A new online mortgage lender by the name of “Clara” looks to separate itself from the crowd by touting technology and transparency.
And from the looks of their website, they seem to be appealing to the youth. I might be joking a bit when I refer to them as a hipster mortgage lender, but that’s kind of what I take away when I peruse their site.
They highlight the fact that you can text, e-mail, call, or even video chat with your loan rep during the process.
Clara claims it can “help you finance your home in a modern, intuitive way,” and notes that they’re “powered by tech, supported by humans,” and “designed for you.”
So let’s see what makes Clara so special.
Clara Loan Specialists Don’t Get Paid Commission
First and foremost, the so-called “loan specialists” at Clara do not get paid a commission. That means they’re available to help you, not steer you into a certain loan product or urge you to do something you aren’t sure you want to do. That’s the idea at least.
I looked at their mortgage rate quotes and they seem to charge a flat $1,000 loan origination fee regardless of loan amount or transaction type, such as refi or purchase. They offer cash out refis as well, but do not offer HELOCs.
They seem to pride themselves on being super transparent with loan pricing, showing you all the fees associated with your loan right on the quote page. You can choose between a lower interest rate with more fees out-of-pocket, or a slightly higher rate with a lender credit.
Either way, it’s all spelled out for you to see with your own eyes to help determine what’s best for your situation.
At the same time, they want to empower the borrower by offering some mortgage education, with explanations on things like LTV and mortgage insurance.
Clara Wants to Fix the Broken Mortgage Industry
Clara has a page dedicated to their mission, which appears to be fixing the “broken” mortgage industry. We’ve heard this narrative before with the likes of Eave, Lenda, SoFi, and Quicken’s Rocket Mortgage.
But it always seems to be a case of oversimplifying what has become (or maybe always has been) a very regulated and bureaucratic process. Besides, people get upset when you make it too easy to get a mortgage…
As much as we’d all like to text the mortgage lender our details and receive our loan in 30 minutes or less, that’s just not going to be a reality anytime soon. I hope it is eventually, and maybe newcomers like Clara will get us there.
They do seem to have a very seasoned roster consisting of former employees from Yahoo, Google, Lyft, Twitter, Quicken Loans, Blackrock, the US Treasury, and even The White House. So they’ve certainly got the talent to make a difference.
Clara’s Mortgage Options and Interest Rates
Now let’s talk about what Clara offers aside from transparency and technology.
As noted, the company allows you to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage, including tapping home equity.
They say they specialize in conventional, conforming mortgages, which seems to include loan amounts above the traditional $417,000 loan limit.
You can get a fixed-rate mortgage, including a 30-year fixed, 25-year fixed, 20-year fixed, or 15-year fixed, or an ARM, including a 7/1 ARM, 5/1 ARM and 3/1 ARM.
I plugged in a $336,000 loan amount at 80% LTV for a rate and term refinance on a single-family, owner-occupied home for a borrower with excellent credit (720+) and it spit out the rates seen above.
Clara shows you the lender (and third-party) fees in detail as well, which is the transparency piece mentioned earlier.
Clara’s Loan Process and Technology
The process begins when a quote is generated online. If you’re happy with what you see you can create a login, at which point you’ll be assigned a licensed loan specialist.
Their contact information will appear in the online loan portal on the Clara website and you’ll be able to keep track of the loan’s progress from there.
The standard documentation is required for a Clara mortgage just as it is any other mortgage, though I think they allow you to autofill forms and speed through the paperwork a lot faster with their tech platform in place.
That same technology should lower the cost of offering mortgages, meaning origination fees can be contained while also delivering competitive mortgage rates.
When it comes to rate locks, Clara has a default 45-day lock for purchases and a 60-day lock period for refinance transactions. It’s unclear what happens if you exceed these time periods.
While they don’t guarantee a specific time-to-close, they aim to fund loans on your timeline.
Clara also sells all the mortgages it originates, but stresses that it is not a mortgage broker. I guess that makes it a mortgage banker because all of their loan officers, processors, and underwriters are in-house at their San Francisco headquarters.
At the moment, Clara is only offering mortgages to California homeowners. But if things go well, there’s a good chance they’ll expand to other nearby states and eventually nationwide. So if you don’t reside in CA, stay tuned.
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Decision fatigue is a real thing for folks in the market for a new rewards credit card. If you’re tired of evaluating the ins and outs of credit card rewards programs, there’s no shame in settling for a simple, easy-to-understand alternative.
The SoFi Credit Card is just such an alternative. And it doesn’t require much in the way of settling. It earns a flat 2% cash back on most eligible purchases and 3% back on select travel purchases — plenty generous for a no-annual-fee credit card.
The SoFi Credit Card can’t be everything to everyone, of course. Before you apply, make sure it has all the features and benefits you expect from a rewards credit card.
What Is the SoFi Credit Card?
The SoFi Credit Card is a cash-back credit card with no annual fee. It earns 2% cash back on most eligible purchases and 3% cash back on eligible purchases through SoFi Travel, which uses Expedia’s booking engine.
The SoFi Credit Card is somewhat unusual in that it doesn’t require applicants to have a U.S.-based bank account to qualify. If you’re approved for the card and don’t have a bank account, you can make payments through the SoFi app. You don’t need to use any other SoFi products to qualify for the SoFi Credit Card.
The SoFi Credit Card has some benefits beyond its rewards program, including up to $1,000 in cell phone insurance and monthly credits against eligible Lyft purchases.
What Sets the SoFi Credit Card Apart?
The SoFi Credit Card stands out from comparable cash-back credit cards for a few reasons:
Up to 3% back on eligible travel purchases. You earn unlimited 3% cash back when you book travel through SoFi Travel, which uses Expedia’s travel booking platform. Travel purchases not booked through SoFi Travel earn unlimited 2% back.
Up to $1,000 in cell phone protection. This cell phone protection plan is more generous than most credit cards’, which top out at $600 to $800 per claim.
No bank account needed to qualify. You can qualify for this card without a bank account, though you still need the SoFi app to make payments.
No sign-up bonus. One notable drawback of the SoFi Credit Card is its lack of a sign-up bonus for new cardholders. This could change in the future, but it’s an issue as of now.
Key Features of the SoFi Credit Card
The SoFi Credit Card has a straightforward rewards program and some notable benefits beyond it. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with its features before moving ahead with your application.
Earning Rewards
Most eligible purchases earn unlimited 2% cash back. There’s just one exception: Travel purchases made through the SoFi Travel platform earn unlimited 3% cash back.
Redeeming Rewards
You can redeem your accumulated cash-back rewards for:
Cash deposited into a linked external bank account or a SoFi checking account
Investments (including stocks and exchange-traded funds) purchased through SoFi’s investing platform
Payments on eligible SoFi loans
Statement credits against prior SoFi Credit Card purchases
Redemptions for cash, investments, and loan payments are worth $0.01 per cash-back point. Statement credit redemptions are worth only $0.005 per point, so they’re best avoided.
Cell Phone Protection
This card comes with a complimentary cell phone protection plan that reimburses you up to $1,000 per claim. A deductible and annual claim limits may apply.
Other Benefits
This card comes with some other potentially valuable benefits, including:
Up to $5 in monthly credits against eligible Lyft purchases
A complimentary annual membership to Shoprunner, which offers free two-day shipping on eligible online purchases
A complimentary three-month subscription to DoorDash DashPass, which offers a $0 delivery fee on qualifying orders and other perks
Important Fees
The SoFi Credit Card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fee. Other fees may apply, including for balance transfers and cash advance transactions.
Credit Required
This card requires good to excellent credit. You’re unlikely to qualify with a credit score significantly below 700 on the FICO scale.
Pros & Cons
These are the most notable upsides and downsides of the SoFi Credit Card.
No annual fee
Up to 3% cash back on eligible purchases
Up to $1,000 in cell phone protection per claim
No external bank account needed to qualify
No sign-up bonus
No 0% intro APR offer
Few benefits beyond the rewards program
Pros
The SoFi Credit Card is a low-cost, relatively high-reward credit card with some potentially valuable benefits.
No annual fee. This card has no annual fee. You won’t pay anything out of pocket to keep it active, even if you rarely use it.
2% cash back on most eligible purchases. This card earns a flat, unlimited 2% back on most eligible purchases. That makes it an above-average credit card for everyday spending.
Up to 3% back on select travel purchases. You earn 3% cash back when you book travel through SoFi Travel, an online travel portal powered by Expedia. There’s no limit to how much you can earn on eligible purchases.
Unusually generous cell phone protection. This card’s cell phone protection plan covers more than the average credit card’s. It tops out at $1,000 per claim, against $600 to $800 elsewhere.
Credits against Lyft purchases and other potentially valuable perks. You get $5 off Lyft purchases each month, plus a free annual membership to Shoprunner, which could save you a bunch on shipping if you buy a lot online from participating merchants. The three-month complimentary DoorDash DashPass benefit is appealing if you regularly order delivery.
No foreign transaction fee. This card has no foreign transaction fee, so it’s useful if and when you travel abroad or make purchases with overseas merchants.
No bank account needed to qualify. You don’t need a bank account to qualify for the SoFi Credit Card. You can make payments through the SoFi app instead.
Cons
The SoFi Credit Card lacks the more generous features common to top cash-back and travel rewards credit cards.
No way to earn more than 3% cash back. There’s no way to earn cash back at a rate higher than 3% with this card. Some competing cash-back cards offer 5%, 8%, even 10% cash-back tiers.
No sign-up bonus. The SoFi Credit Card has no sign-up bonus. This is a notable drawback for new cardholders eager to start earning rewards.
No 0% intro APR offer. Unlike many competing credit cards, the SoFi Credit Card has no introductory interest-free period. This is a drawback if you need to pay down high-interest balances accrued on another card or you’re planning to make a big purchase that you’d rather not pay off all at once.
Limited travel perks. The SoFi Credit Card has little in the way of travel perks, such as discounts or rewards at participating hotels and airport lounge access.
How the SoFi Credit Card Stacks Up
The SoFi Credit Card is similar to numerous other cash-back credit cards that earn 2% back on most or all eligible purchases. Before you apply, see how it compares against another popular option: the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
SoFi Credit Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Sign-Up Bonus
No
Yes
2% Cash Back
Eligible purchases except SoFi Travel
All eligible purchases
3% Cash Back
SoFi Travel purchases
None
Annual Fee
$0
$0
0% Intro APR
No
Yes, 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
The SoFi Credit Card is the clear winner if you travel regularly thanks to its 3% cash-back rate on SoFi Travel purchases. But Wells Fargo Active Cash is a better choice if you’re seeking a sign-up bonus or 0% intro APR offer as a new cardholder.
Final Word
The SoFi Credit Card is a straightforward cash-back credit card that’s easy even for credit card novices to understand and use effectively. And that’s a good thing if you’re tired of comparing the minutiae of credit card rewards programs — or don’t want to start doing that in the first place.
Then again, the SoFi Credit Card has some important missing elements. It has no sign-up bonus or 0% intro APR offer, and it lacks some of its peers’ more generous travel perks. It’s not a bad card by any means, but you can do better if you’re willing to shop around.
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
The Verdict
Our rating
SoFi Credit Card
The SoFi Credit Card is a straightforward cash-back card that earns 2% back on most purchases and 3% back on eligible travel purchases. With no annual fee and potentially valuable perks beyond its rewards program, it easily pays for itself. But the missing sign-up bonus and 0% intro APR offer lessen its appeal.
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Brian Martucci writes about credit cards, banking, insurance, travel, and more. When he’s not investigating time- and money-saving strategies for Money Crashers readers, you can find him exploring his favorite trails or sampling a new cuisine. Reach him on Twitter @Brian_Martucci.
It seems almost every airline, hotel chain and credit card issuer has launched its own premium credit card, enticing customers with luxury travel perks paired with hefty annual fees. Many of these cards offer solid value, especially if you’re loyal to the underlying brand.
There are two long-standing titans of the premium card market. Of course, we’re talking about The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The former built the market for premium rewards cards decades ago, while the latter is responsible for growing its mass appeal.
Since the Sapphire Reserve debuted in 2016, competition between these two cards has been fierce. Today, we will look at how they stack up against each other and whether you should consider adding one (or both) to your wallet.
