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Rewards Programs

Airline Loyalty Programs: How to Earn and Redeem Miles Smarter

Our expert guides to the best airline loyalty programs show you how to earn miles faster, maximize transfer partners, and unlock high-value redemptions. Whether you’re flying with United, Delta, American Airlines, or an international carrier, we break down each program’s features, airline alliances, and sweet spot redemptions.

Looking to fly business or first class using points? Want to understand how to transfer credit card points to airlines for the best value? We’ve got you covered with step-by-step breakdowns, insider tips, and up-to-date earning and redemption strategies.

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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Best Business Card For Travel
American Express® Gold Card
Earn 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline
Best Business Card For Travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel

Why Trust Elite Travel & Miles?

At Elite Points & Miles, we don’t just write about rewards — we live and breathe them. Our team is made up of experienced travelers and credit card strategists who have spent years mastering the points game through real-world use.

Our founders have personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles, and our concierge team has collectively redeemed over 100 million points for clients, unlocking luxury flights, five-star hotels, and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.

Every recommendation we share is based on firsthand experience, not theory. We test strategies ourselves, break down what works (and what doesn’t), and publish content that’s practical, honest, and rooted in real travel wins.

Our reviews go beyond surface-level perks. We analyze rewards, fees, transfer options, redemption value, and user experience — all while factoring in audience trends and feedback, so our insights reflect what actually matters to real travelers like you.

2And while we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are 100% our own. We’re not influenced by banks, credit card issuers, or loyalty programs. Our mission is simple: help you earn more, redeem smarter, and travel better, whether you're doing it yourself or working with our concierge team.

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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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