for rent in Dallas.
7. Chicago, IL
Right by Lake Michigan, Chicago has built one of the most classic skylines, with height variation, no crowding or funky-looking buildings. It makes sense since the first skyscraper in the world was built in the Windy City. Get to know it during one of the city’s popular architecture-themed boat tours. But you’ll get the best full view of the skyline at the Adler Planetarium.
Find an apartment for rent in Chicago.
6. Miami, FL
Welcome to Miami! The Florida city has the country’s third tallest skyline with more than 300 skyscrapers. The Panorama Tower, located in downtown Miami, stands tall at 85 stories, making it the tallest in the state. Nine out of the top 10 of the tallest buildings in Florida can be found in Miami.
Find an apartment for rent in Miami.
5. Los Angeles, CA
Did you know that until 2014 Los Angeles buildings were required to have a flat top to allow for a helicopter landing? That’s why the skyline looks almost homogenous aside from a few new additions. On a clear day without smog, the Los Angeles skyline can be seen from several vantage points, but Griffith Observatory and Echo Park Lake are the best ones.
Find an apartment for rent in Los Angeles.
4. Honolulu, HI
Honolulu’s small, packed skyline isn’t just about buildings. A skyline shot from above shows the vibrant blue Pacific Ocean paired with lush Diamond Head. It just exudes paradise from every perspective. The First Hawaiian Center has remained the tallest building on the island since the mid-90s at 429 feet.
Find an apartment for rent in Honolulu.
3. Seattle, WA
The Space Needle and Mount Rainier, part of Seattle’s iconic skyline, take our No. 3 spot for best skyline in the U.S. The best place to see it all from above? Sunset Hill Park provides the best view of the skyline during a sunny day. The Columbia Center takes the prize for the tallest building in the city at 76 stories.
Find an apartment for rent in Seattle.
2. Las Vegas, NV
And the No. 2 spot goes to Sin City — the one and only Las Vegas. With all of its neon lights, the Las Vegas skyline is the brightest place on Earth and can be seen from outer space. The Luxor’s Sphinx, a replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza, stands out among the many iconic buildings on the skyline. Fun fact: It’s bigger than the original.
Find an apartment for rent in Las Vegas.
1. New York, NY
The New York City skyline takes the prize as the best skyline in the country. From above, the Big Apple shines with its landmark buildings like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Tower and the One World Trade Center. It has inspired architectural dreams, and it has become the background for many stories and movies.
And while it had a tragic change at the beginning of the 21st century, it remains one of the best city skylines in the United States.
Find an apartment for rent in New York.
The best city skylines around the country
Whether buildings have a mountain as their background or a view of water, there are so many beautiful skylines to choose from across all 50 states.
These are just a small slice of the most beautiful city skylines around the U.S. With ongoing construction, each of these skylines will look a little different over time and one of them could be your next view from your apartment.
The following Delta Air Lines credit cards issued by American Express are getting new terms as of Feb. 1, 2024, that will make them more expensive to hold:
Beyond that cost, some of the cards’ features and benefits are also changing.
What to expect
The three Delta credit cards will maintain their ongoing reward structures and many of their perks, including complimentary checked bags (for the primary cardholder and up to eight passengers on the reservation); priority boarding; and 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases. All of the cards will also continue to skip foreign transaction fees. Terms apply.
But here’s what will be different for each card:
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
An increased annual fee: The annual fee is changing from $99 to $150 after the first year.
Adifferent welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. This is an increase from the previous welcome offer that provided 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on the new card within the first six months.
Enhanced credits: Get a $200 Delta flight credit — up from $100 — when you spend $10,000 with the card in a calendar year. There’s also an annual credit of $100 for Delta Stays that can be used to book a prepaid hotel stay or vacation rental through delta.com.
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
An increased annual fee: The annual fee is rising to $350 from $250.
A different welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. It’s a larger offer compared with the previous 50,000 bonus miles earned after spending $3,000 in purchases with the new card in the first six months.
Medallion Status opportunities: Get closer to earning Medallion Status with MQD Headstart, which offers $2,500 MQDs each Medallion qualification year. The new MQD Boost also inches you closer to status when you make purchases with the card. You’ll earn $1 MQD for every $20 on eligible purchases.
An enhanced companion certificate: The companion certificate on one main cabin round trip for someone traveling on the same itinerary as you will now expand to include round trip flights to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean or Central America. Previously, it was available only for trips to the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
New perks: If you’re not a Medallion member, you’ll be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and Reserve Card members. The list includes upgrades to Delta One, First Class and Delta Comfort+ seats. You’ll also get Hertz Five Star Status, which makes you eligible for upgrades (if available), points and more.
More credits: Get a $120 credit to use at Resy restaurants (up to $10 per month) and a $120 credit for U.S. rideshare purchases (up to $10 per month) when you enroll. There’s also an annual credit of $150 for Delta Stays that can be applied to prepaid hotel and vacation rental stays booked through delta.com.
Terms apply.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card will maintain its credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
An increased annual fee: The annual fee is increasing to $650 from $550.
A different welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Previously, you earned 60,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases with the new card in the first six months.
Medallion Status opportunities: MQD Headstart offers $2,500 MQDs each Medallion Year and MQD Boost provides an additional $1 for every $10 in eligible purchases.
An enhanced companion certificate: The companion certificate for someone traveling on the same itinerary on one First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Main Cabin round-trip flight will expand to include round-trip flights to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America.
New perks: If you’re not a Medallion member, you’ll be eligible for upgrades to Delta One, First Class or Delta Comfort+ seats after Delta SkyMiles Medallion members. You’ll also get Hertz President’s Circle Status, which gets you upgrades, elevated points, a broad selection of rentals and more.
More credits: Cardholders will get a $240 credit to use at Resy restaurants (up to $20 per month) and a $120 rideshare credit with select U.S. providers (up to $10 per month) when you enroll. Cardholders will also get an annual $200 Delta Stays credit to be used for prepaid hotel and vacation rental stays booked through delta.com.
Terms apply.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card will continue offering a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. Terms apply.
What it means for cardholders
If you opened an account before Feb. 1, 2024, the new annual fees will go into effect at your next renewal date on or after May 1, 2024. Before then, you’ll have to consider whether your card is still a good fit.
With the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, carefully weigh the value of those Resy and rideshare credits that are issued in small monthly increments. If you don’t already spend in these categories every month, they won’t be of much use. With the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, consider whether you spend enough to make use of the flight credit or check bags frequently to make up the annual cost.