Related: The best travel credit cards
Welcome offer
When considering a new card, especially one with a $500-plus annual fee, most people first look at the welcome offer to see how much of that annual fee they can start recouping immediately.
With its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Amex Platinum is currently offering new applicants 80,000 Membership Rewards points after they spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of cardmembership. However, it’s worth checking to see if you’re targeted for a higher offer of up to 125,000 points through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).
TPG values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, making the initial welcome offer of 80,000 points worth $1,600 alone. Since Amex only allows you to earn a welcome offer on each of its cards once per lifetime, it might be tempting to hold off on applying for the Amex Platinum in hopes that you may be targeted through CardMatch for a higher bonus at some point in the future.
Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
TPG also values Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, making this bonus worth $1,200. That’s significantly lower than the Amex Platinum offer, though the spending requirement to earn the bonus is also lower.
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Winner: The Amex Platinum takes the lead in this first category, especially if you are targeted for an elevated offer through CardMatch.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular cards based on offer history
Earning
Long after your bonus has been earned and spent, you’ll want a card to help you quickly rack up valuable transferable points.
Both of these cards get that done but in very different ways. Your best option depends on which other Chase or Amex cards you currently have in your wallet and how the bonus categories on those other cards overlap with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum.
Here are the bonus categories for these two cards:
Bonus multiplier
Amex Platinum
Chase Sapphire Reserve
10 points per dollar
N/A.
Lyft rides (through March 2025.)
Hotels and car rentals booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Chase Dining purchases made through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $250 or more, with a maximum of 50,000 points (through March 2025).
5 points per dollar
Airfare booked directly with airlines and airfare booked with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel.
Airfare booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
3 points per dollar
N/A.
Travel and dining.
1 point per dollar
All other purchases.
All other purchases.
Chase offers a broader range of bonus categories, including everyday purchases like travel and dining.
While the Amex Platinum does pull ahead on airfare booked directly with airlines (with a terrific 10% return), the Chase Sapphire Reserve pulls ahead for dozens of other travel expenses, including most hotels, ride-hailing services, parking fees, tolls and tours. It also has an equally broad 3 points per dollar spent on dining that the Platinum can’t match.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best for earning thanks to its favorable everyday bonus categories that help you earn more points in the long term.
Related: Best reward cards for each bonus category
Redemption options
With Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards tied at 2 cents apiece in TPG’s valuations, it’s worth looking at the different transfer partners to decide which ones best suit your needs.
Let’s start with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. In addition to 11 airline and three hotel transfer partners, Sapphire Reserve customers get a 50% bonus when redeeming points for travel directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This gives you an absolute minimum redemption value of 1.5 cents per point, meaning you can book a seat on any flight that’s for sale, even if there isn’t award space available.
That said, you’ll often get a better value by transferring your points to the loyalty programs of airlines and hotels instead. All Chase partner transfers are at a 1:1 ratio, and most of them are instant. Ultimate Rewards has a real edge for hotel bookings because of its partnership with World of Hyatt, where you can book an award night for as low as 3,500 points per night.
On the airline side of things, popular redemption options include United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, British Airways Avios, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue — though the last three also partner with Amex Membership Rewards. The same holds true for Air Canada Aeroplan — though if you also hold the Aeroplan Credit Card, you can enjoy a 10% bonus on certain transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to your Aeroplan account.
Finally, you also have the Pay Yourself Back option with the Sapphire Reserve, allowing you to use points to cover certain purchases at higher values:
1.5 cents per point for select charitable donations (through Dec. 31, 2023.)
1.25 cents per point for purchases at gas stations and grocery stores (through Sept. 30, 2023.)
1.25 cents per point to cover your annual fee (through Sept. 30, 2023.)
Again, though, the best redemption option will typically come from maximizing Chase’s transfer partners.
Meanwhile, Amex Membership Rewards has a whopping 20 transfer partners, but not all are worth your attention. Some have transfer ratios below 1:1, have longer transfer times (which means you risk watching your award space disappear) or simply don’t have reasonably priced redemption options.
Some of the best are ANA Mileage Club, Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles, each of which offers attractively priced options for booking Star Alliance tickets. Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, British Airways Executive Club and Delta SkyMiles are also popular transfer options.
However, if you opt to use your points directly through American Express Travel, you won’t get nearly the value you do through Chase. Flight bookings are a flat 1 cent per point, while hotel reservations clock in at just 0.7 cents apiece. As a result, you’re typically much better off with the transfer options.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve comes out on top for redemption options since it offers a 1:1 transfer ratio for all of its airline and hotel partners, the Pay Yourself Back feature and more flexibility with its 50% bonus for travel booked in Ultimate Rewards.
Perks and benefits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum are two of the most valuable rewards cards on the market, but they’re also two of the most expensive. You’ll pay a $550 annual fee with the Sapphire Reserve and a $695 annual fee with the Amex Platinum.
So, what do you get in exchange for that upfront cost? For starters, both cards feature airport lounge access and additional travel and food delivery credits, among other benefits. Let’s take a look below at the most popular and valuable perks available (note that enrollment is required for select benefits):
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
This is by far the trickiest part of the comparison, with many different pieces to unpack. It’s also the one where your own personal preferences may sway you to one card or another.
For starters, the Sapphire Reserve still has an edge over Amex regarding the $300 annual travel credit. Not only is it a higher amount than the up-to-$200 airline fee credit that comes with the Amex Platinum, but it’s also much less restrictive. It will automatically apply to a broad range of travel purchases. In contrast, the $200 Amex airline credit only applies to select fees such as seat assignments or checked bags — and you’re limited to a single airline you designate each year.
Regarding ride-hailing services, some people see the up-to-$200 in annual (U.S.) Uber Cash (broken into $15 a month, with a $20 bonus in December) that comes with the Amex Platinum card as a cash-like credit. However, not everyone uses a ride-hailing service or places an Uber Eats order in the U.S. once a month, which means the 10 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides with the Sapphire Reserve might be a more valuable option.
On the flip side, if you live in a smaller city or never order food, you might find the DoorDash partnership with Chase useless.
The same can be said of certain perks on the Amex Platinum — including statement credits with Saks Fifth Avenue, Clear and select digital entertainment providers. If you already use these services or merchants, it’s like money back in your pocket. If not, you may find they aren’t a real value-add relative to the annual fee.
Meanwhile, the Amex Platinum is widely considered the most comprehensive card for airport lounge access. Although the Priority Pass Select membership that comes with this card no longer allows you to access participating restaurants (you can with a Chase-issued Priority Pass membership), the access to Amex’s wide collection of Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs on same-day Delta flights should be enough to make up for that.
Meanwhile, the Sapphire Reserve only offers Priority Pass access, they are expanding their network of Chase lounges, with the first U.S. location open in Boston.
Another area where Amex excels is by offering Gold elite status with both Marriott and Hilton to Platinum cardholders. Chase offers no equivalent benefit.
Chase has historically been the leader in travel insurance, with generous terms. Amex has partially closed the gap, adding a suite of travel protection benefits to the Amex Platinum card (see here for more).
Winner: Amex Platinum is the clear winner when it comes to perks and benefits, which include its $1,400-plus in annual statement credits, expanded airport lounge access, travel protections, and elite status with Marriott and Hilton. However, if you’re looking for a more flexible travel credit, comprehensive protections and fewer lifestyle perks, the Sapphire Reserve could be a better option.
Related: How long it takes to receive statement credits
Bottom line
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express are two of the most popular premium rewards cards on the market. However, they offer slightly different value propositions.
Between hotel elite status and Centurion Lounge access, the Amex Platinum is better suited for those looking to enjoy a more luxurious travel lifestyle. If you frequently purchase airfare qualifying for 5 points per dollar, this card deserves a spot in your wallet.
The Sapphire Reserve, by comparison, is a premium card that’s simple enough for beginners and pros alike. The $300 annual travel credit is automatically applied to a wide range of purchases. Plus, you earn 3 points per dollar on travel (excluding the $300 travel credit) and dining and these categories are broad enough that you won’t be scratching your head trying to decide if you’re swiping the right card.
However, some may even find that it makes sense to carry both cards. If you can take advantage of all the annual statement credits and luxury perks, these cards can actually complement each other well.
Official application link: Amex Platinum Official application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson, Ryan Wilcox, Stella Shon, Juan Ruiz and Chris Dong.
Inside: Are you looking for ways to make money quickly and easily? This guide has a variety of tips and tricks to help you make 1000 a day.
Making money is something that everyone is interested in. And why wouldn’t we be? Money gives us the ability to buy the things we want, travel, and live a lifestyle that most people can only dream of.
But what if I told you that it was possible to make $1000 a day? Would you believe me?
Well, in this blog post, I’m going to show you some of the best ways to make money really fast.
So if you’re looking to make some quick cash or consistent income, then this is the post for you!
In this post, I will share with your some of the best ways that I know of to make money $1k a day on a regular basis.
So if you’re ready to learn how to make 1000 a day, then let’s get started!
Is it possible to make $1000 a day?
Yes, it is possible to make $1000 a day.
In fact, this is something I regularly do (see picture to prove it).
However, achieving this goal requires commitment, hard work, and a solid plan. Factors that contribute to achieving this goal include finding a method that works for you, sticking with it, and putting in the necessary effort.
Additionally, having a unique skill set and interest in a particular method can increase the chances of success.
How to make $1000 a day?
Making $1000 a day is an appealing goal for many people, whether it’s a one-time need or a consistent source of income. Fortunately, there are several ways to achieve this goal.
Here are the top ways to make $1000 a day:
Start a high-paying job: Some jobs pay over $300k a year, and while they may require advanced degrees and education, there are also a few that don’t require a college degree.
Offer high-value services: You can offer services such as pet-sitting, tutoring, design work, or writing to make money.
Start a business: You can start a business that generates $1000 a day, such as a digital marketing agency, freelancing, or a service-based business.
Sell items you no longer need: You can sell items on eBay, Craigslist, or other online marketplaces to make quick cash.
Let your money work for you: You can invest in stocks and shares, real estate, or property to earn upwards of $1000 a day.
While each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, with the right strategy and dedication, making $1000 a day is achievable.
So, get started today and see how much money you can make.
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Best ways to make 1000 a day
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite ways to make money really fast – specifically $1k a day!
Many times, you will have to invest 100 to make 1000 a day.
If you’re looking for ways to make some extra cash, or even earn a full-time income, this post is for you.
1. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a great way to make extra money or even replace your full-time job. There are various types of content that freelance writers can specialize in, such as long-form content or shorter direct-response copywriting.
With freelance writing, you can earn over $.50 or even $1 per word, which means that a 1,000-word article could net you $1,000 quickly.
To start, you need to establish a portfolio of your work to pitch to new clients. This portfolio should include links to any relevant articles or copy you’ve written that’s related to the client you’re pitching. If you don’t have a portfolio yet, you might need to do some work at lower rates to get your foot in the door.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, don’t strike it off the list just yet. With the right approach and mindset, anyone can become a successful freelance writer.
2. Crafting
Crafting offers many benefits beyond just making extra cash. It allows for flexibility in your schedule, creativity in your work, and the ability to turn a hobby into a lucrative business.
If you are creative and have a talent for creating handmade items, then starting a crafting business is the perfect way to monetize that skill by doing something you enjoy. There are plenty of crafts to choose from and you may even become an instructor!
The most difficult side is you are trading your time for money and it may be difficult to scale.
3. Day Trading Stocks
Day trading stocks is a high-risk, high-reward investment strategy that involves buying and selling stocks within a single trading day. It requires a great deal of knowledge, discipline, and risk management to be successful.
However, there is a large group of us who have made the $1000 in a day club.
Successful day traders use a combination of technical analysis, risk management, and discipline to make profitable trades.
This choice requires discipline, a proper trading education, knowledge, and risk management.
Trade and Travel with Teri Ijeoma is a popular course that investors can take to learn about trading stocks and options and begin their journey to making $1,000 a day.
4. Trading Options
Trading options can be a lucrative way for seasoned investors to make money.
With options, investors can speculate on different stocks with only a fraction of the investment capital needed to buy the stocks outright.
