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Airport Lounge Guides

You don’t need a first-class ticket to enjoy airport lounge access. Whether you're after free snacks, comfy seating, or a quiet escape from the crowds, our comprehensive guides break down exactly how to get in and what to expect once inside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What credit score is needed for a travel credit card?

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free, so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

What’s the difference between points and miles on a credit card

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free, so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

Are travel credit cards worth it?

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free, so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

When should you use rewards instead of cash?

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free, so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

Which travel credits are easiest to redeem?

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free, so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

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American Express® Gold Card
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Why Trust Elite Travel & Miles?

At Elite Travel & Miles, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Elite Travel & Miles if we weren’t practicing what we preach.

Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.

While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.

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At a glance

Rewards Rate
1-3x points
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
Excellent to Good
Rewards Rates
3X POINTS

3x points on dining

2X POINTS

2x points on travel

1X POINTS

1x points on other purchases

2X POINTS

Earn 1x points on rent without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points in a calendar year. When you use the card 5 times each statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

Ongoing Purchases APR
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Ongoing Balance Transfer APR
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Ongoing Cash Advance APR
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Ongoing Penalty APR
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  • $0 Annual Fee
  • Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
  • Earns 3x points on dining
  • Earn 2x points on travel
  • Earn 1x points on other purchases
  • Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
  • Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
  • Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
  • Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
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