If you fly Delta often and can make efficient use of any of these three cards’ benefits to offset the annual cost and snag savings, you’ll get a decent deal.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:
Get answers to common questions that will allow you to maximize your credit card rewards points and avoid common point planning pitfalls with our Nerdy expert tips.
How can you travel more while spending less? How could changes in airline loyalty programs affect your travel plans? What are the benefits of co-branded airline or hotel credit cards versus flexible rewards cards? NerdWallet’s Sean Pyles and Erin Hurd dive deep into credit card rewards points, addressing a range of topics that will resonate with anyone eager to maximize their credit card points and travel perks. They discuss recent changes in airline loyalty programs, including Delta and Alaska Airlines, and explore the advantages and drawbacks of co-branded airline or hotel credit cards and the benefits of using flexible rewards cards.
They also present strategies for maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses while avoiding common mistakes that can lead to fewer rewards, and offer tips for how you can track and manage credit card points and perks. Sean and Erin also explain the pitfalls of carrying a balance on travel credit cards, the implications of credit card fees and surcharges at local stores, potential industry changes, such as interest rates and fee structures, and the potential impact of the Credit Card Competition Act on rewards programs.
Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:
NerdWallet stories related to this episode:
Episode transcript
This transcript was generated from podcast audio by an AI tool.
Sean Pyles:
Airline points, restaurant points, retail points, rental car points, hotel points, points, points, points, points, points. Wrap them all up in credit cards and sometimes it can be head spinning.
Erin Hurd:
My guidance is generally pretty similar for most people, even if they have pretty different travel goals, and that all really goes back to the idea of just earning flexible points. If you have a stash of flexible points that aren’t locked into any one travel brand, you have a lot of options.
Sean Pyles:
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast. I’m Sean Pyles.
Erin Hurd:
And I’m Erin Hurd.
Sean Pyles:
This is the final episode of our nerdy deep dive into your money in 2024. Erin, we’re almost a month in, so how is your 2024 going so far?
Erin Hurd:
So far, so good. I can’t believe we’re already into 2024, but all is going well.
Sean Pyles:
Love to hear it.
Erin Hurd:
How about you, Sean?
Sean Pyles:
It’s been alright so far. I’m just glad the days are getting longer at this point, however slowly. So, Erin, we’ve brought you back onto the show because you are a nerdy points pro. How did you come to be so interested in credit card points programs and do you have a degree in complex mathematical equations? Because sometimes it seems like you need one to figure out how to use all of these.
Erin Hurd:
That sounds like it could be true, but actually it’s quite the opposite. I majored in English and math was always my least favorite subject. I’ve always been a deal seeker. I’m always looking for sales, I’m finding coupons, I’m figuring out how to get more, but how to pay less for it. So my husband and I have always loved to travel and I started dabbling in points and miles many years ago to help defray our travel costs so that we could travel more. But I really fell down the rabbit hole with the points and miles when we grew our family, and now we needed four seats on the airplane and in some circumstances, we need two hotel rooms for our family of four. So that’s when I really got serious about earning enough points and miles so that our family could travel more than just to the local campground, because that’s all that I would be willing to pay for.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah. And when you’re wrangling kids, I’m sure you don’t want to spend time doing math, but the good news is nobody needs a math degree because all they have to do is go to the NerdWallet site, poke around with our very handy calculators, and all will be revealed. But let’s give everyone a rundown of things they might want to think about when managing their credit card points. Now, would you say that the start of a new year is a good time for listeners to take stock of where they are with their points programs? Or is that something they should be monitoring all year round?
Erin Hurd:
Great question. Well, in a perfect world, ideally you do want to be giving your points some attention more than once a year, especially if you’re trying to save them up to take a big trip, because the amount of points that you’ll need for that trip can fluctuate. Often it requires more than you think that you’ll need and it can take time to earn those points and then to find great redemptions for them. But don’t fear, it’s never too late, so the new year is a fantastic time to check in if you haven’t been already.
Sean Pyles:
Well, we are going to give everyone a head start by taking a look at what we can expect from 2024 in Point Land. But before we get started, a reminder that we always want to hear what you think, too, listeners. To share your ideas, questions, concerns around credit card points, or anything else, leave us a voicemail or text the Nerd hotline at (901) 730-6373. That’s (901) 730-NERD, or email a voice memo to [email protected]. Stay with us. We’re back in a moment with the future year in credit card points.
So Erin, let’s start with a look back at last year in Point Land and see if there are some lessons that we can learn from 2023 to take into this year. And before we get too deep into the conversation, I want to flag that we are going to mention some companies that are NerdWallet partners, but that does not influence the way that we talk about them. So, Erin, in this conversation, we’re mostly going to focus on maximizing credit card points, but I want to briefly touch on the fact that at least two of the major airlines, Delta and Alaska, changed their point reward systems toward the end of last year. What did that mean for flyers and were there any kind of bigger messages about point systems that came out of that?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, those were big headlines in the travel world. Now, they were pretty different in scope. Delta changed the requirements to earn elite status in future years, this won’t actually take effect just yet, but they also put limits on some of the benefits that credit card holders can use, like airport lounge access.
Now Alaska, on the other hand, made big changes to its award chart and an award chart is what determines the number of miles you’ll need to pay for a ticket. But these are both examples of a bigger takeaway that we see over and over again, and that is that you should never have all your proverbial eggs or points in one basket. So what I mean by that is that even if you fly a certain airline often because that’s what serves your home airport, having only a credit card that earns points or miles for that one brand really limits your options. The truth is that, unfortunately, travel loyalty programs change or get devalued relatively often and sometimes with little to no notice. So that means if you’ve racked up a nice chunk of say, Alaska miles for an upcoming trip, but they suddenly change their award chart, as they just did, and decide that the flight you want to book will now cost double the miles, you’re pretty hamstrung if all you’ve got is a chunk of Alaska miles.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah, having multiple different cards from different brands is a way of having credit card dollar cost averaging in a way, where you’re spreading your risk across different kinds of products. So, that is one way to offset the ups and downs of what these companies are doing. But I can see these changes making some folks wary of using these cards that are co-branded with an airline or hotel. Do you still think they’re worthwhile given recent changes?
Erin Hurd:
I do. For travelers, carrying a co-branded airline or hotel credit card, it can be really beneficial for certain perks. Some of the airline cards, for example, will give you free checked bags for you and sometimes, depending on the card, up to eight traveling companions every time you fly. So, that can add up to a huge value if you’re flying relatively often, even if you’re flying a couple times a year and you’re checking a bag, that can make it worth it. And especially because you’ll earn, generally, a welcome bonus when you open up the card.