Investors who are familiar with investing in individual stocks can take the next step in the process by trading options. While options may seem exotic on the surface, they are a common tool used by seasoned investors and are especially valuable during volatile activity in the stock market.
To trade options successfully, investors need research skills, investing knowledge, discipline, and patience.
Trading options can be a high-risk option, especially for those who lack expertise in the area. However, it can be extremely lucrative for those who have experience and knowledge in the stock market.
Investors should consider taking courses to learn more about trading options.
5. Youtube
YouTube can be a great source of income for those who are willing to put in the effort to create quality content. It offers multiple ways to generate revenue, including sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and Google Adsense.
With the right approach, it’s possible to make $1000 or more per day on YouTube.
Remember, success on YouTube takes time and hard work, but the potential rewards are significant.
6. Selling on Amazon
Selling products on Amazon can be a highly profitable business opportunity.
Amazon FBA, or Fulfilled by Amazon, is a business model where you send your inventory to Amazon warehouses and they handle the rest, including storage, shipping, customer service, and returns.
This makes it a great option for digital nomads and those looking to scale their business quickly.
With an average profit margin of $20 per sale, it’s possible to make $1,000 per day by selling just 5 units per day of 10 different products.
7. Sell Printables Online
Selling printables online has become a popular way to make passive income.
With the rise of digital products, creators can sell anything from coloring pages to budget spreadsheets on platforms like Etsy. Thousands of creators make a living selling digital products, and it’s easy to see why.
Learn how these sellers got started.
The key is to pick a topic you’re knowledgeable in and passionate about, so you can create high-quality products that people will want to buy.
8. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is one of the best ways to make $1000 a day, especially for those looking to start a business with minimal initial investment.
This business model allows entrepreneurs to sell products to customers without ever holding a single piece of stock.
Dropshipping is a viable and profitable business model that can generate high profits without the hassle of managing inventory. With the right niche, platform, supplier, and marketing strategy, entrepreneurs can make $1000 a day or more with dropshipping.
9. Consulting
Consulting is one of the best ways to make $1000 a day!
It’s a lucrative career option that allows you to provide expert advice to clients and help them solve problems.
The first step to becoming a consultant is to determine your area of expertise. This could be anything from personal finance to marketing to human resources. Your expertise should be something that you have significant knowledge and experience in.
One of the most important aspects of becoming a consultant is building your network. This includes reaching out to potential clients, attending networking events, and connecting with other professionals in your field.
10. Become a Virtual Assistant
Being a virtual assistant can be a great way to make money while setting your own hours.
As a virtual assistant with no experience, you can work from home and typically on your own schedule. You can choose to work part-time or full-time based on your availability and the workload of your clients.
The tasks that you are asked to perform as a virtual assistant can vary widely, but commonly needed skills include administration, accounting and bookkeeping, marketing, communications, customer service, and many other capacities.
You don’t need special skills or training for this job, as most clients will bring you up to speed on what they need to do. However, having organizational, communication, and time-management skills can be helpful.
Check out the checklist to get started as a virtual assistant.
11. Side Hustles
Side hustles are a great way to earn extra income and supplement your regular income. With a little effort and some creativity, you can make up to $1000 a day with certain side hustles.
Here are some of the best side hustles that can help you achieve this goal:
Deliver food: You can make good money by delivering food with these apps. You can choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. DoorDash is a great option.
Drive with ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft: If you have a car and some free time, you can earn money by driving people around. You can make up to $1000 a day, depending on how much you work.
Pet sit or walk dogs: If you love animals, you can make money by pet sitting or dog walking through Rover.com. You can earn up to $50 per day, depending on the services you offer.
Babysit or tutor: If you have experience with children or are good at a particular subject, you can offer your services as a babysitter or tutor through Care.com. You can make up to $50 per hour, depending on your qualifications.
Side hustles are a great way to make extra money and reach your financial goals.
12. Start a Business
Starting a business is one of the most effective ways to make 1000 dollars a day on a regular basis. However, it requires careful planning and execution to succeed.
The first step is to research the market and identify a profitable business idea and build it to profitability.
Challenges may arise, such as competition, financial setbacks, and marketing difficulties, but with persistence and determination, you can overcome them and achieve financial success.
The potential for significant financial gain from starting a successful business is immense, making it a worthwhile endeavor for anyone willing to put in the effort.
13. Yard Work
Yard work is an excellent way to make $1000 a day, especially if you have some extra time and don’t mind getting dirty.
If you want to get up and running quickly, there is nothing better than a local side hustle to earn extra money such as mowing lawns in your neighborhood.
Mowing lawns is not only a great side hustle for adults but also for teens. For an average size lot, you could expect to make at least $35. If you could line up a few lawns each weekend, you could easily make an extra $1000 each month.
Landscaping, leave pickup, and bush trimming are all simple tasks that you can complete quickly if you have the right equipment. You can choose to set an hourly rate or get paid for the entire job, depending on the task.
You may have to start hiring crews in order to hit $1k a day.
14. AirBnb or VRBO Rentals
Airbnb or VRBO are popular platforms for renting out your property to travelers.
Many successful hosts have earned $1000 or more per day because they have accumulated more than one property.
One tip for success is to garner excellent reviews that people want to come back time and time again.
15. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a lucrative way to make money online and has the potential to earn you $1000 a day.
This works well for influencers who have a reach of thousands of people. Another way is creating a niche website that focuses on a specific product or market segment.
It’s essential to promote products effectively to generate revenue. Successful affiliate marketers have earned six figures or more per year.
16. Flip Products or Retail Arbitrage
Retail arbitrage is a popular business model that can help you make $1,000 per day or more. The premise is simple – buy or find things cheap and resell them for a higher price.
This is a great example of how to flip money.
To be successful, you’ll need to have an eye for the right product and do product research to choose products that will sell.
Here is a list of the most popular items to flip.
17. Pickup Services
Pickup services refer to businesses that provide transportation and delivery services for goods, furniture, or other items. These services are in high demand, especially in urban areas where people are always on the move and need help with moving heavy or bulky items.
Starting a pickup service business requires some equipment, such as a truck or van, and marketing strategies to attract customers.
So, if you are looking for a new side hustle or business opportunity, consider pickup services as a viable option.
18. Casino Gambling
While casino gambling is not a recommended way to make $1000 a day, it is still worth mentioning as a potential option.
However, it is important to note that gambling should always be done responsibly and within one’s means.
If you are considering casino gambling as a way to make quick money, it is essential to understand the most profitable games and their strategies. Here is an ordered list of the best casino games to play to make money:
Blackjack: This game has one of the lowest house edges, making it a popular choice for professional gamblers. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. The key to winning at blackjack is to use basic strategy, which involves making the mathematically correct decisions based on the dealer’s upcard and your own hand.
Craps: This game has a low house edge and offers a variety of betting options. The objective of the game is to predict the outcome of a roll or series of rolls of the dice. To win at craps, it is essential to understand the different bets and their odds and to follow a betting strategy that suits your playing style.
Baccarat: This game is easy to learn and has a low house edge. The objective of the game is to bet on the hand that will have a total of 9 or closer to 9. The key to winning at baccarat is to understand the different bets and their odds and to follow a betting strategy that suits your playing style.
When playing these games, it is important to practice good bankroll management by setting a budget for yourself and sticking to it. It is also crucial to know when to quit to avoid losing money.
A winning streak can lead to making $1000 a day, but it is important to be cautious and not get carried away.
19. Freelance Graphic Design
Graphic designers create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They work on various projects such as branding, marketing materials, website design, and more.
Freelance graphic design is a lucrative option because there is always a demand for graphic design services, and businesses are willing to pay top dollar for high-quality designs.
By building a strong portfolio, staying up-to-date with the latest design trends, and providing excellent service to your clients, you can earn a substantial income as a freelance graphic designer.
20. Make Money Flipping Items
Flea market flipping is a great way to make some extra cash on the side or even turn it into a full-time business. It involves buying items for a low price and reselling them for a profit.
One couple, Rob and Melissa Stephenson, have become full-time flea market flippers and even host their own website, Flea Market Flipper, to help others find success in the venture. They offer several courses to help individuals turn this into a serious side hustle or even a full-time business earning six figures.
Learning from successful flea market flippers like Stephenson’s can be a great way to get started. They have the skills and knowledge to help individuals find valuable items, network, and use social media and photography to their advantage.
21. Photography
Photography is a lucrative career option that has the potential to generate high income or as a side hustle.
There are different types of photography that one can explore to make money, including wedding photography, family photography, real estate photography, and stock photography.
By building a strong portfolio, networking, finding clients, investing in high-quality equipment, and constantly improving your skills, you can become a successful photographer and make a great income. Don’t underestimate your potential in this field.
22. Rental Income
Passive income through rental properties is a great way to generate consistent long-term income. Here are the steps to follow in order to make $1000 a day through rent income:
Find a suitable property: Look for properties that are priced reasonably, require minimal renovations, and are located in areas with high rental demand. You are likely to start making $1000 a month.
However, the earning potential is dependent on the ability to scale multiple properties, keep them occupied, and increase monthly income streams.
Investing in rental properties can be a lucrative and rewarding experience for those willing to put in the effort.
23. Amazon Merch
Amazon Merch is a platform that allows you to create and sell your own merchandise on Amazon. It’s an excellent way to make money because Amazon handles all of the heavy lifting, such as printing, shipping, and customer service.
Using Amazon Merch, you can sell a variety of products from t-shirts to phone cases, and best of all, you don’t need to invest in inventory or equipment.
All you need to do is create the designs.
Successful Amazon Merch sellers include graphic designers, artists, and entrepreneurs who have created unique and appealing designs that resonate with their target audience.
24. Creative Skills like Video Editing
Creative skills can be a valuable asset when it comes to generating income. Video editing is another skill that can be monetized.
With the rise of video content, businesses, and individuals are always in need of skilled video editors. One can offer video editing services for YouTube creators, and businesses, or even edit personal videos for clients.
Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to find video editing jobs.
25. Fashion Design
Fashion design is one of the most lucrative ways to make money, and it’s an industry that’s always in demand.
Whether you’re interested in starting your own fashion label, working for a fashion house, or becoming a freelance designer, there are plenty of opportunities to make a living in this field.
Marketing yourself is also key to success in fashion design. Use social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your work and build a following.
Networking is also an important part of building a successful career in fashion design. You must stay up-to-date on industry trends, make valuable connections, and potentially land new clients or job opportunities.
Create a website or blog where you can share your designs, offer fashion tips, and connect with potential clients.
Pay attention to industry trends, stay creative and original, and focus on developing your skills and building your brand. Then, there are plenty of opportunities to make a living in this exciting and dynamic industry.
26. Start a Blog
Many people say blogging is dead. But, it’s not.
Starting a blog can be a great way to share your interests, skills, and experiences with others while also creating a new income stream for yourself. The flexibility of blogging allows you to turn your current job or passion into a successful blog.
However, starting a blog can be challenging, and it requires technical knowledge, writing ability, social media skills, and topical expertise.
Once you have started your blog, it’s essential to treat it like a business and monetize your content.
27. Self-Storage Business
Self-storage business is a lucrative venture that involves renting out storage units to customers who need extra space for their belongings. These businesses are in high demand, especially in urban areas where living spaces are often small and cramped.
In fact, the self-storage business is expected to bloom to $64.17 billion by 2026.
Starting a self-storage business can be a profitable venture if done correctly.
28. Invest in Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have gained popularity as a potential source of significant income. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are some of the best cryptocurrencies to invest in.
To invest in cryptocurrencies, one must first set up a digital wallet and choose a reputable exchange such as Coinbase or Bitstamp.
It is important to research the market and understand the volatility of cryptocurrency before investing. While the potential for high returns exists, it is important to approach cryptocurrency investing with caution.
29. Invest in Real Estate
Investing in real estate can be a lucrative way of making money.
To make $1000 a day through real estate investing, there are several steps you can take.
First, set aside a few hundred dollars each month to invest in real estate over time.
Second, consider the different types of real estate investments available, such as rental properties, commercial properties, and fix-and-flip properties. Each investment type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to research and choose the one that fits your financial goals.