But I advise leaning more on what we call flexible rewards credit cards, and they can give you a lot more options for your travel, plus they often earn more rewards on everyday purchases.
Sean Pyles:
Can you tell us what you mean by flexible points? How do they work and how do you earn them?
Erin Hurd:
Oh, sure. As the term suggests, they are flexible. So, there’s a number of credit cards that have their own travel points. Instead of earning Delta miles or Alaska miles or Marriott points, for example, there are several Chase cards that earn points called Ultimate Rewards. There are many different American Express cards that earn something called Membership Rewards. There’s City Thank You points, ect. And the beauty of these flexible points is that they can be used to book all kinds of travel, not just a Delta flight or not just an Alaska flight.
So generally, these credit card issuers have their own travel portal and you can book your travel there and pay directly with your points and you don’t have to involve any cash. And many of these programs also allow you to transfer those points to certain airline and hotel travel partners, usually at a one-to-one ratio, which is great because often you can get more value from your points when you transfer them to the airline or the hotel and book directly. But really, the biggest benefit is just having so much more flexibility. So instead of being locked into a Delta flight, like you probably would be if you only had a Delta miles earning credit card, flexible points just give you lots of options.
Sean Pyles:
Okay. Well let’s get to cards. First, anything from last year stand out to you? Any program changes you saw that were worth paying attention to or new ways to use them?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah. Well, the good news is that we’re still seeing some pretty juicy bonuses offered for new card holders who sign up for a card and meet certain spending requirements in the first few months. And we’re excited that those seem to be sticking around. Years ago, it used to be that a credit card welcome bonus of around 30,000 or 40,000 points was really generous, but over time those numbers have crept up and up, and it became not uncommon to see bonuses of 60,000 points or 80,000 points or even 100,000 points offered to new cardholders.
Now, that trend continued throughout COVID, even when people weren’t traveling as much, the banks kept offering big bonuses to keep travel credit cards interesting. And we’ve been wondering, all this time, if we’d start to see the bonuses start to shrink back down as people return to travel, as inflation and recession fears crept in. But the good news is we have not seen that happen so far. Right now, there are several six figure welcome bonuses out there for various travel credit cards and welcome bonuses are an important part of the travel credit card strategy for a lot of people.
Now, I don’t open credit cards just for the welcome bonus. I don’t advise doing that, but I also know that I’ll earn more rewards from that bonus than I probably will from a year or more of regular spending on that card. So it’s definitely a factor.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah. And these signup bonuses are often folks’ best chance at getting a huge amount of points since points can take a long time to accrue through daily purchases alone. And we’ve also seen new ways to use rewards, right? What’s the latest on that front?
Erin Hurd:
As far as new ways to use rewards, we’ve seen a steady stream of options evolving to use your points to pay for merchandise at various stores. At Amazon, for example, when you check out, you may have noticed you have the option to pay using several different kinds of points, credit card points. It makes it really easy and it can feel like you’re getting stuff for free if you’re using points instead of actually charging your card or paying cash. But really be careful because the downside is that you’re often getting poor value for your points when you use them this way. You’re paying for convenience and they’re betting on people not really understanding or questioning the value of the points.
So for example, if you use Chase Ultimate Rewards at Amazon to check out, they’re worth 0.8 cents each, but those same points can be worth up to 1.5 cents each when you use them to book travel through Chase, depending on which card you have, or often even more than 1.5 cents each if you transfer them to travel partners.
Sean Pyles:
Wow, that breakdown is really eye opening. I’ve seen that at Amazon checkout and I’ve been a little tempted to use my points in that context, but after that, I definitely won’t be doing so. So, thank you for that. So Erin, I think one of the most common questions people have is how to know which card and point program is not only best in class, but best for them and their specific situation. So, if you’re looking to maximize points, how do you figure out which card to get in the first place?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, it’s a great question and there are so many options, and I know it can be really overwhelming for people who aren’t immersed in credit cards all day long like we are here at NerdWallet. And it may seem like there are many different factors, maybe you think it’s going to be different if you want to use points for travel, which airlines are most convenient for you? What style of travel do you enjoy? What kind of trips are you planning for? But really my guidance is generally pretty similar for most people, even if they have pretty different travel goals. And that all really goes back to the idea of just earning flexible points. If you have a stash of flexible points that aren’t locked into any one travel brand, you have a lot of options.
So I also encourage people who really want to get the most from their points to not get scared off by credit card annual fees. I know it can seem silly to pay a fee just to have a card, I hear resistance from people, and I get it, but the rewards and the perks that you get from the cards that charge annual fees often far outweigh the fee itself. In a lot of cases, you get what you pay for, and yes, there are lots of excellent no-fee cards out there, but if you really want to up your points game and take it to the next level, it’s really worth considering the more premium cards that do charge a fee.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah, I, for a long time, was really opposed to annual fees on credit cards because I just didn’t want to pay for access to a credit card and the fee-free option seemed to be sufficient for me. But I recently actually acquired a travel credit card that does have an annual fee because I looked at all of the perks that it was going to offer me and then compared that to how much the card costs on an annual basis. And the perks, by far, outweighed the cost. So you’re really getting something that’s worth more than you’re paying an annual fee if you make it worth it. You do have to do a bit of work to make sure you’re taking advantage of all of the benefits that these cards offer you.
Erin Hurd:
That’s right.
Sean Pyles:
So Erin, since you are deep in the points world, I would love to hear how you have approached this thought process in the past. Are you the type to be selective with cards in your wallet, or do you have a small collection of cards at your disposal?
Erin Hurd:
Well, both. So personally, I am selective, but I have also collected a pretty large portfolio of cards over time. Our family does travel a lot, and so we make pretty full use of the credits and the perks that the cards give us, but I also reevaluate each and every year to make sure every card still makes sense for me and for our family. And I really recommend that people go slowly and have a strategy. It’s really easy to get excited by the big welcome bonuses and people can be tempted to open lots of cards all at once, but please just slow down. Be aware that each credit card issuer has their own set of guardrails. They won’t extend excessive amounts of credit to any one person, and they want to make sure that you’re going to be a good long-term customer.
One issuer, for example, won’t approve you for a new credit card if you’ve opened more than five cards across any card issuer in the past 24 months. So I really like to hammer home that this is a long-term game and it pays to have a strategy. Don’t just go opening cards willy-nilly without a plan.