Third, consider investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs) or crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise, which allow you to invest in real estate without purchasing a property.
Remember that investing in real estate carries a degree of risk, so it’s important to do your research and seek advice from successful real estate investors.
30. Make Money on the Internet
Making money online has become a popular option for those looking to earn a substantial income. The internet provides a wealth of opportunities for anyone with an internet connection and a bit of creativity.
You need to learn how to make money online for beginners.
There are so many options today and you never have to leave your house!
When it comes to making $1000 a day online, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not a quick or easy process. It takes time and effort to build a successful online business or generate significant income through freelance work or other online opportunities.
However, with dedication and hard work, it is possible to achieve your financial goals.
How to make $1,000 really fast?
If you’re in a financial bind and need to make $1,000 quickly, there are several options available to you.
Here are the top ways to make $1,000 a day quickly:
Sell items on eBay or Craigslist: If you have items that you no longer need, consider selling them online. This could include clothes, furniture, or electronics. This is a quick and easy way to make money fast.
Offer freelance services: You can offer services such as tutoring, design work, or writing. If you have a specific skill or talent, you can find customers online who are willing to pay for your services.
Do odd jobs for people in your community: You can offer to mow lawns, rake leaves, or shovel snow for a fee. This is a great way to make money quickly, especially if you live in an area with a lot of homeowners.
Participate in paid focus groups or surveys: This is a great way to make money quickly without leaving your home. Companies are always looking for feedback on their products and services, and they are willing to pay for it.
Rent out a room in your home on Airbnb: If you have a spare room in your home, you can rent it out on Airbnb and make money quickly. This is a great option if you live in a popular tourist destination.
Manage social media accounts: Many businesses need help managing their social media accounts, and they are willing to pay for them. If you have experience with social media, this could be a great way to make money quickly.
Start a blog: If you have a passion for writing or a specific topic, you can start a blog and sell advertising space or products/services to your readers. This takes some time to build up, but it can be a lucrative way to make money in the long run.
Sell handmade crafts or goods online: If you’re crafty, you can make items and sell them online, such as on Etsy. This is a great way to turn your hobby into a money-making opportunity.
Borrow money from friends or family: This is not an ideal option, but if you’re in a bind and need money quickly, consider asking for a loan from someone you trust.
Pawn items for cash: This is a last resort option, but if you have items of value, you can pawn them for cash quickly.
Don’t be afraid to try different methods and see what works best for you.
This is the perfect side hustle if you don’t have much time, experience, or money.
Many earn over $10,000 in a year selling printables on Etsy. Learn how to get started by watching this free workshop.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a full-time income while working from home, you’re in the right place!
This intensive training combines thousands of hours of research, years of experience in growing a virtual assistant business, and the power of a coach who has helped thousands of students launch and grow their own business from scratch.
FAQ
Passive income is a form of earnings that is generated without active involvement.
It is a way to make money while you sleep and can provide financial stability and independence.
This is one of three types of income and the one you want to strive towards building.
Ultimately, the best side hustle for making $1000 a day is one that meets your needs and interests while providing a good return on investment.
Here are several factors to consider before choosing the best option.
Think about your skills, interests, and availability. If you have a full-time job, you may want to consider a side hustle that allows you to work flexible hours.
Next, consider the earning potential of the side hustle you are considering. Some side hustles pay more than others, and you want to choose one that will give you the highest return on investment.
Additionally, consider the start-up costs associated with the side hustle. Some require significant investment, such as buying a car for ride-sharing apps or purchasing an online course.
Most importantly, choose a side hustle that aligns with your passion and expertise. This will make the work more enjoyable and increase your chances of success.
There are many ways to make money from your expertise.
You can start a consulting business, offer services such as coaching or speaking, create and sell information products, or build a following and sell advertising or sponsorships. The possibilities are endless.
What’s important is that you start somewhere and then take action to turn your expertise into cash.
Ready to Make 1000 in a Day?
There are many ways to make money quickly and easily.
The best way to make money fast is to find a way that best suits your skills and interests.
Whether it’s graphic design, content creation, photography, or trading stocks, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your passions into profit. So, start honing your skills and explore the endless possibilities of the gig economy.
Learning how to make quick money in one day is possible. You just need to be determined and disciplined.
So, which method do you choose on how to make $1k a day?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
No direct link (offer begins June 27th in the Bilt app)
Link your Lyft account with the Bilt rent app (free to signup) and you can get the following offer:
Anyone with the free Bilt app can get a $10 Lyft credit.
Bilt Mastercard credit cardholders can get $20 Lyft credit.
Take a ride on July 1st to receive an additional $5 credit. That’s $15 total for anyone or $25 total for Bilt cardholders.
After linking accounts, you must select ‘Activate Credits’ in the Rent Day tab. Activation will become available on June 27, 2023 and continue through July 1, 2023.
The Fine Print
The Lyft ride credit ($10/$20) will show under ‘Lyft Pass’ in the Payment section of the Lyft app.
Credits can take up to 72 hours to show up and will be valid for 90 days.
Our Verdict
Should be an easy $10/$20 credit. Usually the Bilt Rent Day promos are on the first of the month only; this time it’s available beginning on June 27th.
In-depth reviews of the best travel rewards credit cards
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Pros:
Elevated earn rate on everyday spending
High welcome bonus for a reasonable spending requirement
Excellent travel perks and recurring benefits
Cons:
Travel bonuses are limited to Capital One bookings
High annual fee
Capital One pulls your credit from all three credit bureaus
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a relatively new travel credit card but has quickly distinguished itself as one of the best. See Rates & Fees.
The card offers a substantial welcome bonus and elevated earn rate that makes racking up points fast and easy. Even if you don’t take advantage of the 5-10x travel bonus, you’ll earn 2x miles on all spending. This earning structure is ideal for people who don’t want to deal with tracking category bonuses. If you want a single credit card in your wallet that earns more than one mile per dollar spent, this is the card for you.
The card’s $395 annual fee is high but still lower than most premium credit cards. However, the recurring benefits offset it — think things like a $300 annual travel statement credit for Capital One Travel bookings and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every four years. Best of all, the card offers a yearly 10,000-mile bonus worth $100 towards travel.
The card’s lounge benefits are also worth noting. Members get unlimited visits to Capital One Lounges. While the Capital One lounge network is still developing, members also get Priority Pass Select membership, valid at over 1,300 lounges worldwide.
The only downside about Capital One is that the bank pulls your credit from all three bureaus rather than just one, making for a sure hard hit on your credit score. However, if you keep this card long-term, it’s worth it.
Annual fee: $395
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flights booked with Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases
Travel benefits: $300 annual travel statement credit on Capital One Travel bookings; up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit every four years; 10,000 anniversary bonus miles (worth $100 towards travel); unlimited Capital One lounge access (plus two complimentary guests); Priority Pass™ membership; Hertz President’s Circle® status*, and; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Travel accident insurance, auto rental coverage (See Rates & Fees.)
Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Pros:
Loaded with travel and dining credits that help offset the annual fee
Automatic elite status with Hilton and Marriott
Substantial welcome bonus that will cover at least one round-trip international business class fare
Transfer your points to 20 airline and hotel partners
Cons:
High annual fee
Lack of meaningful category bonuses
Requires excellent credit
The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest annual fees at $695, but it also comes packed with travel credits and benefits galore. Taking advantage of them would get you well over $1,500 in value every year. Between the elite status perks, travel credits, digital entertainment credits, and lounge membership, it offers the most comprehensive travel perks of any credit card.
The Amex Platinum also offers best-in-class travel insurance. All you have to do is charge your travel bookings to the Platinum card, and you’ll be protected in case of cancellations and delays.
With a 80,000-point welcome bonus, you can book an off-peak round-trip business class ticket to Europe with All Nippon Airways miles. Or you can opt for economy class and cover up to four round-trip tickets to Europe using Flying Blue rewards.
The Amex Platinum is an excellent travel rewards card if you want a large welcome bonus and tons of travel perks. But the annual fee is hefty, and the card lacks any meaningful category bonuses beyond direct travel bookings. If you don’t think you’ll be able to get your money’s worth through the various credits every year, you might want to consider a different card.
Annual fee: $695
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 within the first six months
Rewards: 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels; 1x point on all other purchases
Travel benefits: $300 annual Equinox credit (issued monthly); $200 annual credit on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel; $200 in annual Uber Cash (distributed monthly); $200 annual airline fee credit; $155 Walmart+ credit; $20 monthly digital entertainment credit; access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection; $189 CLEAR credit; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every five years; $100 Saks credit issued semi-annually; Hilton and Marriott Gold status; access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts; premium car rental status; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Primary rental car coverage; trip delay insurance (up to $500 per trip); trip cancellation & interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per trip)
Read more: Are Amex cards worth it?
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Pros:
Generous earn rate on common spending categories
Flexible loyalty program with good transfer partner selection and ability to redeem for direct bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a rate of 1.25 cents per point
Generous travel benefits and protections for a mid-tier card
Cons:
Limitations on the highest spending categories
Bookings made with the $50 hotel credit don’t earn 5x points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has had the distinction of being one of the best travel credit cards for over a decade. The card is popular because it offers a generous welcome bonus, which is fairly simple to redeem. You can transfer points to one of 14 airlines or hotels. Or you can redeem points through Ultimate Rewards® Travel at just 1.25 cents each. This flexibility makes Ultimate Rewards® points (and the Sapphire Preferred® Card) incredibly valuable.
If one loyalty program devalues, you can transfer your points to a different partner. Just keep in mind that point transfers are not reversible, so don’t do it unless you’re ready to redeem the points.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great starter travel card, and its $95 annual fee is typical for a mid-tier card. However, if you don’t use the $50 annual hotel credit or earn at least 9,500 points per year to justify the annual fee, then it’s not worth it.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus:60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Rewards: 5x points on travel booked with Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases; 2x on other travel purchases; 1x on all other spending
Travel benefits: Up to $50 in annual credits towards Ultimate Rewards® hotel bookings; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Primary rental car collision waiver; up to $10,000 in trip cancellation/interruption coverage; purchase protection for 120 days; extended warranty protection
Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
Citi Premier® Card
Pros:
High welcome bonus that transfers to 16 airline and hotel programs
$100 hotel credit on Citi ThankYou® Travel bookings of $500 or more
Reasonable annual fee
Cons:
No travel protections
$100 hotel credit excludes taxes and fees
At first sight, the Citi Premier® Card shouldn’t be on this list. The card has no travel protections, which is not ideal when booking thousands of dollars in travel. However, if you buy travel insurance anyway, then the Citi Premier® isn’t so bad. It’s a great card for maximizing spending on everyday purchases.
The card earns 3x points on select travel and common spending categories like dining, gas, and groceries. Cardmembers also get a $100 annual hotel credit valid on Citi Travel bookings of $500 or more. Considering the annual fee, this perk is pretty generous.
The Citi ThankYou® program is also one of the best, allowing you to transfer the card’s substantial bonus to 16 airline and hotel programs.
If you want a travel rewards card that really rewards you in your everyday life, this is a great card. Just think twice about charging expensive travel bookings to it, since they won’t be protected.
Annual fee:
Welcome bonus:Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou(R) Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou(R) Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel(SM) portal through June 30, 2024.
Rewards: 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels; 1x on all other purchases
Benefits: Annual $100 hotel savings on a booking of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees); no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: None
Read our full review of the Citi Premier® Card.
Card info has been independently collected by MoneyUnder30 to help consumers better compare cards. The financial institution did not provide or approve card details.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
Pros:
Easy welcome bonus
Free checked bags and priority boarding when flying American Airlines
Ability to earn a Companion Certificate every year
Cons:
$99 annual fee
Airline miles are more limited in use than transferable rewards
The best airline credit card is a tough one because it really comes down to your airline loyalty and whether you live near a hub city. But there’s a good reason we’ve chosen the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® for this category. The card offers one of the easiest spending requirements to complete and includes several ongoing perks that provide value beyond the $99 annual fee.
The Aviator Red card’s 50,000-mile welcome bonus is easy to earn. You only need to use the card once (for any purchase), and you’ll earn 50,000 bonus miles.