Sean Pyles:
And then with the cards that you use, how do you keep track of the points and perks that you have and the fees associated with them? Do you have a spreadsheet? Are you using a notebook? What’s your process for that?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, I have a simple spreadsheet. As a credit cards Nerd, I’m also pretty engrossed in it all day long. NerdWallet has a lot of resources to keep everyone up to date, we cover all the news. So you can always check NerdWallet, but I recommend just a simple spreadsheet, taking note of what cards you have, when you opened it, what signup bonus you earned when, and then just what categories that bonus is on.
So another tip is to make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirements when you do open a new credit card. In order to earn the bonus, you’ll typically need to spend anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 or even more on that card in the first three to six months. Make sure you have a plan to meet those spending requirements without spending any more money than you intend to or would otherwise.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah, and one big thing to watch out for is bonus categories. You can look for specific spending areas, say travel or groceries or gas, and get more points for those than for other purchases. Walk us through how to make sure we’re using each card in the most efficient way to rack up those points and rewards.
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, that’s a great point. And honestly, that’s another reason why many brand-specific cards, like a Delta card, probably won’t be your best bet because they tend to offer only 1x rewards on most everyday spending categories, except purchases on their brand. So if you really want to ramp up your points earning, don’t just blindly use one card for every purchase. I like carrying a few cards that can work together to earn the most rewards across many different categories. So you could use one card for groceries, but have a different card for restaurants.
Now, the good news is many of the major credit card issuers offer several cards that have synergy. They all earn the same bucket of flexible points for you, but one card is better for some categories and another is better for different kinds of purchases. Now, in the show notes, we’ll include our articles about some three-card combos you can have that can really help you ramp up your rewards.
But I know there’s a lot of people out there who don’t want to futz with having a lot of cards, and that is completely fine, but I would ask you to at least consider two cards. That way, if the largest spending in your budget is on grocery stores, say, you could choose a card that earns good bonus rewards at grocery stores, and then you could use another card that earns a flat 2% on all other purchases, and you’ll be good to go.
Sean Pyles:
When you’re thinking of which card to use or which card to take out, it really helps to know yourself and where you’re spending the most amount of money. So the card is helping you earn points on those categories that you’re spending on.
Erin Hurd:
That’s right.
Sean Pyles:
So Erin, what are some common mistakes that people make when trying to maximize their points? Can you run down a few of those for us?
Erin Hurd:
Absolutely. I think one of the problems I see a lot are that people don’t really understand the value of their points. And please do not feel badly if this is you, because it is a pretty complex scenario. Not all points are created equal.
The good news is NerdWallet has a full breakdown of baseline values for your points, and it shows you how you should expect to redeem them. Consult that guide before you redeem your points and it’ll help give you a gut check to see, is this a good use of my points or is this a poor value? I think it helps to think of points like a currency, right? So there are many different kinds of points and they all do have some kind of value, and that value is equivalent to an amount of money. And once you start thinking of them like a currency, and not just something that you get for free, you’ll be apt to spend them more wisely.
Sean Pyles:
And we should also mention that carrying a balance on a credit card that offers points, especially travel credit cards, can be a really costly mistake. Credit card interest rates are really high right now, and paying interest on your balance can negate any benefit that you get from the points that you earn.
Erin Hurd:
Yes, that is the number one rule in this game. The interest that you’ll pay on balances that aren’t paid in full every month will far outweigh the rewards that you’ll earn. Now, if you need a breather on interest, there are many cards on the market that offer a 0% intro APR period, and they also earn rewards. Another reminder is that it also rarely makes sense to pay more in order to use your credit cards. Like sometimes at local stores or restaurants, you may have to pay a surcharge in order to use that credit card, and the reality is that that surcharge that you’ll pay usually outweighs the reward that you’ll earn.
Sean Pyles:
That’s a great point and something that I am guilty of, because I just want the convenience of using my credit card and getting those points. But like you said, it negates the point of doing that in the first place. So, I’m taking that with me into 2024.
So Erin, if you could look into your plastic credit card crystal ball, is there anything you think is worth watching for this year in particular besides possible changes in interest rates?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah, we’ve seen several cards raise their annual fees, creep up the fees in exchange for adding more perks and benefits to the cards. And I think that’s a trend we could see continue. But just be careful because oftentimes these perks require some hoops. For instance, some offer credits towards certain purchases, but those credits are doled out monthly or quarterly, and they’re use it or lose it in that short timeframe. So just make sure you’re taking a look at the value you personally receive from a card each year when it’s up for renewal and not just its potential value on paper. If you are not using the perks, then it may not make sense for you any longer, even if it still makes sense for others.
Sean Pyles:
Erin, I also want to ask you about the Credit Card Competition Act, which has been making headlines for over a year at this point, but it seems like we might finally see some movement on this legislation that could change how we use points. Can you give us a rundown on that and what it might mean for point fanatics?
Erin Hurd:
Yeah. So, the Credit Card Competition Act is definitely something we’re keeping close tabs on here at NerdWallet. For those who aren’t familiar, this is proposed legislation that could really affect the rewards you earn from your credit cards.
See, merchants pay transaction fees as a cost of doing business for accepting credit cards. They’re called interchange fees, and this is where a lot of the money comes from that fund the credit card rewards. So if credit card issuers get less money from these fees, they may be forced to cut back on the rewards that they offer to consumers. So, we could be having a pretty different conversation about credit cards this time next year if it passes.
Sean Pyles:
We will all be keeping close eyes on this, and folks listening, we’ll let you know what happens as there’s any updates on this. Well, Erin Hurd, thank you so much for joining us and getting to the point.
Erin Hurd:
Thanks, Sean. And that’s all we have for this episode. Do you have a money question of your own? Turn to the Nerds and call or text us your questions at (901) 730-6373, that’s (901) 730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected] and also visit nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info in this episode. And remember to follow, rate, and review us wherever you’re getting this podcast.
Sean Pyles:
This episode was produced by Tess Vigeland and Erin. I helped with editing. Kenley Young helped with fact checking. Kaely Monaghan mixed our audio. And a big thank you to NerdWallet’s editors for all their help.
Erin Hurd:
And here’s our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This nerdy info is provided for general education and entertainment purposes and may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Sean Pyles:
And with that said, until next time, turn to the Nerds.
Renting in Seattle? Discover the most affordable Seattle suburbs to live in 2024.