The card also offers a free checked bag on American Airlines flights, discounts on in-flight purchases and Wi-Fi credits, and a $99 Companion Certificate when you spend $20,000 in a year. Best of all: every dollar spent on this card counts towards elite status with American Airlines.
Annual fee: $99
Welcome bonus: 50,000 bonus miles after the first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee
Rewards: 2x miles on all American Airlines purchases; 1x mile on everything else
Travel benefits: $25 in statement credits towards in-flight Wi-Fi purchases; 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases; free first checked bag; preferred boarding; $99 Companion Certificate every year you spend $20,000 on the card; no foreign transaction fees
Annual free weekend night and resort credits help offset the annual fee
Generous category bonuses, with an additional spending incentive
Cons:
$450 annual fee
Priority Pass membership from American Express cards does not include access to airport restaurants
Hilton points have limited use
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is arguably the best hotel credit card. If you’re looking to earn Hilton points and make your next stay more rewarding, look no further.
Cardmembers get automatic top-tier Diamond status, which normally requires 42 nights, 21 stays, or 84,000 base points. Diamond members get free complimentary breakfast (or a dining credit at U.S. properties), club lounge access, space-available room upgrades, and 100% bonus points on paid stays.
Cardmembers also receive an annual free weekend night award, plus the ability to earn a second free night after spending $60,000 in a calendar year.
A $250 airline fee credit makes the $450 annual fee more palatable, along with the Priority Pass membership.
The only downside? American Express cards don’t get restaurant access with their Priority Pass membership, and some airports have restaurants that are part of the Priority Pass network. Members receive a credit of $28-$35 per person at these restaurants, which is handy when airline lounges are full or closed.
The Hilton Aspire Card offers a ton of value beyond the welcome bonus. Even if you just stay at one Hilton hotel a year, you can get your money’s worth. The card’s category bonuses make it easy to earn Hilton points. The only negative side to this is that you’re earning Hilton points rather than a transferable currency with more flexible use.
Annual fee: $450
Welcome bonus: 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $4,000 within your first three months of card membership
Rewards: 14x points on hotels and resorts; 7x points on travel (flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, cars booked with select companies); 7x points at U.S. restaurants; 3x points on all other purchases
Travel benefits: Annual free weekend night reward; $250 annual Hilton resort credit; annual $250 airline fee credit; $100 property credit at select hotels booked for two nights minimum; top-tier Hilton Diamond elite status; Priority Pass Select membership; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Secondary rental car collision coverage; up to $3,000 baggage insurance plan
Read more: The best hotel credit cards
Bilt Rewards Mastercard®
Pros:
Earn fee-free points on rent
Transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners, most of which overlap with Chase Ultimate Rewards®
No annual fee
Cons:
Must make five transactions per billing period to earn points
Limited category bonuses
No welcome bonus
The Bilt Rewards Mastercard® is a relative newcomer to the travel credit card scene but has already shaken things up. The card has no welcome bonus, but it has one very lucrative feature: cardmembers can earn points on rent payments without paying fees. Services like Plastiq charge a 2.8% fee when you use a credit card for rent payments. Bilt lets you earn points without a fee if you make at least five transactions per billing period.
Bilt makes other purchases rewarding too. Cardmembers earn 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x everywhere else. In addition, cardmembers earn double points on the first of every month (except on rent payments). But what can you do with the rewards?
Bilt has 14 airline and hotel transfer partners, including Hyatt – which only partners with one other program (Chase Ultimate Rewards®). Bilt Rewards has 10 transfer partners in common with Chase, making this an excellent option if you want a no-annual-fee rewards card.
Annual fee: $0
Welcome bonus: None
Rewards: 3x points on dining; 2x on travel; 1x on rent payments without the transaction fee
Benefits: $5 Lyft credit when you take three rides per month; 3-month DashPass membership; travel perks on Rent Day (i.e., two-for-one Virgin Voyages sailings); no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Trip cancellation and interruption coverage (up to $5,000); trip delay reimbursement (up to $1,800 per trip); auto rental collision coverage
Read our full review of the Bilt Rewards Mastercard®.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Pros:
The current welcome bonus is valid for up to $900 in direct travel bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards® or can be transferred to 14 airline and hotel partners
The $300 annual travel credit offsets most of the annual fee
Excellent travel protections and benefits
Cons:
High annual fee
$75 fee per authorized user
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a great choice if you want a premium credit card that earns Ultimate Rewards®. The card currently has an elevated welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. It also offers plenty of category bonuses to help you keep earning points beyond the initial bonus.
The $300 annual travel credit partially offsets the $550 fee. Cardmembers also get Priority Pass membership, up to $100 towards TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS application fees. The card also has plenty of travel protections, so you can charge your travel expenses with peace of mind.
Chase Ultimate Rewards® is a great program, whether you want to maximize its transfer partners or use it for direct travel bookings. Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can redeem their points for 1.5 cents each towards Ultimate Rewards® travel bookings. This flexibility is great for folks looking for simple redemption options.
Annual fee: $550 and $75 per authorized user
Welcome bonus:60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Rewards: 10x points on Chase Dining and hotel and car rental bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 5x points on Chase Ultimate Rewards® flight bookings; 3x points on travel worldwide; 3x points on other dining purchases (including eligible delivery services; 1x points on all other purchases
Travel benefits: $300 annual travel credit; Priority Pass Select membership; up to $100 Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS fee credit every four years; Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection perks
Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (up to $20,000 per trip); trip delay reimbursement (up to $500 per ticket); primary rental car coverage (up to $75,000); lost luggage reimbursement (up to $3,000 per passenger); emergency evacuation and transportation coverage (up to $100,000)
Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Pros:
High welcome bonus and simple rewards structure for maximizing mileage earnings
Excellent transfer partners
Generous travel perks for a low-annual-fee card
Cons:
Capital One pulls your credit from all three credit bureaus
Limited lounge network
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has it all: an excellent welcome bonus, a top-notch rewards program, and generous travel perks for a low annual fee. Cardmembers get up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit and two complimentary annual visits to Capital One Lounges. These perks are highly unusual for a mid-tier card, making Capital One Venture Reward’s $95 annual fee an excellent value. See Rates & Fees.
The welcome bonus is the same as the Venture X Rewards Card. So if you don’t want to shell out the $395 annual fee, the Venture Rewards card is a cheaper alternative. The 2x earn rate on all purchases is especially significant if you want to elevate the rewards you earn on everyday spending without tracking category bonuses across multiple cards. This can be your one-and-done rewards card.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases
Travel benefits: Two free Capital One Lounge visits per year; Hertz Five Star status*; up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit; no foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance: Travel & Emergency Assistance Services and Auto Rental Insurance (See Rates & Fees.)
Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card.
American Express® Gold Card
Pros:
Category bonuses are great for maximizing everyday spending
Amex has 17 airline and hotel partners, with periodic transfer bonuses
Statement credits can offset the annual fee
Cons:
Car rental coverage is secondary — upgrade to primary coverage costs $12.25-$24.95 per rental through Premium Car Rental Protection
$250 annual fee is high
Statement credits are limited to select merchants
The Amex Gold Card is an excellent travel card for everyday use. It offers generous category bonuses to help you maximize everyday purchases. Plus, the card provides monthly statement credits at select restaurants and Uber Cash that can make dining out (and transportation) easier. The Uber credits are valid on both UberEats and Uber rides, making them great for travelers and homebodies alike.
The 4x bonus on dining applies to restaurants worldwide, so you can continue maximizing this bonus even while out of the country. The card also has several travel protections, so you have peace of mind when booking your trips.
The downside? The $250 annual fee is steep; not everyone will find value in the statement credits. Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule can also make the welcome bonus less attainable. My advice? Wait for a higher offer. Not too long ago, the card was offering 90,000 bonus points. Since you’re limited to one bonus, you might as well hold out for the highest one possible.
Annual fee: $250
Welcome bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first six months of card membership.
Rewards: 4x points at restaurants worldwide; 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year); 3x on flights; 1x on all other purchases
Travel benefits: $10 monthly credit valid at Cheesecake Factory, Gold Belly, GrubHub, Milk Bar, Wine.com, and select Shake Shack locations; $10 monthly Uber cash; no foreign transaction fees
Travel Insurance: Baggage insurance plan (up to $1,250); secondary car rental coverage
Read more: Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Which travel rewards card is right for you?
How do travel credit cards work?
Travel credit cards offer rewards that you can redeem for nearly-free flights and hotel nights. There are generally three types of travel credit cards: ones that earn transferable points, that earn hotel points, or that earn airline miles.
A diverse points portfolio is part of a good travel hacking strategy, so you should aim for at least one credit card that earns transferrable rewards. This way, you’re not stuck with one currency and have flexibility in redeeming points. If one loyalty program devalues, you can transfer your points to another one. If one program limits award space, you can transfer points to one with the seats or rooms you need.
Travel credit cards go beyond points. Many offer recurring travel perks like free hotel nights, airline credits, lounge membership, elite status perks, and more. If you play your cards right, travel credit cards can improve your travel experience substantially and help you save money.
The only downside is that most travel cards carry annual fees. Some of these fees go as high as $695. You’ll want to evaluate the card’s features and recurring perks before choosing one. The last thing you want is to shell out thousands of dollars in credit card annual fees and not get your money’s worth.
What’s the difference between points and miles?
Points and miles are two different types of currencies that can be used for travel. Points are generally issued by hotel loyalty programs or banks, while airlines issue miles. Of course, there are exceptions. For example, JetBlue, Southwest and Air Canada all call their rewards currencies “points” rather than miles.
Most banks have transferrable rewards they call points — these rewards can be used towards travel or cash back at a fixed cost. Their best use is transferring them to participating airline or hotel loyalty programs. Most transfers are 1:1 and nearly instant.
Airline miles are ideal for flights, while hotel points are best for free nights. Some hotel chains let you convert your points to airline miles, though the transfer ratio isn’t ideal. For example, Marriott points transfer to most airlines 3:1, with a 5,000-point bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.
For the best points strategy, you should have credit cards that earn points and miles. However, consider getting a transferrable rewards card like the Capital One Venture if you want to narrow it down to one card. You’ll earn 2x miles on every dollar spent and have access to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners.
And if you don’t want to figure out where to transfer your points, you can redeem them towards travel purchases at one cent each.
How to choose a travel card
With so many great options, choosing a travel credit card can seem overwhelming. Everyone has different goals and spending habits, so there is no “best credit card” that meets every need. But if you’re in the market for a travel card, there are a few factors to consider that will help you make the best choice:
1. Know the (credit card application) rules
Most banks require good credit for travel cards, but did you know they also have various rules that impact approvals? Before you apply for a credit card, you should familiarize yourself with these rules to avoid unnecessary rejection. Here are some credit card application rules from different banks:
American Express
Once-per-lifetime rule
Five card limit
No more than two cards within 90 days
American Express has three credit card application rules you should be aware of. The first is the once-per-lifetime rule, which applies to most credit cards. If you’ve received a welcome bonus for an Amex card, you generally will not receive it again. There are, of course, exceptions, especially on targeted offers sent via mail and email. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any such offers you receive.
The five-card limit restricts you to no more than five Amex charge cards open at a time. This rule does not apply to business cards. You also won’t be approved for more than two Amex cards in 90 days.
Capital One
Welcome bonuses are restricted for existing cardholders
Many Capital One cards have language on the marketing page prohibiting the welcome bonus for anyone who has had the card before. The Capital One Venture X, Venture, and VentureOne have this restrictive language.
The Spark Cards are vaguer, stating, “The bonus may not be available for existing or previous Spark cardholders.”
Keep this in mind if you’re applying for a Capital One credit card you’ve had before.
Chase
5/24 rule
24 and 48-month rule
No more than two cards within 30 days
Chase’s 5/24 rule is perhaps the most well-known credit card application rule. If you’ve applied for five or more credit cards from any bank in the last 24 months, you won’t be approved for a Chase card.
The 24-month rule applies to the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited®. If you’ve had the bonus in the last 24 months, you won’t qualify for another one.
Similarly, if you’ve had a Chase Sapphire Reserve® in the previous 48 months, you’re not eligible for another one.
Lastly, Chase won’t approve you for more than two cards within 30 days. Keep these rules in mind and time your applications accordingly.