With the Space Needle soaring, Olympic Mountain looming and a buzzing city coming to life, there are more than a few reasons to settle down in Seattle. If you’re new to the city you may be wondering, how much does rent cost in Seattle? The average monthly rent prices are $1,422 for a studio, $2,145 for a one-bedroom unit and $2,991 for a two-bedroom unit. However, these prices may not fit your budget.
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative in the Emerald City, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll explore 12 of the most affordable Seattle suburbs, where you can still enjoy the Pacific Northwest charm without breaking the bank. From scenic landscapes to tight-knit communities, these economical enclaves are budget-friendly ways to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Puget Sound region.
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,450
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,218
Distance from Seattle: 17 miles
Apartments for rent in Des Moines
Claiming the first place on our list of affordable Seattle suburbs is Des Moines. Only about 17 miles south of Seattle, you’re just a short distance from the city center. You’ll also save close to $700 monthly on rent if you’re planning to lease a one-bedroom apartment.
There are plenty of things to do in Des Moines. For example, you can explore Saltwater State Park along the shores of Puget Sound or spend the afternoon checking out the sea life at MaST Center Aquarium.
Average rent for a studio: $1,275
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,522
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,765
Distance from Seattle: 11 miles
Apartments for rent in Tukwila
Just 11 miles south of Seattle is our second suburb, Tukwila. The area is home to about 21,600 residents. The average rents are also much less than in Seattle. For example, a one-bedroom unit in Tukwila costs $1,522 compared to $2,145 in Seattle.
Tukwila is home to the Museum of Flight, an expansive museum with over 175 aircraft and plenty of displays, giving you plenty to explore. You can also visit the sprawling Southcenter Mall, which houses plenty of options for shopping, dining and killing a few hours in the middle of the day.
Average rent for a studio: $1,699
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,560
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,845
Distance from Seattle: 20 miles
Apartments for rent in Kent
As a renter searching for affordability, you might want to consider Kent. It’s a fantastic suburb located about 20 miles south of Seattle. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is about $600 less than in Seattle.
In Kent, you can easily explore the scenic Green River Natural Resources Area, which has walking and biking trails that are perfect for enjoying the picturesque riverbanks. Kent is also home to the ShoWare Center, a popular venue for hockey games, concerts and more.
Average rent for a studio: $1,595
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,604
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,600
Distance from Seattle: 28 miles
Apartments for rent in Auburn
A bit farther from Seattle you’ll find Auburn, which is around 28 miles to the south. Auburn is an affordable suburban alternative to much of the surrounding area. The slightly longer commute might be a trade-off worth considering as the average rent is considerably less.
There’s plenty to do in Auburn, like exploring Game Farm Wilderness Park, where you can camp and explore the trails. You can also check out Emerald Downs, a great racing track to kick back and watch the ponies fly.
Average rent for a studio: $1,215
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,621
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,913
Distance from Seattle: 24 miles
Apartments for rent in Federal Way
About 24 miles away from downtown Seattle is Federal Way, another great suburb for renters to consider. Home to 99,000 residents, Federal Way is an excellent option for renters looking for a less busy city – and more affordable rent prices.
Federal Way supports a range of activities, including the Pacific Bonsai Museum, where you can admire a stunning collection of bonsai trees from around the world. You can explore Dash Point State Park, where you’ll find a beach, hiking trails and waterfront views. The city is also home to the Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, which provides thrilling rides and water slides, perfect for a family day in the heat of the summer.
Average rent for a studio: $1,950
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,651
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,852
Distance from Seattle: 30 miles
Apartments for rent in Everett
Securing the sixth spot on our list, Everett is a familiar Seattle suburb. This area is home to roughly 110,800 residents, making it feel much more city-like than many of the other towns featured in this article.
Everett is home to the Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center, where you can take tours and learn about the aviation industry’s history and innovation. For outdoorsy types, Jetty Island, a sandy beach destination perfect for kiteboarding and kicking back by the beautiful Puget Sound, is a must-see.
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,722
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,250
Distance from from Seattle: 15 miles
Apartments for rent in Mountlake Terrace
Claiming the seventh spot on our list of renter-friendly Seattle suburbs is Mountlake Terrace. It’s only about 15 miles north of downtown, making it a great option for daily commuters.
While a smaller city, there is plenty to do in Mountlake Terrace. You can take a quick trip to the serene Ballinger Park, full of walking trails, a lake, picnicking and more. For a taste of local culture, you can visit Mountlake Terrace Pavilion, which hosts a ton of events and activities throughout the year.
Average rent for a studio: $1,672
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,930
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,119
Distance from Seattle: 12 miles
Apartments for rent in Burien
If you’re a longtime Seattle resident, then you probably know about Burien. In Burien, one-bedroom units generally rent for $1,930 and two-bedroom units are available for around $2,119, providing considerable savings compared to Seattle.
If you’re wondering what to do in Burien, you can explore Seahurst Park, which has gorgeous tidepools and scenic waterfront views. Burien’s bustling downtown area offers a stellar food scene with lots of restaurants, making it a great destination for foodies looking to expand and refine their palettes.
Average rent for a studio: $1,894
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,974
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,200
Distance from Seattle: 18 miles
Apartments for rent in Edmonds
Edmonds is home to about 42,700 people and is just a bit over 17 miles north of downtown Seattle. Located along Puget Sound, living in Edmonds means you’re never far from the water and the many activities that come with it. You can explore Edmonds Beach and Brackett’s Landing North, or simply enjoy stunning sunset views over Puget Sound.
The town is also known for its strong arts community, with plenty of art galleries and the Edmonds Center for the Arts, providing a variety of events for artsy folks to enjoy.
Average rent for a studio: $1,710
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,000
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,620
Distance from Seattle: 14 miles
Apartments for rent in SeaTac
Ranking 10th on our list of affordable Seattle suburbs for apartment hunters is SeaTac. This suburb has a population of 30,700 and is roughly 14 miles south of Seattle.
SeaTac is most well-known as home to the SeaTac International Airport, but there’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend. You can explore Angle Lake Park, which boasts a scenic lake stocked for fishing and ideal for boating, making it a great spot for nature lovers of all persuasions. The city also provides convenient access to the Light Rail, allowing making trips into downtown Seattle a breeze.
Average rent for a studio: $1,877
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,039
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $2,662
Distance from Seattle: 20 miles
Apartments for rent in Bothell
Bothell is the 11th suburb on our list. You’ll find Bothell about 20 miles northeast of Seattle. Commute times can vary depending on bus routes and traffic, but you’ll still save significantly on rent costs.