Citi
24 and 48-month rule
No more than one card every eight days
No more than two cards every 65 days
Citi won’t approve you for a Citi Premier® Card or Citi Rewards+® Card if you’ve had it in the last 24 months. Meanwhile, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard is off-limits if you earned the welcome bonus or closed the card within the previous 48 months.
Lastly, Citi will only approve you for one card every eight days or more than two every 65 days.
2. Get a card that suits your goals
When choosing a travel credit card, you should consider your spending habits and redemption goals.
Are you primarily a budget traveler looking to get the family to Disney World next summer? Or perhaps you want to experience the thrill of flying international first class with your significant other.
Your travel goals matter because they determine the rewards you should be earning and card perks that will suit your needs.
3. Decide on co-brand vs. transferrable rewards
As we’ve established, there are three types of cards: co-branded airline cards, co-branded hotel cards, and transferrable rewards. Think about which type of card will meet your travel goals. Generally, you’re better off with a transferrable rewards card because of the flexibility you have in using the points.
However, a hotel credit card might be handy if you’re planning a trip with hotel stays. You’ll get elite status and maybe even annual free nights. Meanwhile, you might consider getting an airline credit card for elite-type perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
4. Go for a big welcome bonus
When it comes to welcome bonuses, you should aim for at least 50,000 points or higher. That’s pretty standard nowadays and enough to cover at least two round-trip domestic flights.
When you apply for a credit card, you incur a 2-5 point credit score hit, so make it count by getting a substantial bonus in exchange.
Read more: Best credit card sign-up bonuses
5. Evaluate your spending habits
Think about which categories you spend the most on and find a card that offers bonus points on that spending.
Similarly, if you’re not a big spender, you might want to steer clear of credit cards with large spending requirements. There’s no sense in applying for a card if you can’t meet the spend to secure the welcome bonus. Or even worse, if you have to go into debt to meet the requirement.
6. Pick a card with purchase and travel protections
Most people ignore this, but it’s crucial. Purchase protection can cover expensive items in case of damage or loss. The same goes for travel protection — if your trip is canceled for unforeseeable reasons, your credit card’s travel insurance can save you a lot of money.
So take travel and purchase protection into account when choosing a credit card. You’ll be glad if you ever have to use it.
7. Check the fees
Most travel credit cards have annual fees, ranging from $95 to $695. When choosing a card, be sure to take credit card annual fees into account. If you can’t afford the premium version of a card, downgrade to the mid-tier version.
Another type of fee that can add up is foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards waive these fees, but no-annual-fee cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® still carry them. You’ll pay an extra 3% just to use your card abroad. If you plan on traveling internationally, get a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Read more: Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
The bottom line: Should you get a travel credit card?
Travel credit cards are great if you want to earn or redeem points for cheaper travel. They can also save you money with perks like airline fee credits, free hotel nights, elite status, and waived foreign transaction fees. A travel credit card can be an excellent tool in your travel hacking arsenal.
However, it can also be costly if you don’t take advantage of their various perks and add more cards to your wallet without a strategy. Think through the steps we’ve outlined above and make your decision wisely.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card overview
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the best-known travel rewards credit cards, featuring 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal and Lyft purchases, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else. These valuable points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
At TPG, we always get asked an important question from beginner travelers looking to plan trips: Which travel credit card should you start with?
We almost universally recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. It earns one of our favorite rewards currencies. It offers lucrative perks. It features a low annual fee. In fact, many of us started our journey into points and miles with the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is designed for frequent and casual travelers. With a $95 annual fee, it’s not an expensive card, which makes it an especially good choice for beginners.
The card is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Here’s what you need to know about the Chase Sapphire Preferred and why it’s one of the best cards out there.
Ready to get the card? Apply here for the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred welcome offer
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’ll earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, enough to take you just about anywhere in the world you want to go.
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This haul of points is worth a minimum of $750 when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal, but if you maximize Chase’s transfer partners, TPG’s valuations peg the full value of the bonus at $1,200.
Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards for maximum value
Earning points on the Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a simple earning structure that is easy to maximize:
5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal.
5 points per dollar on Lyft purchases (through March 2025).
5 points per dollar on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $250 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points).
3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal.
1 point per dollar on everything else.
Related: Why you’ll want to pay the $95 annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Redeeming points on the Chase Sapphire Preferred
When you’re ready to redeem the points you’ve earned with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’ll understand why the card shines.
Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal
You can use your points to purchase airfare, reserve hotel rooms and even rent a car through Chase Travel — all at a fixed rate of 1.25 cents per point. That means you don’t need to worry about blackout dates or finding award space; you’ll always have the option to book travel using your points. As long as there’s a seat for sale on the flight you want, or a hotel room available to reserve with cash, you can pay for it with your points.
Just note that hotel reservations booked through third-party sites (including Chase Travel) typically won’t earn points or count toward elite status qualification.
Transfer to Chase travel partners
It’s possible to receive more than 1.25 cents per point in value by transferring rewards to Chase 14 airline and hotel partners. Some of the best Chase transfer partners include Hyatt, United, British Airways and Singapore Airlines for fancy hotels or plane seats.
Pay Yourself Back
If you want to use the points from your Sapphire Preferred at a fixed value for something other than travel, consider Chase’s Pay Yourself Back option. Cardholders can use points for a value of 1.25 cents apiece to cover donations to select charities (through Dec. 31, 2023) or a value of 1 cent per point for gas station and grocery purchases (through Sept. 30, 2023).
Related: How to donate points and miles to help Ukraine
Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits
In addition to the sign-up bonus, there are many appealing perks on the Sapphire Preferred.
$50 annual hotel credit
You’ll receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. It’s automatically applied to your account each year when you make an eligible charge. Note that the $50 credit does not earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Related: How to use the new $50 hotel credit on the Chase Sapphire Preferred
10% annual points bonus
Another change Chase added to the card is a 10% anniversary points bonus. Cardholders will receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. For example, if you spent $100,000 on your Sapphire Preferred during your cardmember year, you’ll receive 10,000 bonus points at the end of the year.
Note that this 10% is calculated on the dollars you spent rather than the points you earned. You won’t receive additional points by leveraging the card’s bonus categories.
DoorDash
The Chase Sapphire Preferred also includes at least one year of complimentary DashPass membership with DoorDash, which gives you free delivery and reduced service fees on eligible purchases (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). There is a cost associated with using food delivery services such as DoorDash, but this can be a valuable benefit if you already use the service.
Travel protections
This card is an ideal choice to pay for travel bookings such as car rentals, cruises, plane tickets and hotels because of the comprehensive travel and purchase protections it affords. Among them, cardholders can expect the following:
You can read more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred shopping and travel benefits here.
Related: 7 Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits you might not know about
Which cards compete with the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Many worthwhile mid-tier travel credit cards exist, but only a few can go toe-to-toe with the Sapphire Preferred. If trying to decide, think about which one’s earning formula suits your spending habit and which one’s transfer partners you’re more likely to maximize.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best starter credit cards.
Read more: Chase Sapphire showdown: Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve
Bottom line
If you’re ready to move beyond cash-back or fixed-value travel rewards credit cards, there is no better place to start than with the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
After its debut over a decade ago, it’s still regarded as one of the best rewards credit cards. It earns some of the most valuable points and is flexible enough to meet the travel rewards needs of practically every points and miles skill level. It also comes with a low enough price tag for many to be able to give it a try.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred continues to represent a solid value proposition for a wide swath of the public. So long as you’re using the card frequently enough to get more than $95 in value from the rewards earned and benefits utilized, this card is definitely worth the annual cost.
Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred with an 60,000-point bonus.
For rates and fees of the Amex Green Card, please click here.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson, Ryan Wilcox, Chris Dong, Stella Shon, Jennifer Yellin, Joseph Hostetler and Eric Rosen.
Credit cards (and earning their sign-up bonuses) are at the top of our list when it comes to easy ways to earn points and miles. Beyond that, we really hope you’re shopping through an online shopping portal like Rakuten to earn even more cash-back or rewards points on your online purchases.
But you may have overlooked one of the simplest ways to earn points and miles: linking a rewards program in some of your favorite apps. If so, now is the time to grab your phone and make sure you’ve connected your accounts to earn rewards for multiple programs when you make a coffee run or call a rideshare.
Starbucks
In late 2022, Delta and Starbucks announced their partnership to allow customers to link their rewards accounts, earning Delta SkyMiles alongside Starbucks Star Rewards and double Starbucks Stars on Delta flying days.
Don’t expect a free flight from a coffee order, but over time, you’ll build up your SkyMiles balance. Plus, those with linked accounts got a 500-mile boost this past spring, a nice consolation prize for those of us crying into our lattes about the recent Starbucks rewards devaluation.
And of course, be sure to use a card that offers a nice bonus on dining purchases.
Related: The best credit cards to use at Starbucks
Lyft
On your Lyft app, you may think you’re already maximizing your earning potential by setting an eligible Chase card as your automatic payment method. But if you haven’t chosen a travel rewards program to link, you still leave rewards on the table.
From the app menu, select “Rewards.”
You can connect your Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors, Alaska Mileage Plan or Bilt Rewards account from there.
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Note that different types of rides earn different reward amounts on your linked account, so be sure to check out Lyft’s description of each program’s earning potential before deciding which one to link to.
Pro tip: Consider Bilt Rewards. This is often the most valuable partner since you can earn 2 points for every dollar spent and transfer them to a variety of partners (including Hyatt) at a 1:1 ratio.
Related: Triple stack these offers to maximize your next Lyft ride
Uber
In addition to taking advantage of your Amex Uber credits, ensure you’ve linked your Marriott Bonvoy account to your Uber account.
From your app’s menu, select “Partner Rewards.”
You’ll see your Uber credits from your Amex(es) at the top. Then, if you haven’t connected your Marriott Bonvoy account already, click below to enter your account information.
Once they’re connected, you’ll start earning Marriott points on qualifying Uber transactions.
And for both Uber and Lyft, consider adding a card that offers a bonus on travel purchases. One particularly great option right now is the American Express® Green Card, which is offering a best-ever welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new card in the first six months of cardmembership. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first six months of cardmembership (up to $200 back in the form of statement credits).
Related: Earn Marriott points on Uber rides and food delivery
Bottom line
Ensure you’re taking advantage of opportunities to double dip rewards when you spend, including linking partner programs through the apps you use regularly. And while you’re at it, become the friend who volunteers to call the rideshare or make the Starbucks run. Bonus rewards await.
Family travel is a whole other ballgame. The strategy, gear, planning, expectations and number of times you may answer “Are we there yet?” make it an entirely different sport than solo or adults-only trips.
While traveling with kids is arguably quite different than taking a trip without a child (notice we didn’t call it a “vacation” with kids), it doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, there are countless ways to experience memorable moments and make lifelong memories with your kids, whether you hike the mountains of Machu Picchu or ride the newest coaster at Disney World.
Related: TPG’s 10 top family vacation destinations
To make the journey a little easier, we’ve compiled our 43 favorite family travel tips. Whether you’re traveling with infants, teens or some of both, these tried-and-true tips are bound to ease travel headaches and ensure your family travels are as fun and carefree as possible.
Travel tips for infants and toddlers
Having a baby does not mean the end of your time as a traveler. It may cause you to temporarily pause your adventures, and it will certainly change how you travel. But traveling with a baby is still worth the effort.
While it’s true that your baby may not remember the details of your trips during the first few years, quality time together is invaluable. You will always remember their first big vacations.
Some travel is often easier with a small, snuggly baby than with a growing, active toddler, so don’t be afraid to plan something while your little one is still young.
Use the right travel stroller
If you plan on traveling with a stroller, you want one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver through the airport or rough terrain, if necessary, once you reach your destination.
Related: These are the 13 best travel strollers for your next trip
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If you choose to gate-check your stroller, foldability isn’t as important. Instead, prioritize protecting your stroller from dirt and damage by investing in a stroller with a bag. For long layovers, you can request to have your gate-checked stroller delivered to you between flights so that your baby has a safe and comfortable place to rest while you navigate the airport. Just ask the gate agent when you check your stroller.