Bothell is home to beautiful Bothell Landing Park, a picturesque spot along the Sammamish River with walking trails, a historical museum and a tranquil setting for soaking up the Seattle sun. Beyond that, the McMenamins Anderson School, a historic schoolhouse turned into a unique entertainment complex, offers dining, bars, a movie theater and a pool, making it a great spot to start or end a night on the town.
Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,050
Average rent for a two-bedroom: $1,915
Distance from Seattle: 7 miles
Apartments for rent in Mercer Island
Taking the 12th and final spot on our list of renter-friendly, affordable Seattle suburbs is Mercer Island. Primarily known for its luxurious homes, its rental prices are surprisingly more budget-friendly than one might expect. On average, you’ll save about $100 a month renting a one-bedroom unit or about $1,000 for a two-bedroom unit. It’s also commuter-friendly, as Mercer Island is a mere 7 miles from Seattle’s city center.
The area is surrounded by the shimmering waters of Lake Washington, offering opportunities for boating, swimming and lakeside relaxation at Luther Burbank Park. The town is also known for its scenic parks and large green spaces, making it an ideal area for renters seeking a peaceful escape from city life without fully cutting the tether to urban conveniences and entertainment.
Remember, if you’re looking to hop over from renter to buyer, make sure to also check out the most affordable Seattle suburbs to buy a home.
Methodology
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one and two-bedroom rent was less than Seattle and under 30 miles from downtown Seattle. Average rental data from Seattle rental market trends on October 26, 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
Broker, Credit Report Fee, Flip and Bridge Products; TPO News
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Broker, Credit Report Fee, Flip and Bridge Products; TPO News
By: Rob Chrisman
Fri, Jan 19 2024, 11:02 AM
If you’re in Chicago, the newest attraction is “the rat hole.” Here in Denver, besides the cat I saw in the airport yesterday being walked on a leash, one attraction is the National Ice Core Lab, where, you guessed it, ice sample cores from all over the world are kept for research purposes at temperatures even colder than those outside. It is around this time of year when plenty of people think about vacations or moving to warmer places… Like Phuket in Thailand. In 2023 it saw 6.24 million airport arrivals, up 88 percent from 2022, and the real estate market is booming. The island has 26 beaches and a population of 420,000. Phuket is trying to move away from over-reliance on tourism by simply selling to wealthy outsiders, often Russians: 27,000 Russians have moved to Phuket in the past 12 to 18 months, fueling a development boom. Follow the money, right? Today’s podcast can be found here, and this week’s is brought to you by nCino, makers of the nCino Mortgage Suite for the modern mortgage lender. nCino Mortgage Suite’s three core products (nCino Mortgage, nCino Incentive Compensation, and nCino Mortgage Analytics) unite the people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process. Today’s features an interview with Polunsky Beitel Green’s Marty Green on mortgage spreads, why 2024 is a year of transition in the mortgage industry, and potential ramifications of NAR lawsuits.
Lender and Broker Services, Products, and Software
Anchor Loans Launches TPO Broker Channel for Flip, Bridge, New Construction and Rental Investment Financing! With so many banks and private lenders scaling back on fix and flip and construction lending, house flippers and builders are turning to mortgage brokers and other intermediaries to help identify reliable sources of capital. National private lending leader Anchor Loans has stepped up to launch a new Third-Party Originator (TPO) Broker Channel to serve loan brokers and other third-party originators whose clients are the real estate investors and developers building and refurbishing homes for America’s buyers and renters. With 25+ years in business, $14B+ in loans funded to date and expert teams lending in 48 U.S. states, Anchor offers flexible loan programs, experience-based pricing, $100k to $10MM loan amounts, fast funding, and a speedy draw process. Mortgage brokers and loan originators can learn more here.
Lenders across the country are still looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing revenue. Start off easy with collecting credit report fees upfront. Fee Chaser by LenderLogix makes it as easy as clicking a button… literally.
Rocket Pro TPO’s recent IGNITE Live showcased a powerful line up of new product & technology solutions designed to help broker partners exceed expectations with clients and outpace its competition. If you missed it, check it out here. Mike Fawaz, Rocket Pro TPO’s EVP reminded the audience of the benefits of the lender’s free credit report offer. He also featured Product Compare, an innovative new tool available from Pathfinder by Rocket. This platform enables partners to quickly and easily identify the ideal mortgage products for every client scenario. Also, the lender introduced a special discount for partners using Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI): a leading real estate and transaction database that will immediately impact broker’s business strategies. Be sure to review the IGNITE Live video for many other updates and special offerings. Interested in learning more about a Broker or Non-Delegated Correspondent partnership? Contact Rocket Pro TPO to learn more.
Wholesale and Correspondent News
A&D Mortgage launched its innovative ITIN Mortgage Program, designed to extend homeownership opportunities to a broader community. This groundbreaking initiative offers mortgage solutions to individuals who possess an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) but do not have a Social Security number, thereby catering to a previously underserved market. Tailored to meet the diverse needs of borrowers, ranging from first-time homebuyers to those seeking to invest in property, there are several attractive features such as eligibility for borrowers with minimum FICO score of 660 for Super Prime loans. A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) option is available for applicants with a minimum FICO score of 700.
Discover more information about the ITIN Mortgage Program and other services offered by A&D Mortgage.
United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) announced that it will sunset the name of its consumer-facing website, FindAMortgageBroker.com, and replace it with Mortgage Matchup. “Mortgage Matchup will continue to be a consumer-facing website geared toward homebuyers and real estate agents and will offer both educational material around the homebuying and refinancing processes, along with a searchable database of independent mortgage brokers near them. The goal is to connect this audience with a local mortgage broker in their area and they understand the vast array of loan options available to them based on their specific financial situation.”
According to IHDA, nearly 10 percent of all first-time homebuyers use IHDA Mortgage products to help receive the additional leverage needed to bridge the gap of homeownership. An IHDAccess Forgivable loan is for both first-time and repeat homebuyers and offers a very competitive interest rate to help keep costs down over the length of the mortgage. IHDAccess Forgivable highlights include 4 percent of the purchase price up to $6,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs, forgiven monthly over 10 years and does not have to be repaid. 30-year, fixed rate mortgage with an affordable interest rate. Available to first-time and repeat homebuyers statewide. Interested homeowners can learn more about IHDAccess Forgivable and eligibility requirements by contacting any INB mortgage lender.