Baby-wear
To keep your hands free and your baby snuggled, you may choose to baby-wear through the airport or on a flight (though most airlines don’t allow it during takeoff and landing).
The Transportation Security Administration rules state that infants may be carried in a sling or carrier while going through the walk-through metal detector, so you shouldn’t have to remove them for security — at least, according to the rules.
If it’s not too hot, baby carriers and slings also come in handy at theme parks, which allow baby-wearing on many family-friendly attractions. Just be sure you ask about safety restrictions before you ride.
Breastfeeding mamas should consider carriers that allow easy access for on-the-go nursing, such as those in sling or wrap styles.
Consider a Doona
If you don’t want to lug both a car seat and a stroller and your baby weighs between 4 and 35 pounds, you’re in luck: The Doona can serve the function of both. It transforms very easily from a stroller to a car seat and back again, all while your baby is strapped in.
Because of their convenience, Doonas are great for flights, cab rides, Uber rides and, frankly, any part of your busy life with a baby.
Think twice about flying with a lap infant
Most airlines allow children younger than 2 to fly as lap infants instead of purchasing separate seats for them.
The cost savings can be hard to pass up, and during those early months when the little one is nursing or sleeping a lot, it can be the easiest way to go. However, if your baby is fussy or you are flying solo, you may feel more comfortable keeping them in their car seat. If they can sleep through anything or you have someone you can split baby-care duties with, you may have more success flying with a lap infant.
If you do purchase a seat for your baby, there are dozens of portable car seats out there that are much easier to travel with than the bulky car seat you may have at home.
Get a car seat just for travel
The Cosco Scenera is a perennial favorite when it comes to travel car seats. At around 10 pounds and only $50 to $60, this car seat is a winner for travel when you need something easy and affordable. It’s rated for rear-facing little ones weighing between 5 and 40 pounds or forward-facing kiddos weighing 22 to 40 pounds.
Another model to consider is the WAYB Pico portable car seat, which was recommended by several TPG readers.
Use a car seat on the plane
Every kid is different, but if your little one sleeps well in a car seat in the car, they may do the same on a plane. If your kids are generally comfortable in car seats and have their own seat assignments on the plane, consider bringing the car seat on board for a secure flight experience.
Related: Car seats that are airline approved
Bring a Boppy pillow if you’re holding an infant
TPG’s senior director of engineering Mitchell Stoutin recommended using a Boppy nursing pillow for long flights with an infant. In addition to being handy for nursing, it gives your baby a comfortable place to rest. He also advised stashing your Boppy in a vacuum Ziploc bag to save space when not in use.
Sign your kids up for frequent flyer programs
Once you make the transition to buying your child a seat — either because they turn 2 or because you think having a separate seat will work best for your family — sign them up for a frequent flyer account and let the miles start rolling in.
No minimum age requirements exist for kids, so enroll them while they’re young to maximize their earnings.
Related: Earning frequent flyer miles for your kids just got a little easier
Board last
Most airlines let families with young children board early in the process, but as long as your family has assigned seats, you don’t need to worry about rushing to board before others.
Instead, have one parent get all the gear ready and board first while the other waits as long as possible before bringing the baby on board. This will help minimize the amount of time you have your little one in tight quarters, reducing the likelihood of a meltdown or further disrupting their schedule.
Pack your carry-on strategically
Think about everything you may need to easily access for yourself and your baby before organizing your carry-on. That way, you don’t forget any of your must-have items or struggle to find them while on board.
Consider packing food, diapers and extra outfits for at least twice as long as you think you’ll need them for your little one while in transit. Don’t forget to also bring clothes, snacks and drinks for yourself so you have everything you need.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to have enough essentials to survive at least 24 hours off of what you bring on board, as you never know what is going to happen.
Bring large Ziploc bags and black trash sacks
Avoid packing a suitcase without tossing in a few Ziploc bags, grocery bags or trash bags. They can be used to stash snacks and store wet or dirty clothing.
As TPG executive editor Scott Mayerowitz shared, large black garbage bags can also work as blackout shades in a pinch.
Related: The best family beach vacation destinations to kick off summer
Find a space in your hotel for the baby to sleep
In the best-case scenario, you’ll have accommodations with at least two bedrooms so your baby has a dark, quiet place to sleep while you relax without disturbing them. However, there are times when having multiple rooms isn’t possible.
If you only have one bedroom, try putting a crib in a hotel closet or bathroom to achieve the same result.
Travel with gear that will help your baby sleep in the hotel
When it’s time for the baby to sleep, there are numerous sleep tents, shades and white noise machines to choose from. Here are a few of our most trusted options:
You don’t always need to buy new gear for a successful trip, though. One reader suggested using painter’s tape to cover outlets as a quick, cost-effective way to baby-proof your hotel room.
Related: These are the best New York City hotels for families to check out
Have diapers and essentials shipped to your final destination
While you need plenty on hand for that first day or two, you can purchase what you need from Amazon and have it shipped directly to your destination instead of traveling with an entire week’s worth of needed items like diapers and wipes.
Alternatively, you can use a service like Shipt or Instacart to have essentials delivered to your hotel or home rental after you arrive.
Pack the snacks
This is true for all ages but especially applies when traveling with infants.
Don’t ever assume anything baby-appropriate will be available while you are in transit. The last thing you want is the stress of scrambling to find what you need at the last minute.
To avoid this potential headache, pack enough formula, snacks and more so you have whatever your little one may need to stay happy and content.
Related: How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby
Travel tips for preschoolers
The good news is that when kids are old enough for preschool, they don’t need quite as much sleeping and transportation gear.
With preschoolers, you’ll want to pay particular attention to toys and activities that will keep them entertained, night lights that will help keep the “scaries” away and a few other important travel essentials.
Bring mess-free toys
When choosing toys to pack for a flight or road trip, keep in mind that you don’t want anything that will create a mess or get lost easily, such as Legos or slime.
For mess-free coloring, we love Crayola Color Wonder Markers and coloring pages. If you’re taking a long flight or road trip, consider suction toys that can stick to a car or airplane window.
Related: 14 mistakes parents make when traveling with kids
Pack hidden toys to reveal during your trip
A surefire way to keep your child content for extended periods of time is to hide some toys until your travel day arrives so they feel new and exciting. You can even wrap them up or dole them out periodically throughout your trip — we recommend packing one toy for each hour of a flight — to add an element of surprise.
Try visiting a dollar store or dollar aisle in a store to dial up the surprise factor. Trust us, the $5 investment will pay off in spades.
Related: Your guide to flying with kids of every age
Consider an inflatable booster seat
If your child has graduated to a booster seat (congrats!), there are inflatable and fold-flat booster seats available that are easier to haul when traveling by car.
While there are several options currently on the market, the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a TPG reader favorite.
Use a stroller
Should you find yourself covering lots of miles on your trip, having a stroller can come in handy, even if you don’t normally use one at home.
For example, at a large theme park like Disney World, you may find yourself needing a stroller until your kid is 6, 7 or even 8 years old if you are moving quickly and want them to easily keep up (or if you know they will fall asleep before you are ready to call it a night). This may mean renting one when you get there, though you may prefer to have your own if you’re doing more than spending time at Disney.
Get stroller straps
Because it isn’t socially acceptable to AirTag children (though they do come in handy for finding lost luggage), we instead suggest getting stroller straps that bigger kids can hold on to while you push younger children in the stroller. We’re particularly fond of the Tagalong Stroller Accessory.
Preschedule car service from the airport
If you need car seats or want to be sure you have a ride waiting for you when you land, Uber and Lyft now both have options for prescheduling a ride if you need one.
While the best service depends on where you are going, one option to try is Blacklane. Consider having your driver meet you inside at baggage claim if you’re traveling with a lot of gear.
Pack a night light
For kids who are afraid of the dark, night lights may come in handy. This affordable nightlight is small, sleek and easy to pack.
If you are going on a cruise and don’t have access to traditional power outlets, TPG senior travel editor Erica Silverstein suggests bringing along battery-operated tea lights instead.
Travel somewhere with a kids club
A magical milestone in travel is when your child turns 3 and is potty trained, as this unlocks access to a variety of kids clubs.
Whether you’re on a Disney cruise (like the new Disney Wish cruise ship, pictured below) or at a resort with a kids club (some of which are free to use), children’s clubs are great for preschoolers.
By going somewhere that caters to younger children, you’ll be able to get a well-deserved break while the kiddos are taken care of.
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Plan down days and afternoon rest
Even if your preschooler has dropped daily naps at home, it’s still smart to build some downtime into your vacation schedule. This is especially important because it’s likely that their sleep schedule will be a little off while you’re traveling and that your vacation will be more action-packed than what they’re used to at home.
To help your overtired kid adjust, plan a relaxing pool day or take an afternoon break in your hotel room to keep crankiness at bay.
Travel tips for elementary-age kids
As kids get older, they can do more while on vacation with less help, but the tried-and-true tricks for keeping them entertained may no longer work.
Because their brains are developing and becoming more complex, elementary-age kids will need to have access to more activities while they’re away from home. As a result, you’ll need to adjust your strategy for vacations so they continue to have a good time.
Use packing cubes for the family
This tip applies to all age groups but can be especially helpful when your child starts taking more of an interest in choosing their own clothes. By relying on packing cubes, you can keep clothing for every member of your family organized while saving space.
If you decide to use packing cubes, there are a couple of good methods to choose from.
You can have a packing cube for each day of your trip and put your family’s clothing for each day in one cube. This works well if you will be making multiple stops and don’t want to pack and unpack everything.
You could also pack each family member’s clothing in a separate packing cube, which is helpful when you are encouraging kids to get dressed on their own and choose their own outfits.
Leave 1 day free in the schedule
We’ve already covered the importance of leaving some flex time in the afternoons, but if you are traveling for more than a long weekend, we highly recommend leaving an entire day unscheduled. That way, the kids can either rest and chill or you have the ability to say yes to something they spot along the way.
Depending on your child’s interests, you may want to use your free day for activities like splashing around at a water park, checking out some animals at a zoo, enjoying an epic ice cream-tasting adventure or spending more time at the kids club.
The key is to leave this day flexible so you can cater some activities to what your kid is enjoying the most.
Take advantage of your hotel’s club lounge
Club access can be invaluable when traveling with kids.
If you stay in a club-level room at a hotel, you’ll often have daily access to breakfast, snacks and drinks. An added bonus is that the club can serve as a gathering spot for enjoying more time (and often gorgeous views) with them.
Related: Can you use a World of Hyatt club lounge access award for someone else?
Plan trips with another family
This is the age where having other kids around really starts to matter.
If at all possible, try planning the trip to at least overlap with time spent with cousins or friends. Doing so will virtually guarantee the kids will have a better time, which means you will, too.
For these types of trips, you may want to look into finding a good vacation home rental.
Related: Why the best big family vacation may be skiing
Travel tips for tweens and teens
Traveling with tweens and teens is completely different than traveling with younger kids — something you probably know all too well if you are currently living with them.
At this age, kids are well on their way toward becoming full-fledged adults. As a result, they deserve a taste of the space, privacy and independence that comes along with adulthood.
Build an activity bag
It’s easy to assume the phone will do the trick, but TPG editor Kristy Tolley is a proponent of custom activity bags to keep kids (including older ones) occupied on long trips.
For your activity bag, consider anything from snacks to quiet toys to new games for their Nintendo Switch to art supplies — whatever will keep them entertained while you get to your final destination.
Double-check downloaded content
Wi-Fi on airplanes can be quite finicky. Even if you pay for it, there’s never a guarantee it’ll work for the entirety of your flight. Because of this, download movies, music, games and more to your device (or your child’s) before your trip.
When downloading movies or TV shows, turn to multiple sources like Netflix, Disney+ and Apple. That way, if you run into issues with one provider, you still have content from the others.
Also, remember that messaging others is free on many flights, so be sure your teen has the airline app downloaded if you want them to be able to keep using services such as iMessage while in the air.
Enroll your child in TSA PreCheck
Until they turn 13, kids traveling with a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck will be allowed to go through the expedited security line even if they themselves don’t have TSA PreCheck.
Even after they turn 13, kids 17 and younger can typically use the TSA PreCheck lines with their parent or guardian as long as the teen has the indicator on their boarding pass.
If you have a credit card that reimburses fees for TSA PreCheck, you can recoup the cost of your child’s application. Note that Clear continues to work to bring kids through until they turn 18.
Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
Consider connecting rooms
The days of squeezing two or three kids into one queen-size bed are probably long gone once they reach their teenage years. Not to mention, trying to have the whole family use one bathroom is an ordeal you likely won’t want to go through.
To keep the peace, consider reserving connecting hotel rooms.
With connecting rooms, you’ll have double the beds, bathrooms and storage space. Plus, teens and tweens will have the space and privacy they need without you being too far away to keep an eye on them.
Related: Big news for families: Hilton to guarantee adjoining rooms with ‘Confirmed Connecting Rooms’
Let kids choose a few activities (or plan the whole day)
At this age, kids are not just along for the ride. Give them some input (and independence) by allowing them to help plan your trip. Odds are they’ll be more engaged by being involved in the planning.
Bring a friend
While planning trips with other families is a good strategy with elementary-age kids, by the time kids are teens, just bringing along one of their friends could be sufficient.
To keep the costs down, consider using an airline companion certificate to bring along that friend without spending extra.
Go somewhere with a teens club
If you are visiting a resort or destination where you may be going light on activities, lean into places that have a space just for teens.
Cruise ships are fantastic when it comes to this, as they often have kid-focused spaces divided into pretty distinct age ranges. For example, Disney Cruise Line has a club for kids ages 3 to 12, another for those between 11 and 14 and then one for teens ages 14 to 17.
By taking advantage of clubs that are broken up into designated age groups, your teen can have plenty of fun without the annoyance of hanging out with younger kids.
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Related: Child turning 18? Here’s everything you need to know before the next time they travel
General family travel tips
Some family travel tips transcend age groups.
Regardless of how old your kids are, where you’re traveling or how you’re getting to your vacation destination, there are a few tips you’ll always want to keep top of mind.
Utilize airport lounges
Airport lounges are becoming more and more kid-friendly, as they offer dedicated family rooms with toys and kids shows on TV, plus food that will please picky eaters. Additionally, if you have a long layover or are dealing with flight delays or cancellations, you’ll be much more comfortable waiting in a lounge instead of at your gate.
You can purchase a day pass to many lounges but may be able to get yourself and your family in for free with certain credit cards or airline status. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express grants the cardmember and one guest complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges and access to Centurion and Escape lounges, though complimentary guest access depends on how much you spend annually.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Upgrade to a suite
Similar to springing for connecting rooms, upgrading to a suite will buy you additional space and, sometimes, a pullout sofa that adds another sleeping option.
You’ll also have more room for your family’s belongings and areas for relaxing and dining so your kids don’t spend all their time jumping, eating and lounging on the beds.
Check for reciprocal zoo and museum memberships
If you have a membership to your local zoo or museum, you may be able to use reciprocal benefits for free or discounted entry to other zoos and museums that you can visit on vacation.
This information is usually available on your zoo or museum’s website, but you can also check lists on the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ page about reciprocal admissions or on the North American Reciprocal Museum Association website.
Get a travel tracker that doubles as a memento
There are so many unique travel souvenirs you can get that also serve as keepsakes for remembering your child’s travel “firsts.”
These Junior Frequent Flyer flight logbooks allow you to record your child’s flights while teaching them about aviation.
If a national park visit is in your future, order a standard or junior National Parks Passport and collect stamps every time you visit a new park.
Don’t forget important medicines
When you are away from home, you have to be prepared for anything. That includes unexpected sicknesses and accidents.
Pack kid-safe and grown-up medicines, as well as Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment and other first-aid necessities in your carry-on bag so you won’t be without them if your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
Bring an extra bag
If you are traveling between a cold climate and a hot one, pack a lightweight tote bag that can fold into your carry-on so you can easily gather up everyone’s coats once on the plane. By keeping this tote tucked away until you’re on board the aircraft, you’ll enjoy an extra allowed bag, saving you the headache of trying to determine where to put bulky coats.
Get Global Entry for each family member
Unlike TSA PreCheck, which allows kids to travel with an eligible adult until they turn 18 (in most cases), anyone wishing to use Global Entry to expedite reentry into the U.S. needs to apply for the program.
Global Entry can save valuable time spent waiting in line. However, you’ll need to apply well in advance of your trip so you have time to submit your application, complete an in-person interview and await approval.
Similar to TSA PreCheck, you can use a credit card that will reimburse your child’s Global Entry application fee.
Try out the games built into many spaces
It’s easy to miss, but many resorts, theme parks and cruise ships have a hidden layer of fun that ranges from traditional scavenger hunts to interactive activities you can unlock with an iPhone or similar device.
While the youngest travelers won’t benefit from these types of experiences, they can be fun for a variety of age ranges, especially elementary-age kids and tweens.
Related: Disney World rolls out all-new MagicBand+: Here’s what this wristband can do for your trip
Bottom line
Family travel has its own built-in challenges, but it also comes with immense rewards.
By knowing all the tips and tricks to traveling with kids, having the right gear with you, mapping out a game plan and having the right attitude and realistic expectations, you can have a memorable vacation every member of the family enjoys.
You may not get to do everything you want or sometimes feel like it’s more of a hassle than a vacation. However, if you’re willing to be flexible and appreciate when things go according to plan — even if the end result isn’t quite what you had hoped for — you’ll find yourself eager to book your next family trip before you have the bags unpacked and put away.
Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest domestic carrier, but it offers a remarkably simple frequent flier program called Rapid Rewards. You simply redeem your points for about 1.4 cents each toward any unsold seat.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card offers the most perks of any of their credit cards, but that comes at a cost.
What Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card?
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offered by Chase. With its $149 annual fee, it’s the most expensive of the three Rapid Rewards consumer credit cards offered.
As a new applicant, you can earn 60,000 Rapid Rewards points and a 30% off promo code after using your card to spend $3,000 within three months of account opening. You can use this code for a round-trip ticket with multiple passengers, and it’s valid with both cash and points bookings.
You also earn 2x points on Southwest airlines purchases and from purchases from Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. The 2x points offer is also valid for local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare providers such as Uber and Lyft. You also earn 2x points on your internet, cable, and phone bills as well as for select streaming services.
You should expect plenty of valuable benefits from a premium travel rewards card, and this card largely delivers. For example, you receive a $75 credit toward Southwest purchases each year as well as a credit toward four upgraded boardings annually. These upgraded boardings currently sell for $30 to $80 each, depending on the flight.
This card can also help you earn elite status in the Rapid Rewards program. You earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $10,000 you spend, and there’s no limit on the number of TQPs you can earn.
Other perks include 25% back on in-flight purchases as well as cardholder benefits like lost and delayed baggage insurance, extended warranty coverage and a purchase protection policy.
There’s a $149 annual fee for this card, but thankfully there’s no foreign transaction fee imposed on purchases processed outside the United States. You also get a 7,500-point bonus on your account anniversary instead of flowers, which is worth about $105.
What Sets the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card Apart?
Nearly every airline offers several credit cards, but the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is different for a few reasons. Mostly, it provides you with enough perks to help you justify its considerable annual fee. These perks include:
Big sign-up bonus. Earn 60,000 bonus points and a 30% off promo code after spending just $3,000 within three months. The promo code itself is a unique offer and can be very valuable.
Lots of bonus categories. Earn 3x points on Southwest ticket purchases plus 2x from transit, commuting, and rideshare purchases and 2x from internet, cable, and phone services and select streaming purchases. You also earn 2x when you book reservations with Southwest’s hotel and rental car partners.
Credit toward Southwest tickets. You get $75 back from your Southwest purchases each year. You also get a 7,500-point bonus on your account anniversary, which is worth about $105. For many travelers, these two features can justify this card’s annual fee.
Earn credit toward A-List status. This card lets you earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $10,000 you spend, and there is no limit on the number of TQPs you can earn. A-List status offers you perks such as a better boarding position and free same-day confirmed flight changes.
Four upgraded boardings per year when available. This gives you a boarding position of A1-15, which normally costs $30 to $80 per flight.
Key Features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is not a very complicated credit card, but it does offer a lot of features that are worth knowing about before you apply.
Sign-Up Bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points and a promo code for 30% off after spending just $3,000 within three months. The 30% off code has the potential to offer tremendous savings to large families who use it to book a round-trip ticket.
Earning Rewards
Earn 3x points on Southwest ticket purchases plus 2x from transit, commuting, and rideshare purchases and 2x from internet, cable and phone services, and select streaming purchases. You also earn 2x when you book reservations with Southwest’s hotel and rental car partners. You earn one point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
Rapid Rewards points are worth about 1.4 cents each toward airfare in any of their four fare classes. There are no restrictions on the number of seats available for redeeming rewards — you can use your points for any unsold seat.
Important Fees
This card has an $149 annual fee. No doubt, this will turn off a lot of potential applicants. However, it’s important to consider it in the context of the sign-up bonus as well as the $75 annual travel credit, 7,500-point anniversary bonus, and the four upgraded boardings each year. Fortunately, there’s no foreign transaction fee.
Credit Required
This card requires good or better credit to qualify. If your FICO score is much below 700, then you’ll likely have trouble being approved.
Advantages
This card has several key advantages that help justify its pricey annual fee.
Lots of benefits. This card offers numerous benefits, such as travel fee credits, upgraded boardings, in-flight purchase discounts and an anniversary bonus. You also get several purchase protection and travel insurance policies.
Bonus points. With all the 3x and 2x bonus categories, this card makes it easy to earn a free trip.
Big sign-up bonus. You can earn a bonus worth hundreds of dollars, and the minimum spending required is lower than many competing cards. The 30% off code can also be extremely valuable.
Easy rewards program. Other airline credit cards offer miles that can be difficult and confusing to redeem for the most value. But the Southwest Rapid Rewards program still keeps it simple.
Disadvantages
Before applying for this card, you have to consider some of its drawbacks and missing perks.
Expensive annual fee. There’s no way around the fact that you must pay $149 a year to use this card, so you have to use the rewards and benefits of this card to justify it.
No promotional financing offer. If you’re looking for a credit card with a 0% APR introductory financing offer, this isn’t it.
Forget first-class. You can’t redeem your Rapid Rewards points for a first-class seat because there are only economy seats on Southwest.
No overseas awards. Like first-class, Southwest fliers will find Europe, Asia, and much of the world out of their reach. However, Southwest does fly to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and even Central America.
How the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card Stacks Up
One of Southwest’s closest competitors is JetBlue, and it offers the JetBlue Plus card from Barclays. The JetBlue card has a slightly better sign-up bonus and substantially more points for airline ticket purchases. However, JetBlue points are worth about 1.2 cents each, which is significantly less than Southwest points.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
JetBlue Plus Card From Barclays
Annual Fee
$149
$99
Sign-Up Bonus
Yes
Yes
Rewards Rate
Up to 3x
Up to 6x
0% Intro APR
None
None
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
Credit Needed
Good or better
Good or better
Final Word
Fans of Southwest Airlines know that it’s a different type of carrier than the likes of American, Delta and United.
Instead of business-class tickets to Europe, Southwest fliers prize little perks like an upgraded boarding position and easy-to-use rewards. That’s where the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card delivers.
But for those who aren’t fully onboard with the way Southwest works, the $149 annual fee can be hard to swallow. It’s also not a card for those whose home airport doesn’t offer much Southwest service. And for these more casual Southwest customers, it can be worth considering the Rapid Rewards Plus and Premier cards.
But if you find yourself regularly boarding Southwest and are looking for the best card to maximize your rewards and benefits, then there’s no substitute for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card.
Disclaimer: The information related to the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card has been collected by Money Crashers and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
The Verdict
Our rating
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
This is Southwest’s most feature-filled credit card for consumers. It includes lot’s of opportunities to earn bonus points, and it features strong benefits. If you’re a regular Southwest flier, you need to look into this card.
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Jason has been writing about personal finance, travel, and other topics on blogs across the Internet. When he is not writing, he has a career in information technology and is also a commercially rated pilot. Jason lives in Colorado with his wife and young daughter where he enjoys parenting, cycling, and other extreme sports.