Rocket Pro TPO, the wholesale arm of Rocket Mortgage, has just announced updates to its ONE+ program aimed at making it easier for prospective homeowners to obtain a low-down-payment conventional mortgage. ONE+ allows buyers to make a down payment of as little as 1 percent of the home’s purchase price. The program now includes Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor. Use of the automated underwriting system could increase buyer eligibility by 16 percent, Rocket Pro TPO executive vice president Mike Fawaz said in a recorded statement.
Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions DSCR Loan (Investor Cash Flow) program has been enhanced to accommodate an impressive 85 percent Loan-to-Value (LTV). Loan highlights include Purchase Only, Minimum DSCR 1.00. SFR, PUD, Condo, Multifamily 2 – 4 units. Minimum loan amount $150,000, Maximum loan amount $1 million, and minimum FICO 720.
Plaza Home Mortgage® is kicking off the New Year with improved updates to its Solutions Non-QM, DSCR, Jumbo AUS 1 and Jumbo Champion loan programs. Details are available in the updated Solutions Non-QM Program Guidelines, DSCR Investor Solutions Program Guidelines, Jumbo AUS 1 Program Guidelines, and Jumbo Champion Program Guidelines.
Citizens Correspondent National Bulletin 2024-01 includes information on Conventional Conforming Products- FNMA- Income Calculator, FNMA- Restricted Stock Income Units, Non-Taxable Income-DU, LPA Cash-Out Occupancy and Condo Eligibility, VVOE Alternatives – DU and LPA, FHA and VA Loan Limits- AUS update, USDA Product Update, Secondary Marketing Contact Info and Disaster Tax Filing Relief. See the bulletin for additional information and all lock, delivery, and purchase by dates, if required.
The average annual number of business applications rose to 4.9 million between 2020-2022. This is an 89 percent increase compared to 2005-2016. This strong and steady market of non-traditional, high-quality borrowers presents a clear opportunity for Non-QM program options. How to capitalize on this growing segment of borrowers? Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions range of products for self-employed borrowers can help you unlock this market. Bank Statement Mortgage, 12- or 24-months business or personal bank statements, Profit and Loss (P&L) statements are a valid form of income verification, non-permanent residents allowed, Closed End Second Mortgage, Borrowers receive a lump-sum payment, no restrictions on how borrowers can use the funds. Owner-occupied, second homes, and non-owner occupied.
Capital Markets
Economic data yesterday held some good news for U.S. consumers, with signs of improvement in the job market and some relief on mortgage rates. Initial jobless claims (187k) fell to the lowest level in over a year, a bigger drop than any forecaster expected. After two weeks of increases, mortgage rates fell to the lowest level in eight months, per the latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. For the week ending January 18, the 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates fell 6 basis points and 11 basis points to 6.60 percent and 5.76 percent, respectively. Both rates have fallen more than 100 basis points from the October highs. (Unfortunately, the more timely data already shows rates moving quickly higher – MND)
LOs looking for an increase in inventory in homes for sale aren’t seeing much help from builders. The overall direction of economic data recently has given Fed officials some cover to maintain their “hawkish” rhetoric. That is of little comfort to homebuilders, evidenced by housing starts falling in December for the first time since August. Housing starts showed a smaller than expected decrease in December (actual 1.460 million, expected 1.417 million).
There’s historically been theory that “an enemy of my enemy is my friend.” We’ll see. Something to keep an eye on is an expanding conflict in the Middle East. Pakistan’s military carried out targeted strikes against militant hideouts in Iran on Thursday, responding to an attack by Tehran a day earlier. Historically strife around the world leads to a flight to quality and the buying of U.S. fixed income securities. Now, not so much.
Today’s economic calendar sees some key data later this morning with existing home sales for December, a preliminary January look at Michigan sentiment, November TIC data from the U.S. Treasury, and remarks from Fed Vice Chair of Supervision Barr and San Francisco Fed President Daly. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices roughly unchanged from Thursday’s close and the 10-year yielding 4.12 after closing yesterday at 4.14 percent on little financial news.
Employment
Logan Finance Welcomes Paul Jones as SVP, Business Development! Logan Finance is happy to announce that Paul Jones has joined the organization as SVP, Business Development. “Paul is an industry giant with an uncanny ability to identify and develop winning strategies and educate the industry on the benefits and opportunities within Non-QM. We’re thrilled to have Paul join the team”, said Logan’s Chief Revenue Officer, Aaron Samples. Paul Jones has spent 30 years in Operations and Sales and he’s developed a methodology for parlaying the many aspects of Non-QM into a cohesive strategy for Account Executives and Originators. This strategy is instrumental in scaling Non-QM production, expanding referral sources, and refining customer outreach. “The spotlight is on the world of Non-QM right now, and I’m ready to help focus that spotlight on Logan,” Paul said. “We have a lot of things in play for 2024, and I’m looking forward to contributing to Logan’s exciting future.”
“Primis Mortgage was born out of a belief that we, as an industry, can do better. We decided that to do this, we needed to act like an Independent Mortgage Bank, but leverage the stability and resources of a traditional bank. And the results speak for themselves. We saw a 107 percent increase in funded loans from 2022 to 2023, and while most companies were cutting back, we decided to step up: increasing our sales staff by 160 percent in that same time period. Primis Mortgage is a place where proven all-stars come to win. Our in-house support staff averages just 22 days from ITP to Docs Out, and leadership constantly motivates and educates our loan officers to strive for continued growth. If you’re a highly-successful loan officer ready to take your career to the next level, reach out to Chris Blevins, National Sales Director.”
Last week, Sales and Operations leadership from both the Lower and Thrive Mortgage teams got together in Columbus, OH to collaborate and discuss the way forward. Not just for the merger between the two entities, but what they see for the industry. After two days together, the response was clear… this is a powerful move for both companies. The game-planning, engagement with new colleagues, and enthusiasm continues to grow as each side returned to share what they’d learned. Above all else, the most commonly referenced statement was, “It felt like we’ve known each other for years.” Ready to find out what the insiders already know? Let’s talk about how you can Thrive with Lower.
A well-capitalized IMB, based in the NJ/PA tri- state market, is seeking Loan Officers, Sales Teams, or possible acquisition opportunities of small to midsize IMBs in NJ, NY, CT, FL, PA, while expanding in MD, DC, VA, NC and SC. The IMB’s focus is a highly personable and high touch experience for LOs and Realtors. Organizationally lean, very competitive pricing, a wide array of products, and much higher LO Comp than what is offered by other larger IMBs. The focus is to attract serious loan officers who want an unparalleled service, where your voice matters and you have a seat at the table in growth. If interested, message Chrisman LLC’s Anjelica Nixt for a confidential discussion.
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The desire to get a good deal unites practically all travelers. Whether you’re looking for a cheap getaway or a luxury vacation, no one wants to spend more than necessary. When it comes to booking flights, travelers may naturally head to an airline’s website. However, that’s not always the best site to book flights.
Whether it’s taking advantage of credit card perks, earning bonus miles or saving money, the best flight booking site can vary depending on your situation and willingness to get creative. Let’s take a look at six of the best sites to book flights and when each is the best option.
The best flight booking sites
1. Google Flights
For ease, speed and features, Google Flights is arguably the best website for flight searches. Search results appear almost instantly. Filters let you narrow down to nonstop options, select a subset of airlines, limit by price or factor in the price of a bag. Similarly, you can use Google Flights filters to avoid certain airlines, multi-stop itineraries, long layovers, early flights or pretty much whatever you might want to avoid.
You can easily check flexible dates, and if you’re flexible on where you go you can use the Explore map to see prices for a variety of destinations for certain dates, a certain month or anytime in the next six months.
Google Flights partners with hundreds of airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) to pull current flight prices. That way you don’t have to search each of these sites to be able to see the options. Once you select your preferred trip, Google Flights links you to the top booking options for actually booking your flight — including the airline itself and the best OTA booking options.
The downsides of Google Flights are few. One is the lack of Southwest flight prices. Although Southwest flight schedules will show in flight search results, Southwest flight prices aren’t available. That’s because Southwest chooses to publish flight prices only on its website.
Another downside is that Google Flights doesn’t always show the cheapest prices — particularly for international flights. That means it’s worth double-checking prices on another site before booking through Google Flights.
2. Kayak
Like Google Flights, Kayak searches hundreds of other websites and flight booking platforms to find the best deal. Kayak generally doesn’t let you book flights directly. However, one benefit of Kayak is the streamlined process. Rather than having to click through several pages to confirm your selection, clicking “view deal” on the results page can take you right to the cheapest booking option.
Also, some travelers may find Kayak’s flexible date search a bit easier to work with as you can see results from several days in the search results — eliminating the need to check each day’s results separately.
But perhaps the most important reason to use Kayak instead of Google Flights is that it can catch better deals. For example, we found a $550 round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Barcelona using Google Flights. Kayak found a way to lower that price to just $472 round-trip — at least once you scroll past an advertisement.
Note that Kayak manages other flight search sites — including Momondo and Cheapflights — so the results may be very similar between these sister sites.
3. Expedia
So far, we’ve focused on ease in flight searching, and that’s going to be enough for many travelers. However, now let’s add in some additional elements to consider when choosing the best flight booking site: earning rewards and saving by booking packages. Expedia excels at both of these.
Through the new One Key rewards program, travelers can earn 0.2% in OneKeyCash from flight bookings made through Expedia. That’s not much, but it can stack on top of the awards you earn from the airline and those that you earn on your credit card purchase.
Even better, you’ll earn credits toward One Key elite status by booking your flight through Expedia. As you climb up the tiers, you’ll unlock up to 20% savings on hotels, get hotel upgrades, priority support and even price drop protection.
Plus, Expedia boasts that travelers can “save up to 30%” when bundling a hotel with a flight booking — although actual discounts are likely to vary.
4. Capital One Travel
For many Capital One cardholders, Capital One Travel might just be the best flight booking site. Part of this is to take advantage of cardholder benefits. For example, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders earn 5x Capital One miles when booking flights through the Capital One Travel portal. Plus, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders get up to $300 off travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal each cardholder year.
Also, Capital One Travel can help you truly get the best price for your flight. Capital One partnered with travel data company Hopper to show suggestions about when it’s the best time to book.
Capital One backs up these recommendations with money. If you book a flight through Capital One Travel when Hopper recommends doing so, you’ll get up to a $50 credit toward future travel if the price drops within the next 10 days.
5. Kiwi
Would you be willing to book a trip as two separate tickets in order to save money? That’s the idea behind Kiwi. Instead of simply searching flights from your home airport to your destination, Kiwi checks all potential options to get between A and B. That could mean taking a bus or train from your home city to another to catch a flight to your destination. Or, Kiwi might pair a low-cost domestic flight with a cheap international flight from another city to lower your total cost.
For example, when we priced out a round-trip flight from Phoenix to Tokyo, the cheapest option when booked as one ticket cost $1,353 round-trip — and that’s with an overnight stay in Vancouver.
Pricing out the same itinerary and dates through Kiwi drops the price to just $789 round-trip. The secret? Booking this as two round-trip flights: One from Phoenix to Los Angeles on Frontier and a separate round-trip from Los Angeles to Tokyo on Zipair.
Keep in mind that there are risks with booking separate tickets to get where you want to go. If a delay or cancellation causes you to miss your connection, the second airline/bus/train company isn’t obligated to honor your ticket and rebook you on the next option. So make sure to factor in all of the risks of booking travel like this.
6. BookWithMatrix
ITA Matrix is a very powerful and ultra-customizable search platform for finding exactly the flight itinerary you want — whether that’s booking a longer layover, avoiding certain aircraft types or booking nerdy trips such as the Alaska Milk Run.
The catch: Travelers can’t actually book flights through ITA Matrix. And, unlike Google Flights, ITA Matrix doesn’t even link to the best flight booking site for that itinerary. Instead, travelers are left to attempt to re-create the same itinerary through another flight booking website — which can be hard in the case of certain complex itineraries.
Enter BookWithMatrix. Travelers can copy-paste their perfect itinerary from ITA Matrix into BookWithMatrix to get bookable links through the airline or select OTAs.
Alternatively, travelers have the option to install the PowerTools extension in Google Chrome. This extension adds booking links right on the ITA Matrix itinerary page, avoiding the need to browse to another page.
Final thoughts on the best flight booking site
There’s not a one-size-fits-all best website for booking flights. Instead, the best flight booking site for you is going to depend on how simple you want the process to be, whether you’re willing to get creative with your booking, and even which credit cards you have.
For most travelers, the simplicity of Google Flights is going to make it the best one-stop shop for searching and booking flights. However, it’s worth considering other options if you’re flying internationally, want to book a flight-and-hotel package or have a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for: