Best Credit Card Big Spend Bonuses

One way banks try to encourage spending on their credit cards is by offering bonus points or perks since you reach a certain spending threshold. For example, it can be possible to earn high-level airline or hotel elite status through credit card spending alone. This page lists our picks for the best “big spend” bonuses. Below the list, you’ll also find a table containing all big spend bonuses in our credit card database.

Best hotel elite status with spend

World of Hyatt Globalist

Hyatt is our favorite hotel chain, and Hyatt’s top-tier status (Globalist) is by far our favorite hotel elite status. It offers such perks as suite upgrades, free full breakfast, waived resort fees, and free parking on award stays. Globalist status requires 60 elite nights, which can be a hard hill for many to climb with stays alone. Luckily, both Chase World of Hyatt cards can help.

The consumer Hyatt card automatically gives you 5 nights towards status, plus you can earn an additional 2 elite nights for each $5K of spend and a free category 1-4 free night certificate once you hit $15K. The World of Hyatt business card awards 5 elite nights for each $10K of spend. Globalist status requires 60 elite nights. Along the way to earning Globalist status, you’ll also pick up valuable Milestone Rewards, like suite upgrades, free nights, and Guest of Honor awards.

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $406 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
Up to 45K points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
30K points after $3K in spend within the first 3 months, plus an exta 1 point/dollar on up to $15K spend within first 6 months.
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 5x Category 1-4 free night certificates after $15K spend within first 3 months. (Expired 10/31/24)
FM Mini Review: Great card for welcome offer and annual free night. Might be worth using regularly for additional free night and as a path to status.
Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants / cafes / coffee shops, airlines, local transit, fitness clubs and gym memberships ✦ 4X Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith
Base: 1X (1.8%)
Flights: 2X (3.6%)
Other Travel: 2X (3.6%)
Dine: 2X (3.6%)
Brand: 4X (7.2%)
Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: One free Cat 1-4 night certificate after $15K spend in a calendar year. ✦ Get 2 elite qualifying night credits every time you spend $5K in purchases
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free category 1-4 night every year upon renewal ✦ Additional free category 1-4 night after $15K spend in calendar year ✦ Discoverist elite status ✦ 5 elite qualifying nights ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit
ⓘ $816 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
60K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
60K after $5,000 spend in 3 months.
$199 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Recent better offer: 60K points after $5K in 3 months + Category 1-4 Free Night Certificate after $15K total in 6 months. (Expired 3/6/25)
FM Mini Review: Great for its initial welcome offer and for Hyatt enthusiasts to spend toward status and rebate on award stays.
Earning rate: 2X on fitness clubs and gym memberships ✦ 2X in the top 3 spend categories each calendar quarter. Eligible categories include dining; airline tickets purchased directly with the airline; car rental agencies; local transit and commuting; gas stations; internet, cable and phone services; social media and search engine advertising; and shipping ✦ 4X Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith
Base: 1X (1.8%)
Brand: 4X (7.2%)
Other: 2X (3.6%)
Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Get 5 elite qualifying night credits every time you spend $10,000 in purchases. ✦ After $50K spend in a calendar year, get 10% back on redeemed points for the rest of that calendar year (Up to 20K points back per year).
Noteworthy perks: Discoverist elite status ✦ Ability to gift Discoverist to up to 5 employees (they do not need to be cardholders) ✦ Up to $100 each cardmember year in Hyatt statement credits: Spend $50 or more at any Hyatt property and get a $50 statement credit up to two times per year ✦ Hyatt Leverage membership with no minimum stay requirements. ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit

IHG Diamond

IHG’s top-tier Diamond status offers a free breakfast benefit and meaningful room upgrades, making it something worth having for those who stay at IHG properties. One easy way to get it is to spend $40K per year on either the Premier or Premier Business card. In addition to earning Diamond status after $40,000, you’ll also get a 10,000-point bonus and a $100 statement credit when you hit $20K in annual spend on either card.

For my analysis, see: Are the IHG Premier cards worth our big spend?

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $717 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
140K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Earn 140K points after spending $3K on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$99 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: Five 60K free night certificates after $4K spend in 3 months (Expired 7/24/25)
Earning rate: 10X IHG ✦ 5X travel, dining, and gas stations ✦ 3X on all other purchases
Base: 3X (1.83%)
Flights: 5X (3.05%)
Hotels: 5X (3.05%)
Other Travel: 5X (3.05%)
Gas: 5X (3.05%)
Dine: 5X (3.05%)
Brand: 10X (6.1%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: 10K bonus points + $100 statement credit after you spend $20K in a calendar year + make one additional purchase ✦ Diamond status after $40K in purchases + one additional purchase in a calendar year
Noteworthy perks: Anniversary free night e-certificate good at IHG properties up to 40K points per night ✦ Ability to add an unlimited number of points to a free night certificate to book a higher-level hotel ✦ Fourth night free on award stays ✦ 20% discount on points purchases ✦ Platinum elite status ✦ Up to $50 in United TravelBank cash per year (must register your card with your United account) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit
ⓘ $704 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
140K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Earn 140K points after spending $4K on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$99 Annual Fee
This card is expected to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: 200K after $9k spend in 6 months (expired 4/30/25)
Earning rate: 10X IHG ✦ 5X travel, gas stations, restaurants and dining, social media and search engine advertising, office supply stores ✦ 3X on all other purchases
Base: 3X (1.83%)
Flights: 5X (3.05%)
Hotels: 5X (3.05%)
Other Travel: 5X (3.05%)
Gas: 5X (3.05%)
Dine: 5X (3.05%)
Office: 5X (3.05%)
Brand: 10X (6.1%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: 10K bonus points + $100 statement credit after you spend $20K in a cardmember year + make one additional purchase. ✦ Diamond status after $40K in purchases + one additional purchase in a calendar year ✦ Free night certificate (up to 40K points) after $60K in purchases + one additional purchase in a calendar year
Noteworthy perks: Anniversary free night e-certificate good at IHG properties up to 40K points per night ✦ Ability to add an unlimited number of points to a free night certificate to book a higher-level hotel ✦ Fourth night free on award stays ✦ 20% discount on points purchases ✦ Platinum elite status ✦ Up to $50 in United TravelBank cash per year (must register your card with your United account) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit

Marriott Bonvoy Platinum

Marriott Platinum Elite status offers the following perks: 4 PM late checkout at hotels (not guaranteed at resorts); 50% point bonus; welcome gift with breakfast option at some hotels; lounge access at some hotels; and a room upgrade based on availability. Overall, it can be extremely valuable depending on which Marriott hotels you tend to stay at.

There are several ways to earn Platinum status through credit card spend. The easiest option is to simply get the Bonvoy Brilliant card, and you’ll have Platinum status automatically. Alternatively, you can spend $75K in a calendar year on the Ritz card. Alternatively, simply get the Bonvoy Brilliant card, and you’ll get Platinum status automatically.

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $634 1st Yr Value Estimate$300 dining credit ($25 per month) valued at $270
Click to learn about first year value estimates
Up to 150K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Earn 100K points after $6k in eligible purchases and an extra 50K after an additional $2K within your first 6 months of card membership. Terms apply. Rates & Fees
$650 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 185k points after $6K spend within the first 6 months. [Expired 5/14/25]
FM Mini Review: Decent ultra-premium option for Marriott fans, especially those aiming for lifetime status tiers
Earning rate: 3X airfare -on flights booked directly with airlines; 3X restaurants worldwide, 6X Marriott; 2X on all other eligible purchases
Base: 2X (1.52%)
Flights: 3X (2.28%)
Other Travel: 3X (2.28%)
Dine: 3X (2.28%)
Brand: 6X (4.56%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Annual Choice Award with $60K calendar year spend, choose one of: 50k points, 5 Nightly Upgrade Awards, 85k free night certificate, or $1K off a Marriott Bonvoy brand bed
Noteworthy perks: ✦ 85K Free Night Award each year upon renewal ✦ $300 dining credit per membership year ($25/mo) ✦ Platinum Elite status ✦ 25 elite nights credit ✦ Priority Pass membership (Lounges only) with 2 guests ✦ Global Entry fee credit ✦ Free premium internet at Marriott properties ✦ Note: Enrollment required for some benefits.
ⓘ $-450 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
None
This card is no longer available
$450 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
FM Mini Review: While the card is pricey, the annual free night, plus $300 in airline fee credits, plus other perks make this card a keeper.
Earning rate: ✦ 6X Ritz & Marriott.✦ 3X airline tickets purchased directly with the airline, at car rental agencies and at restaurants ✦ 2X everywhere else
Base: 2X (1.52%)
Flights: 3X (2.28%)
Dine: 3X (2.28%)
Brand: 6X (4.56%)
Card Info: Visa Infinite issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: $75K spend per calendar year for Platinum elite status
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Annual 85K hotel certificate upon renewal ✦ 3 club level upgrades. $100 hotel credit for each 2 night or longer stay ✦ Priority Pass Select with unlimited guests ✦ Access Sapphire Lounges for yourself and unlimited guests for free ✦ $300 annual credit for airline incidentals ✦ Automatic Gold Status

Hilton Honors Diamond

Hilton Honors Diamond status can be incrementally better than the must easier to obtain Gold status, providing a 100% earning bonus on paid stays, free breakfast abroad (or food and beverage credit within the US), and lounge access.

A great option for getting Diamond status is simply to have the Hilton Aspire card, which costs $550 per year but offers automatic Diamond status, up to hundreds of dollars per year in rebates, an annual free night certificate, and more. The Aspire card also offers the chance to earn free night certificates after spending $30K and $60K in eligible purchases.

You can also earn a free night with $15K in eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors Surpass, and then get top-tier Diamond status at $40K. The Hilton Business card no longer provides the free night at $15K, but does award Diamond status at $40K.

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $1120 1st Yr Value Estimate$400 Hilton resort credit ($200 per six months) valued at $280, Hilton Free Night valued at $490, $200 airline credit ($50 per quarter) valued at $160
Click to learn about first year value estimates
175K Points + free night certificate ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer
175K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Free night certificate every year - first certificate is awarded 8-12 weeks after approval. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 8/13/2025)
$550 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: (Expired 4/29/25) 175K after $6K spend in first 6 months
FM Mini Review: This card is loaded with valuable perks that are more than worth the card's annual fee if you stay in Hilton resorts at least twice per year.
Earning rate: ✦ 14X Hilton spend ✦ 7X US restaurants, flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, select car rental companies ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases ✦ Terms & Limitations Apply.
Base: 3X (1.44%)
Flights: 7X (3.36%)
Other Travel: 7X (3.36%)
Dine: 7X (3.36%)
Brand: 14X (6.72%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Additional free night awards after $30K and $60K in eligible purchases in calendar year
Noteworthy perks: ✦Annual Free Night Reward every year upon renewal ✦ Free Diamond Status ✦ Up to $400 Hilton Resort Credit per calendar year ($200 semi-annually) ✦ $200 Flight Credit ($50 per quarter for purchases directly with airlines or via Amex Travel) ✦ $199 CLEAR (R) Plus fee credit per calendar year ✦ $100 on-property credit w/ Aspire Card package ✦ Terms Apply. See Rates & Fees
ⓘ $724 1st Yr Value Estimate$200 Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) valued at $150
Click to learn about first year value estimates
130K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
130K points after $3K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. Rates & Fees
(Offer Expires 8/13/2025)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
Recent better offer: (Expired 4/29/25) 130K points + free night certificate after $3K spend within the first 6 months.
FM Mini Review: Easy way to secure Hilton Gold status (which offers free breakfast among other perks). Those who want Diamond status may be better off with the Aspire card.
Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 6X U.S. restaurants, US Supermarkets, and US gas stations ✦ 4X U.S. Online Retail Purchases ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases
Base: 3X (1.44%)
Gas: 6X (2.88%)
Dine: 6X (2.88%)
Grocery: 6X (2.88%)
Brand: 12X (5.76%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus:
✦ Free night award after $15K in eligible purchases in calendar year ✦ Hilton Honors™ Diamond status with $40K in eligible purchases in a calendar year ✦ Terms apply
Noteworthy perks: Automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status. Hilton Honors™ Diamond status w/ $40K in eligible purchases in a calendar year. ✦ Up to $200 in Hilton credits ($50 per quarter) ✦ Terms Apply.
ⓘ $659 1st Yr Value Estimate$240 Hilton credit ($60 per quarter) valued at $180
Click to learn about first year value estimates
Up to 175K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150K bonus points after $8,000 in eligible purchase within your first 6 months of Card Membership + an additional 25K bonus points after an
additional $2K spend within first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 8/13/2025)
$195 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 175K after $8K in spend (Expired 4/29/25)
FM Mini Review: Easy way to secure Hilton Honors™ Gold status (which offers free breakfast among other perks). Amex business cards do not count towards 5/24 status so will not hurt chances of applying for Chase cards.
Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 5X on other eligible purchases (on the first $100K in purchases per calendar year, 3X thereafter).
Base: 3X (1.44%)
Brand: 12X (5.76%)
Other: 5X (2.4%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Hilton Honors™ Diamond elite status with $40K in eligible purchases in a calendar year
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status. Diamond status w/ $40K in eligible purchases in a calendar year. ✦ Up to $240 in annual credits for Hilton purchases (Up to $60 per quarter) ✦ Complimentary National Car Rental(R) Emerald Club Executive(R) status (enroll through the link on your American Express online account) ✦ Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)

Best airline elite status with spend

Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest Airlines’ Companion Pass is arguably the single best ongoing travel deal around.  When you earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year, you’ll earn a Companion Pass for the remainder of the current year plus all of the next calendar year. Points earned from Southwest credit cards (including both welcome bonuses & spend) count as qualifying points. Once you get the companion pass, for the rest of that year and all of the next year, you can add a companion for free (after TSA fees) to any Southwest flight that you’ve purchased with points or with cash.

If you hold any number of Southwest credit cards, you get a 10,000 point boost toward the Companion Pass qualifying points required; in other words, cardholders only need to earn 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year to earn the Companion Pass.

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $1183 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
100K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
100K points after $4K spend in the first 5 months.
$99 Annual Fee
After clicking through, be sure to manually select the exact Southwest card in which you are interested. This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
FM Mini Review: This card can be great for its new cardmember bonus, but its ongoing perks are worth the annual fee only if fully used each year.
Earning rate: 2X local transit and commuting, including rideshare ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X gas station and grocery (up to $5K in purchases combined per year) ✦ 2X Southwest
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.6%)
Gas: 2X (2.6%)
Grocery: 2X (2.6%)
Phone: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 2X (2.6%)
Card Info: Visa Signature or Platinum issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year.
Noteworthy perks: 3000 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Receive a 10% promo code each year on cardmember anniversary (Excludes Basic fare) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year (ends 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Standard seat selection up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available)
ⓘ $1133 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
100K points ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer
100K points after $4K spend in the first 5 months.
$149 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X restaurants and grocery (up to $8K in purchases combined per year) ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car rental partners (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X local transit and rideshare (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (ends 12/31) ✦ 1X on all other purchases.
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Hotels: 2X (2.6%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.6%)
Dine: 2X (2.6%)
Grocery: 2X (2.6%)
Phone: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 3X (3.9%)
Card Info: Visa Signature or Platinum issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 1,500 TQPs for each $5K in purchases
Noteworthy perks: 6000 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Receive a 15% promo code each year on cardmember anniversary (Excludes Basic fare) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year (ends 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Standard or Preferred seat selection up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available)
ⓘ $1053 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
100K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
100K points after $4K spend in the first 5 months.
$229 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
FM Mini Review: Great for frequent Southwest flyers - this card could easily be a long-term keeper.
Earning rate: 4X Southwest ✦ 2X gas & dining ✦ 2X local transit and rideshare (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (ends 12/31) ✦ 1X on all other purchases.
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.6%)
Gas: 2X (2.6%)
Dine: 2X (2.6%)
Phone: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 4X (5.2%)
Card Info: Visa Signature or Platinum issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 2,500 TQPs for each $5K in purchases
Noteworthy perks: 7500 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ Four upgraded boardings (when available) every year (ends 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Preferred seat selection at booking (if available) ✦ Extra legroom upgrades up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available)
ⓘ $651 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
80K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
80K points after $5K spend within first 3 months your account is open
$299 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Earning rate: 4X Southwest ✦ 3X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car rental partners (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X hotels ✦ 2x gas and restaurants ✦ 2X rideshare ✦ 2X social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services (ends 12/31) ✦ 1X on all other purchases.
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Hotels: 3X (3.9%)
Other Travel: 3X (3.9%)
Gas: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 4X (5.2%)
Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 2,500 TQPs for each $5K in purchases
Noteworthy perks: 9000 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Extra legroom upgrades up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ Four upgraded boardings (when available) every year (ends 12/31) Global Entry or TSA Pre✔ Fee Credit ✦ Up to 365 Inflight WiFi Credits (end 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Preferred seat selection at booking (if available)
ⓘ $577 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
60K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
60K points after $3K spend within first 3 months your account is open
$149 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X gas station and grocery (up to $8K in purchases combined per year) ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car rental partners (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X rideshare (ends 12/31) ✦ 1X on all other purchases.
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Hotels: 2X (2.6%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.6%)
Grocery: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 3X (3.9%)
Card Info: Visa issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 2,000 TQPs for each $5,000 spent in purchases annually.
Noteworthy perks: 6000 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Receive a 15% promo code each year on cardmember anniversary (Excludes Basic fare) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year (ends 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Standard or Preferred seat selection up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available)

Delta Medallion

Delta makes it possible to earn high-level status through credit card spend alone. If you were thinking of booking extra flights just to get or keep status, consider using the Delta Reserve card to “mileage run from home” instead.

Each of the following cards offers an annual $2,500 MQD Headstart, plus the ability to earn MQDs through spend; however, the Reserve card gets you there much faster:

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $438 1st Yr Value Estimate$200 Delta Stays credit valued at $100
Click to learn about first year value estimates
70K miles ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership. . Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees)
$350 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 100K bonus miles after $8K spend (Expired 7/17/25)
FM Mini Review: Good choice for frequent Delta flyers who can make use of annual companion certificate
Earning rate: 3X Delta ✦ 3X purchases made directly with hotels ✦ 1.5X on transit, eligible U.S. shipping, and purchases of $5K or more (up to $100K per year)
Base: 1X (1.15%)
Hotels: 3X (3.45%)
Other Travel: 3X (3.45%)
Brand: 3X (3.45%)
Other: 1.5X (1.73%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) per $20 spent
Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ✦ Receive $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year ✦ Domestic, roundtrip Caribbean, or Central American economy companion certificate (subject to taxes & fees) each year upon card renewal ✦ Earn up to $200 as a statement credit each year after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals with your Card through Delta Stays on delta.com/stays ✦ Up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible US purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants [Enrollment required] ✦ Up to $10 per month in statement credits for purchases with select rideshare service providers [enrollment required] ✦ Priority boarding ✦ First checked bag free on Delta flights ✦ Up to 12 months of statement credits for Uber One membership (must enroll by 6/25/26) ✦ Complimentary Upgrade list: get added to the complimentary upgrade list after Delta elite members and Reserve cardmembers✦ Terms and Limitations Apply. (Rates & Fees)
ⓘ $357 1st Yr Value Estimate$150 Delta Stays credit valued at $75
Click to learn about first year value estimates
60K miles ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership. Terms apply. Rates & Fees
$350 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 90K bonus miles after $4K spend (Expired 7/17/25)
FM Mini Review: Good choice for frequent Delta flyers who can make use of annual companion certificate
Earning rate: 3X Delta ✦ 3X purchases made directly with hotels ✦ 2X restaurants ✦ 2X US Supermarkets
Base: 1X (1.15%)
Hotels: 3X (3.45%)
Other Travel: 3X (3.45%)
Dine: 2X (2.3%)
Grocery: 2X (2.3%)
Brand: 3X (3.45%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) per $20 spent
Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ✦ Receive $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year ✦ US, Caribbean, or Central American economy companion certificate (subject to taxes & fees) each year upon card renewal ✦ Earn up to $150 as a statement credit each year after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals with your Card through Delta Stays on delta.com/stays ✦ Up to $10 per month in statement credits for US purchases with select rideshare service providers [enrollment required] ✦ Up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants [enrollment required] ✦ Priority boarding ✦ First checked bag free on Delta flights ✦ Up to 12 months of statement credits for Uber One membership (must enroll by 6/25/26) ✦ Complimentary Upgrade list: get added to the complimentary upgrade list after Delta elite members and Reserve cardmembers ✦ Cell phone protection ✦ Terms and Limitations Apply.
ⓘ $200 1st Yr Value Estimate$250 Delta Stays credit valued at $125
Click to learn about first year value estimates
80K miles ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership. . (Rates & Fees)
$650 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 110K bonus miles after $12K spend (Expired 7/17/25)
FM Mini Review: Excellent choice for frequent Delta flyers who can make use of Delta Sky Club® access and companion certificate. Also a good choice for big spenders seeking Delta elite status.
Earning rate: 3X Delta ✦ 1.5X on eligible transit, U.S. shipping & office supply store purchases
Base: 1X (1.15%)
Office: 1.5X (1.73%)
Brand: 3X (3.45%)
Other: 1.5X (1.73%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn 1 Medallion(R) Qualifying Dollar (MQD) per $10 spent
Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ✦ Domestic, roundtrip Caribbean, or Central American economy or first class companion certificate (subject to taxes & fees) after card renewal ✦ Receive $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year ✦ Delta Sky Club® access when flying an eligible Delta flight: 15 visits per year to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year (after 15 visits have been used, additional visits can be purchased for $50 each) or earn unlimited visits after spending $75K/calendar year on the card ✦ 4 Delta SkyClub one-time guest passes ✦ Centurion Lounge access when you book your Delta flight with your Reserve card ✦ Earn up to $250 as a statement credit each year after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals with your Card through Delta Stays on delta.com/stays ✦ Up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants [Enrollment required] ✦ Up to $10 per month in statement credits for US purchases with select rideshare service providers [enrollment required] ✦ Complimentary upgrades ✦ $120 Global Entry fee credit every 4 years (or 4.5 years for TSA Precheck) ✦ Priority boarding ✦ First checked bag free on Delta flights. ✦ Up to 12 months of statement credits for Uber One membership (must enroll by 6/25/26) ✦ Hertz President's Circle Status [Enrollment required] ✦ Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees)
ⓘ $158 1st Yr Value Estimate$200 Delta Stays credit valued at $100
Click to learn about first year value estimates
70K miles ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership. Terms apply. Rates & Fees
$650 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 100K bonus miles after $6K spend (Expired 7/17/25)
FM Mini Review: Excellent choice for frequent Delta flyers who can make use of Delta Sky Club® access and companion certificate. Also a good choice for big spenders seeking Delta elite status.
Earning rate: 3X Delta
Base: 1X (1.15%)
Brand: 3X (3.45%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) per $10 spent
Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ✦ Receive $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year✦ US, Caribbean, Mexico or Central America roundtrip main cabin companion certificate (subject to taxes & fees) after card renewal ✦ Delta Sky Club® access when flying an eligible Delta flight: 15 visits per year to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year (after 15 visits have been used, additional visits can be purchased for $50 each) or to earn an unlimited number of visits, spend $75K or more on eligible purchases each calendar year. ✦ 4 Delta SkyClub one-time guest passes ✦ Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta ✦ Earn up to $200 as a statement credit each year after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals with your Card through Delta Stays on delta.com/stays ✦ Up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants [enrollment required] ✦ Up to $10 per month in statement credits for US purchases with select rideshare service providers [enrollment required] ✦ Complimentary upgrades ✦ One statement credit every 4 years for the $120 Global Entry application fee or one statement credit every 4.5 years for the $85 TSA Precheck application fee ✦ Priority boarding ✦ First checked bag free on Delta flights. ✦ Up to 12 months of statement credits for Uber One membership (must enroll by 6/25/26) ✦ Hertz President's Circle Status [Enrollment required] ✦ Terms and limitations apply.

American Airlines

American Airlines elite status can be earned without flying, which gives status-seekers plenty of reason to spend on an American Airlines credit card. For each dollar spent on your card, you’ll earn 1 Loyalty Point (regardless of the redeemable miles you earn). It’s possible to earn top-tier status this way and also Loyalty Point Rewards (such as upgrade certificates) without flying at all.

Note that you can also earn additional Loyalty Point boosts with spend on the American Airlines Aviator Silver card. You’ll earn 5,000 bonus Loyalty Points with $20K spend, another 5K bonus Loyalty Points with $40K spend, and a third 5K Loyalty Point bonus with $50K spend during the status qualification period. Only the Aviator Silver card has this benefit, and that card is only available by invitation to upgrade from a Barclays Aviator Red card.

The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, the Citibusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select, and the Barclays Aviator Red & Silver cards each offer an additional big spend bonus in the form of a discount or companion certificate:

Here are the currently available AA cards:

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $1061 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
80K Miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer.
80K miles after $3,500 spend in first 4 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Alternate Offer: There may be an alternative offer of 30K + $400 AA credit that can be found when doing a dummy booking on aa.com.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: None
FM Mini Review: Excellent choice for a great intro bonus. Plus it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.)
Earning rate: 2X restaurants ✦ 2X gas ✦ 2X AA
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Gas: 2X (2.8%)
Dine: 2X (2.8%)
Brand: 2X (2.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: $125 AA Flight Discount with $20K membership year spend
Noteworthy perks: ✦ First checked bag free ✦ Priority Boarding ✦ Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases
ⓘ $842 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
65K miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
65K miles after $4K spend in first 5 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K miles after $5K spend in first 5 months (ended 5/22/25)
FM Mini Review: This card usually has a great welcome offer, but if you're looking for a card to keep long term, you'll find better options.
Earning rate: ✦ 2X AA ✦ 2X certain telecommunications merchants ✦ 2X car rental merchants ✦ 2X gas
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.8%)
Gas: 2X (2.8%)
Phone: 2X (2.8%)
Brand: 2X (2.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn $99 plus taxes domestic companion certificate after $30K spend
Noteworthy perks: ✦ First checked bag free ✦ Priority Boarding ✦ Save 25% on inflight purchases
ⓘ $635 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
100K miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
100K miles after $10,000 spend in first 3 months
$595 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
FM Mini Review: Good choice for those who need Admirals Club® access and those who value the Loyalty Points boosts at 50K and 90K Loyalty Points earned. Plus, it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.) and some handy credits for Avis or Budget rentals and GrubHub.
Earning rate: 4X AA ✦ 10X hotels booked through AA.com/Hotels ✦ 10X car rentals booked through AA.com/Cars ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Brand: 4X (5.6%)
Other: 10X (14%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Noteworthy perks: ✦ First Checked Bag Free ✦ Admirals Club® access for both primary and authorized users ✦ Up to $120 per 12 monthly billing cycles for GrubHub purchases (up to $10 per monthly billing cycle) ✦ Up to $120 back on eligible Avis or Budget prepaid car rentals every calendar year ✦ $10 monthly Lyft credit after you take 3 Lyft rides that calendar month ✦ 10K bonus Loyaty Points after earning 50K Loyalty points through all channels and another 10K bonus Loyalty Points after earning 90K Loyalty Points through all channels ✦ 25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases on American Airlines flights ✦ Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every 4 years
ⓘ $601 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
50K Miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
50K miles after 1st purchase and paying the annual fee within 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Up to 75K: 60K miles after first purchase and 15K after adding an authorized user and making one purchase on that card [Expired 2/24/24]
Earning rate: 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Brand: 2X (2.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn $99 + tax domestic companion certificate with $20K membership year spend.
Noteworthy perks: First checked bag free ✦ Preferred boarding for the primary cardmember and up to 4 companions traveling on the same reservation ✦ 25% off in-flight purchases ✦ $25 wifi credit per membership year ✦ Flight cents: round up purchases to earn more miles
ⓘ $202 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
15K miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer.
Earn 15K AA miles after $500 spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
FM Mini Review: Not bad for grocery spend if you highly value AA miles
Earning rate: 2X grocery ✦ 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Grocery: 2X (2.8%)
Brand: 2X (2.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees.
Noteworthy perks: Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases

Alaska Airlines (and Companion Certificate)

Both the Alaska Airlines consumer and business cards offer the ability to earn 1 Elite-Qualifying Mile (EQM) per $3 spend on the card, up to a total per Mileage Plan account of 30,000 EQMs from credit cards per year. Spending across all Alaska cards is combined. This benefit is currently advertised as being available “through 2025,” but we’d be surprised to see it go away completely in 2026.

Both cards also offer an Alaska Airlines companion fare code that’s valid for one-way or round-trip paid, published coach airfare on Alaska Airlines (or Hawaiian starting Summer 2025) after spending $6K on the card per year. With the Companion Fare, you pay a $99 base fare plus applicable taxes and fees (from $22) for the second ticket.

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $982 1st Yr Value EstimateCompanion ticket for $99+taxes and fees valued at $150
Click to learn about first year value estimates
65K miles + Companion Fare Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
65k miles + companion fare after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K miles + companion fare after $3k in spend (expired 6/5/25)
FM Mini Review: Alaska miles are quite valuable so this offer is better than it appears
Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ✦ 2x gas, EV charging, local transit, rideshare, cable, and select streaming services purchases ✦ 1X elsewhere
Base: 1X (1.5%)
Gas: 2X (3%)
Brand: 3X (4.5%)
Other: 2X (3%)
Card Info: Visa Signature issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: $121 companion pass every year after $6K spend.
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free first checked bag for you and up to six other passengers on your reservation on both Hawaiian and Alaska flights ✦ Priority Boarding ✦ 10% bonus on earned miles with eligible BOA account ✦ During 2025, earn 1 EQM/$3 spend, up to a maximum of 30K EQMs.
ⓘ $891 1st Yr Value EstimateCompanion ticket for $99+taxes and fees valued at $150
Click to learn about first year value estimates
60K miles + Companion Fare Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
60K miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $4K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K after $4K in 3 months [Expired 6/25]
FM Mini Review: Alaska miles are quite valuable so this offer is better than it appears
Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ✦ 2x gas, EV charging, shipping and local transit ✦ 1X elsewhere
Base: 1X (1.5%)
Gas: 2X (3%)
Brand: 3X (4.5%)
Other: 2X (3%)
Card Info: Visa issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: $121 companion pass every year after $6K spend.
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free first checked bag for you and up to six other passengers on your reservation on both Hawaiian and Alaska flights ✦ 10% bonus on earned miles with eligible BOA business account ✦ During 2025, earn 1 EQM/$3 spend, up to a maximum of 30K EQMs.

Air Canada Aeroplan (Elite Status and Other Perks)

The Aeroplan card from Chase offers a slew of big spend bonuses:

  • Renew 25K status with $15K spend
  • Status Boost to next level status with $50K spend
  • Priority Rewards at $100K, $250K, $500K, or $750K spend
  • Free award companion for the rest of the calendar year and all of next year with $1 Million spend
Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $1027 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
85K Points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
85K points after $4K spend in the first 3 months.
$95 Annual Fee
This card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
FM Mini Review: Great card for regular or frequent Air Canada flyers
Earning rate: 3X Air Canada ✦ 3X grocery stores ✦ 3X dining ✦ 500 bonus points with each $2K calendar month spend, up to $6K spend per month (1,500 points max) ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Dine: 3X (4.2%)
Grocery: 3X (4.2%)
Brand: 3X (4.2%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Renew 25K status w/ $15K spend ✦ Status Boost w/ $50K spend ✦ Priority Reward w/ $100K, $250K, $500K, or $750K spend ✦ Free award companion for rest of calendar year and all of next with $1Million spend
Noteworthy perks: Discounted award pricing ✦ Free checked bag ✦ $120 credit for NEXUS, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years ✦ Carbon offsets on Air Canada awards ✦ Pay Yourself Back for travel at 1.25 cents per point, up to 200K points per year ✦ 10% bonus when transferring Ultimate Rewards to Aeroplan (25K max bonus/year) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit

JetBlue Cards Mosaic

Cardholders earn 1 tile with every $1,000 spent on one of the JetBlue credit cards. Mosaic 1 status starts at 50 tiles (top-tier Mosaic 4 requires 250 tiles). Mosaic 1 status gives you (among other perks): free inflight beverages including cocktails, wine, and beer, 2 free checked bags, and Even More Space at check-in. With either card, you’ll get an automatic 10% rebate on JetBlue award bookings.

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $663 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
60K Miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
60K miles after $1K in spend in 90 days and payment of annual fee.
$99 Annual Fee
Note that the landing page prompts you to enter a mobile phone number to continue the application, but you can click "no thanks" to continue the application on your desktop device.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 70K miles after $1k spend in first 90 days (expired 6/5/25)
FM Mini Review: Frequent JetBlue travelers should seriously consider this card for its terrific perks. The combination of the 10% rebate on awards and the annual 5,000 point bonus make this card a keeper.
Earning rate: 2X restaurants and grocery ✦ 6X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Dine: 2X (2.6%)
Grocery: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 6X (7.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn 1 tile for every $1,000 in purchases.
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free checked bag ✦ 5000 bonus points every anniversary ✦ 10% point rebate on awards ✦ $100 statement credit w/ purchase of travel package ✦ 50% savings on in-flight purchases
ⓘ $515 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
50K Miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
50K bonus miles after spending $2K in first 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 50K bonus miles after spending $4K in first 90 days + additional 10K miles after a purchase is made on an employee card in the first 90 days
FM Mini Review: This card is almost identical to the JetBlue Plus card except that this one offers Group A boarding and earns 2X at office supply stores rather than grocery stores. Both cards are great choices for JetBlue flyers.
Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants and office supply stores ✦ 6X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Dine: 2X (2.6%)
Office: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 6X (7.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn 1 tile for every $1,000 in purchases.
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free checked bag ✦ Group A boarding ✦ 5000 bonus points every anniversary ✦ 10% point rebate on awards ✦ $100 statement credit w/ purchase of travel package ✦ 50% savings on in-flight purchases

Virgin Atlantic (Elite Status and Other Perks)

The Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard offers a couple of big spend bonuses. To earn elite status, your best bet is to spend $2,500 or $5,000 on the card each month:

  • Spend $15k in a calendar year to choose one or $30k to choose two of:
    • A voucher for a companion seat or cabin upgrade
    • One free night or suite upgrade at Virgin Hotels
    • Up to a $300 Bar Tab credit or Blue Extras perks package on Virgin Voyages
  • 25 tier points towards elite status per $2,500 spend (max 50 tier points per month)
Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $673 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
60K Points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
60K after $4K spend in 90 days + 2.5k for adding an authorised user (up to 4)
$99 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Increased targeted offers may be available.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
FM Mini Review: The Tier Points and annual 3rd night free at Virgin Hotels might be useful for some, especially with the anniversary bonus...but it's more "meh" than "yeah" for most of us.
Earning rate: 3X Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels and Virgin Voyages ✦ 2X dining, at grocery stores, on select streaming services and for EV charging ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Dine: 2X (2.8%)
Grocery: 2X (2.8%)
Brand: 3X (4.2%)
Other: 2X (2.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard Signature issued by Synchrony. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Spend $15k in a calendar year to choose one or $30k to choose two of: voucher for companion seat or cabin upgrade; one free night or suite upgrade at Virgin Hotels
up to $300 Bar Tab credit or Blue Extras perks package on Virgin Voyages
Noteworthy perks: 25 Tier Points for each $2,500 in eligible purchases (max 50 Tier Points per month) ✦ 3rd night free at participating Virgin Hotel once/year ✦ 5,000 point yearly anniversary bonus

Best hotel free night certificates

Aside from earning elite status, there are opportunities to earn valuable perks with spend.

Hilton

Hilton free night certificates can be used at almost any property worldwide, and that is expected to extend to the partnerships with SLH and Autocamp. Since Hilton free night certificates can be used any night of the week at almost any property in the world, they can be highly valuable. We value Hilton free night certificates at $490 based on our formula detailed on this page.

The Hilton Honors Surpass card offers a free night award that can be used at almost any Hilton property in the world after $15K in eligible purchases within a calendar year.

The Hilton Honors Aspire card offers a free night award that can be used at almost any Hilton property in the world after $30K in eligible purchases in a calendar year, and another free night certificate after $60K in purchases in a calendar year.

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $1120 1st Yr Value Estimate$400 Hilton resort credit ($200 per six months) valued at $280, Hilton Free Night valued at $490, $200 airline credit ($50 per quarter) valued at $160
Click to learn about first year value estimates
175K Points + free night certificate ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer
175K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Free night certificate every year - first certificate is awarded 8-12 weeks after approval. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 8/13/2025)
$550 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: (Expired 4/29/25) 175K after $6K spend in first 6 months
FM Mini Review: This card is loaded with valuable perks that are more than worth the card's annual fee if you stay in Hilton resorts at least twice per year.
Earning rate: ✦ 14X Hilton spend ✦ 7X US restaurants, flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, select car rental companies ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases ✦ Terms & Limitations Apply.
Base: 3X (1.44%)
Flights: 7X (3.36%)
Other Travel: 7X (3.36%)
Dine: 7X (3.36%)
Brand: 14X (6.72%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Additional free night awards after $30K and $60K in eligible purchases in calendar year
Noteworthy perks: ✦Annual Free Night Reward every year upon renewal ✦ Free Diamond Status ✦ Up to $400 Hilton Resort Credit per calendar year ($200 semi-annually) ✦ $200 Flight Credit ($50 per quarter for purchases directly with airlines or via Amex Travel) ✦ $199 CLEAR (R) Plus fee credit per calendar year ✦ $100 on-property credit w/ Aspire Card package ✦ Terms Apply. See Rates & Fees
ⓘ $724 1st Yr Value Estimate$200 Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) valued at $150
Click to learn about first year value estimates
130K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
130K points after $3K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. Rates & Fees
(Offer Expires 8/13/2025)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
Recent better offer: (Expired 4/29/25) 130K points + free night certificate after $3K spend within the first 6 months.
FM Mini Review: Easy way to secure Hilton Gold status (which offers free breakfast among other perks). Those who want Diamond status may be better off with the Aspire card.
Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 6X U.S. restaurants, US Supermarkets, and US gas stations ✦ 4X U.S. Online Retail Purchases ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases
Base: 3X (1.44%)
Gas: 6X (2.88%)
Dine: 6X (2.88%)
Grocery: 6X (2.88%)
Brand: 12X (5.76%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus:
✦ Free night award after $15K in eligible purchases in calendar year ✦ Hilton Honors™ Diamond status with $40K in eligible purchases in a calendar year ✦ Terms apply
Noteworthy perks: Automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status. Hilton Honors™ Diamond status w/ $40K in eligible purchases in a calendar year. ✦ Up to $200 in Hilton credits ($50 per quarter) ✦ Terms Apply.
ⓘ $659 1st Yr Value Estimate$240 Hilton credit ($60 per quarter) valued at $180
Click to learn about first year value estimates
Up to 175K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150K bonus points after $8,000 in eligible purchase within your first 6 months of Card Membership + an additional 25K bonus points after an
additional $2K spend within first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 8/13/2025)
$195 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 175K after $8K in spend (Expired 4/29/25)
FM Mini Review: Easy way to secure Hilton Honors™ Gold status (which offers free breakfast among other perks). Amex business cards do not count towards 5/24 status so will not hurt chances of applying for Chase cards.
Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 5X on other eligible purchases (on the first $100K in purchases per calendar year, 3X thereafter).
Base: 3X (1.44%)
Brand: 12X (5.76%)
Other: 5X (2.4%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Hilton Honors™ Diamond elite status with $40K in eligible purchases in a calendar year
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status. Diamond status w/ $40K in eligible purchases in a calendar year. ✦ Up to $240 in annual credits for Hilton purchases (Up to $60 per quarter) ✦ Complimentary National Car Rental(R) Emerald Club Executive(R) status (enroll through the link on your American Express online account) ✦ Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)

World of Hyatt

The consumer World of Hyatt credit card offers a Category 1-4 free night certificate after $15K in purchases in a calendar year. We value that certificate at $230 (more on our methodology here), though you can obviously get more or less value depending on how you use it. At a value of $230, the certificate represents about a 1.5% return on spend; when combined with the 15,000 Hyatt points you’ll earn on that spend (which are worth ~$280 according to our Reasonable Redemption Values) and the 6 elite night credits from the same spend, it can be well worth spending toward this benefit for those who highly value Hyatt points and certificates.

Note also that Hyatt offers another Category 1-4 free night certificate after earning 30 elite nights and a Category 1-7 free night certificate after 60 elite nights. The 2 elite night credits you get with each $5K spend on the World of Hyatt credit card count toward those (and other) milestone benefits.

Here are the currently available World of Hyatt credit cards:

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $816 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
60K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
60K after $5,000 spend in 3 months.
$199 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Recent better offer: 60K points after $5K in 3 months + Category 1-4 Free Night Certificate after $15K total in 6 months. (Expired 3/6/25)
FM Mini Review: Great for its initial welcome offer and for Hyatt enthusiasts to spend toward status and rebate on award stays.
Earning rate: 2X on fitness clubs and gym memberships ✦ 2X in the top 3 spend categories each calendar quarter. Eligible categories include dining; airline tickets purchased directly with the airline; car rental agencies; local transit and commuting; gas stations; internet, cable and phone services; social media and search engine advertising; and shipping ✦ 4X Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith
Base: 1X (1.8%)
Brand: 4X (7.2%)
Other: 2X (3.6%)
Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Get 5 elite qualifying night credits every time you spend $10,000 in purchases. ✦ After $50K spend in a calendar year, get 10% back on redeemed points for the rest of that calendar year (Up to 20K points back per year).
Noteworthy perks: Discoverist elite status ✦ Ability to gift Discoverist to up to 5 employees (they do not need to be cardholders) ✦ Up to $100 each cardmember year in Hyatt statement credits: Spend $50 or more at any Hyatt property and get a $50 statement credit up to two times per year ✦ Hyatt Leverage membership with no minimum stay requirements. ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit
ⓘ $406 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
Up to 45K points Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
30K points after $3K in spend within the first 3 months, plus an exta 1 point/dollar on up to $15K spend within first 6 months.
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 5x Category 1-4 free night certificates after $15K spend within first 3 months. (Expired 10/31/24)
FM Mini Review: Great card for welcome offer and annual free night. Might be worth using regularly for additional free night and as a path to status.
Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants / cafes / coffee shops, airlines, local transit, fitness clubs and gym memberships ✦ 4X Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith
Base: 1X (1.8%)
Flights: 2X (3.6%)
Other Travel: 2X (3.6%)
Dine: 2X (3.6%)
Brand: 4X (7.2%)
Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: One free Cat 1-4 night certificate after $15K spend in a calendar year. ✦ Get 2 elite qualifying night credits every time you spend $5K in purchases
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free category 1-4 night every year upon renewal ✦ Additional free category 1-4 night after $15K spend in calendar year ✦ Discoverist elite status ✦ 5 elite qualifying nights ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit

Marriott

While many of the Marriott credit cards offer an automatic annual free night certificate, a couple of cards offer spend-based certificates that could represent a decent value, particularly if the introductory bonus spending requirements mean that you’re already part of the way there.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy credit card and the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card each offer a free night certificate valid for a single night at a property costing up to 50K points for a standard room (and the certificate can be topped off with up to 15,000 additional points) after spending $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year. We value a Marriott 50K certificate at $304 based on our formula detailed on this page.

The Marriott Bonvoy Business card offers an annual free night certificate, but cardholders can earn an additional 35K free night certificate after spending $60K in a calendar year. We value 35K free night certificates at $213. Given the relatively low return on spend, we wouldn’t recommend spending $60K just for that free night certificate.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers an annual choice benefit after $60K in purchases in a calendar year, and one of the choice options is an 85K free night certificate. We value the 85K certs at $517 based on our formula detailed on this page. That could arguably make it worth spending toward this certificate as the value of the certificate combined with the 2 Marriott points per dollar you’ll earn even on unbonused spend combine to make for a reasonably acceptable return, though only if you are certain that you’ll both use the certificate to high value and get a good redemption from your Marriott points.

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $692 1st Yr Value Estimate3 Marriott 50K Free Nights valued at $912
Click to learn about first year value estimates
3 x 50K Free Night Certificates ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy(R) points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$125 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 5x50K free night certificates after $8K in spend (expired 10/16/24)
Earning rate: 6x at Marriott Bonvoy® properties ✦ 4x at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. suppliers and on U.S. purchases for shipping ✦ 2x on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)
Base: 2X (1.52%)
Gas: 4X (3.04%)
Dine: 4X (3.04%)
Phone: 4X (3.04%)
Brand: 6X (4.56%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn an additional 35k free night certificate (can be topped-up with up to 15k additional points, subject to resort fees) after you spend $60K on purchases in a calendar year
Noteworthy perks: Complimentary Marriott Gold elite status ✦ 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year ✦ 35k Free Night Award every year after card renewal (subject to resort fees) ✦ Complimentary premium Internet access at Marriott properties ✦ Terms Apply (Rates & Fees)
ⓘ $665 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
Up to 135K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Earn 85K points after $5k in eligible purchases and an extra 50K after an additional $2K within your first 6 months of card membership. Terms apply. Rates & Fees
$250 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 155K points after $5K spend in the first 6 months. [Expired 5/14/25]
Earning rate: 6X Marriott.✦ 4X restaurants & U.S. Supermarkets on up to $15K in eligible purchases per year ✦ 2X on all other eligible purchases
Base: 2X (1.52%)
Dine: 4X (3.04%)
Grocery: 4X (3.04%)
Brand: 6X (4.56%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: One 50K Free Night Award after $15K calendar year spend on eligible purchases.
Noteworthy perks: 15 night credit towards elite status every year upon account anniversary ✦ 1,000 bonus points with each qualifying stay ✦ Gold elite status
ⓘ $634 1st Yr Value Estimate$300 dining credit ($25 per month) valued at $270
Click to learn about first year value estimates
Up to 150K Points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
Earn 100K points after $6k in eligible purchases and an extra 50K after an additional $2K within your first 6 months of card membership. Terms apply. Rates & Fees
$650 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 185k points after $6K spend within the first 6 months. [Expired 5/14/25]
FM Mini Review: Decent ultra-premium option for Marriott fans, especially those aiming for lifetime status tiers
Earning rate: 3X airfare -on flights booked directly with airlines; 3X restaurants worldwide, 6X Marriott; 2X on all other eligible purchases
Base: 2X (1.52%)
Flights: 3X (2.28%)
Other Travel: 3X (2.28%)
Dine: 3X (2.28%)
Brand: 6X (4.56%)
Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Annual Choice Award with $60K calendar year spend, choose one of: 50k points, 5 Nightly Upgrade Awards, 85k free night certificate, or $1K off a Marriott Bonvoy brand bed
Noteworthy perks: ✦ 85K Free Night Award each year upon renewal ✦ $300 dining credit per membership year ($25/mo) ✦ Platinum Elite status ✦ 25 elite nights credit ✦ Priority Pass membership (Lounges only) with 2 guests ✦ Global Entry fee credit ✦ Free premium internet at Marriott properties ✦ Note: Enrollment required for some benefits.
ⓘ $333 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
85K points ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer
85K points after $4K total spend in first 3 months
$250 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Earning rate: 6X Marriott.✦ 4X restaurants & grocery on up to $15K spend per year ✦ 2X everywhere else
Base: 2X (1.52%)
Dine: 4X (3.04%)
Grocery: 4X (3.04%)
Brand: 6X (4.56%)
Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: One 50K Free Night Award after $15K calendar year spend.
Noteworthy perks: 15 night credit towards elite status every year upon account anniversary ✦ 1,000 bonus points with each qualifying stay ✦ Gold elite status ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit

IHG

The IHG Rewards Business credit card offers a free night certificate valid for a single night at a property costing up to 40K points (or it can be topped off with an unlimited number of points from your account) after $60K in purchases in a calendar year plus 1 additional purchase. We value IHG free night certificates at $207 based on our formula detailed on this page. Keep in mind that you’ll also earn IHG One Rewards Diamond status after $40K in purchases (+ 1 additional purchase) within a calendar year. If you intend to spend for Diamond status, it can be worth pushing onward to the free night certificate since the additional $20K spend (plus one additional purchase) will yield 60,000 IHG points (worth $366 according to our Reasonable Redemption Values) and the free night certificate. However, if you don’t value Diamond status enough to spend for that independent of the free night certificate, then it probably isn’t worth spending $60K on this card.

Best airline companion certificates

Southwest Airlines Companion Pass

The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is a repeatable discount that allows the pass holder to bring a companion for only the cost of taxes every time the pass holder flies. When you earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year, you’ll earn a Companion Pass for the remainder of the correct year plus all of the next calendar year.  Points earned from Southwest credit cards (including both welcome bonuses & spend) count as qualifying points.  Once you get the companion pass, for the rest of that year and all of the next year you can add a companion for free (after TSA fees) to any Southwest flight that you’ve purchased with points or with cash.

If you hold any number of Southwest credit cards, you get a 10,000 point boost toward the Companion Pass qualifying points required; in other words, cardholders only need to earn 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year to earn the Companion Pass.

We generally wouldn’t recommend spending $125,000 at 1x to earn the Companion Pass, but combining credit card spend with many other shortcuts to the Southwest Companion Pass can certainly be worthwhile.

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $1183 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
100K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
100K points after $4K spend in the first 5 months.
$99 Annual Fee
After clicking through, be sure to manually select the exact Southwest card in which you are interested. This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
FM Mini Review: This card can be great for its new cardmember bonus, but its ongoing perks are worth the annual fee only if fully used each year.
Earning rate: 2X local transit and commuting, including rideshare ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X gas station and grocery (up to $5K in purchases combined per year) ✦ 2X Southwest
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.6%)
Gas: 2X (2.6%)
Grocery: 2X (2.6%)
Phone: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 2X (2.6%)
Card Info: Visa Signature or Platinum issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year.
Noteworthy perks: 3000 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Receive a 10% promo code each year on cardmember anniversary (Excludes Basic fare) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year (ends 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Standard seat selection up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available)
ⓘ $1133 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
100K points ⓘFriend-ReferralThis is a friend-referral offer. A member of the Frequent Miler community may earn a referral bonus if you are approved for this offer
100K points after $4K spend in the first 5 months.
$149 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X restaurants and grocery (up to $8K in purchases combined per year) ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car rental partners (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X local transit and rideshare (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (ends 12/31) ✦ 1X on all other purchases.
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Hotels: 2X (2.6%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.6%)
Dine: 2X (2.6%)
Grocery: 2X (2.6%)
Phone: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 3X (3.9%)
Card Info: Visa Signature or Platinum issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 1,500 TQPs for each $5K in purchases
Noteworthy perks: 6000 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Receive a 15% promo code each year on cardmember anniversary (Excludes Basic fare) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year (ends 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Standard or Preferred seat selection up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available)
ⓘ $1053 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
100K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
100K points after $4K spend in the first 5 months.
$229 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
FM Mini Review: Great for frequent Southwest flyers - this card could easily be a long-term keeper.
Earning rate: 4X Southwest ✦ 2X gas & dining ✦ 2X local transit and rideshare (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (ends 12/31) ✦ 1X on all other purchases.
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.6%)
Gas: 2X (2.6%)
Dine: 2X (2.6%)
Phone: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 4X (5.2%)
Card Info: Visa Signature or Platinum issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 2,500 TQPs for each $5K in purchases
Noteworthy perks: 7500 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ Four upgraded boardings (when available) every year (ends 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Preferred seat selection at booking (if available) ✦ Extra legroom upgrades up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available)
ⓘ $651 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
80K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
80K points after $5K spend within first 3 months your account is open
$299 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Earning rate: 4X Southwest ✦ 3X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car rental partners (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X hotels ✦ 2x gas and restaurants ✦ 2X rideshare ✦ 2X social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services (ends 12/31) ✦ 1X on all other purchases.
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Hotels: 3X (3.9%)
Other Travel: 3X (3.9%)
Gas: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 4X (5.2%)
Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 2,500 TQPs for each $5K in purchases
Noteworthy perks: 9000 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Extra legroom upgrades up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ Four upgraded boardings (when available) every year (ends 12/31) Global Entry or TSA Pre✔ Fee Credit ✦ Up to 365 Inflight WiFi Credits (end 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Preferred seat selection at booking (if available)
ⓘ $577 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
60K points ⓘAffiliateThis is an affiliate offer. Frequent Miler may earn a commission if you are approved for this offer
60K points after $3K spend within first 3 months your account is open
$149 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X gas station and grocery (up to $8K in purchases combined per year) ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car rental partners (ends 12/31) ✦ 2X rideshare (ends 12/31) ✦ 1X on all other purchases.
Base: 1X (1.3%)
Hotels: 2X (2.6%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.6%)
Grocery: 2X (2.6%)
Brand: 3X (3.9%)
Card Info: Visa issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 2,000 TQPs for each $5,000 spent in purchases annually.
Noteworthy perks: 6000 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year ✦ First bag free for cardholder and up to 8 companions ✦ Receive a 15% promo code each year on cardmember anniversary (Excludes Basic fare) ✦ Complimentary Instacart+ for 3 months (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ $10 monthly Instacart credit ✦ 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year (ends 12/31) ✦ Available for flights from 1/27/26 onward: ✦ Group 5 boarding ✦ Standard or Preferred seat selection up to 48 hours pre-departure (if available)

Alaska Airlines

Those who have the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature consumer card (US), the Visa Business card (US), as well as the World Elite and Platinum Plus MasterCard (Canada) can get one companion discount code each year. Most legacy cards get a free code after their anniversary date, but for cards approved after January 18, 2023, there is a requirement to spend $6,000 in a calendar year to receive a companion fare code at the anniversary date.

The Alaska Airlines companion fare code is valid for one-way or round-trip paid, published coach airfare on Alaska Airlines. With the Companion Fare, the companion pays a $99 base fare plus applicable taxes and fees (from $22).

Note that the cardholder must purchase the tickets, but the companion fare can be used to book travel for others (the cardholder does not need to travel to use the companion code).

See more detail in our Complete Guide to Airline Companion Tickets.

Here are the currently available Alaska Airlines credit cards:

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $982 1st Yr Value EstimateCompanion ticket for $99+taxes and fees valued at $150
Click to learn about first year value estimates
65K miles + Companion Fare Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
65k miles + companion fare after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K miles + companion fare after $3k in spend (expired 6/5/25)
FM Mini Review: Alaska miles are quite valuable so this offer is better than it appears
Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ✦ 2x gas, EV charging, local transit, rideshare, cable, and select streaming services purchases ✦ 1X elsewhere
Base: 1X (1.5%)
Gas: 2X (3%)
Brand: 3X (4.5%)
Other: 2X (3%)
Card Info: Visa Signature issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: $121 companion pass every year after $6K spend.
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free first checked bag for you and up to six other passengers on your reservation on both Hawaiian and Alaska flights ✦ Priority Boarding ✦ 10% bonus on earned miles with eligible BOA account ✦ During 2025, earn 1 EQM/$3 spend, up to a maximum of 30K EQMs.
ⓘ $891 1st Yr Value EstimateCompanion ticket for $99+taxes and fees valued at $150
Click to learn about first year value estimates
60K miles + Companion Fare Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
60K miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $4K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K after $4K in 3 months [Expired 6/25]
FM Mini Review: Alaska miles are quite valuable so this offer is better than it appears
Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ✦ 2x gas, EV charging, shipping and local transit ✦ 1X elsewhere
Base: 1X (1.5%)
Gas: 2X (3%)
Brand: 3X (4.5%)
Other: 2X (3%)
Card Info: Visa issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: $121 companion pass every year after $6K spend.
Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free first checked bag for you and up to six other passengers on your reservation on both Hawaiian and Alaska flights ✦ 10% bonus on earned miles with eligible BOA business account ✦ During 2025, earn 1 EQM/$3 spend, up to a maximum of 30K EQMs.

American Airlines

The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, the Citibusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select, and the Barclays Aviator Red & Silver cards each offer an additional big spend bonus in the form of a discount or companion certificate:

Reports are mixed as to the difficulty involved in using these certificates, but nonetheless, they could be valuable enough on their own to justify the spend. For those primarily seeking elite status through spending, these certificates could be a worthwhile additional bonus.

Here are the currently available American Airlines credit cards:

Card Offer and Details
ⓘ $1061 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
80K Miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer.
80K miles after $3,500 spend in first 4 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Alternate Offer: There may be an alternative offer of 30K + $400 AA credit that can be found when doing a dummy booking on aa.com.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: None
FM Mini Review: Excellent choice for a great intro bonus. Plus it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.)
Earning rate: 2X restaurants ✦ 2X gas ✦ 2X AA
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Gas: 2X (2.8%)
Dine: 2X (2.8%)
Brand: 2X (2.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: $125 AA Flight Discount with $20K membership year spend
Noteworthy perks: ✦ First checked bag free ✦ Priority Boarding ✦ Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases
ⓘ $842 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
65K miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
65K miles after $4K spend in first 5 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 75K miles after $5K spend in first 5 months (ended 5/22/25)
FM Mini Review: This card usually has a great welcome offer, but if you're looking for a card to keep long term, you'll find better options.
Earning rate: ✦ 2X AA ✦ 2X certain telecommunications merchants ✦ 2X car rental merchants ✦ 2X gas
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Other Travel: 2X (2.8%)
Gas: 2X (2.8%)
Phone: 2X (2.8%)
Brand: 2X (2.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn $99 plus taxes domestic companion certificate after $30K spend
Noteworthy perks: ✦ First checked bag free ✦ Priority Boarding ✦ Save 25% on inflight purchases
ⓘ $635 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
100K miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
100K miles after $10,000 spend in first 3 months
$595 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
FM Mini Review: Good choice for those who need Admirals Club® access and those who value the Loyalty Points boosts at 50K and 90K Loyalty Points earned. Plus, it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.) and some handy credits for Avis or Budget rentals and GrubHub.
Earning rate: 4X AA ✦ 10X hotels booked through AA.com/Hotels ✦ 10X car rentals booked through AA.com/Cars ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Brand: 4X (5.6%)
Other: 10X (14%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Noteworthy perks: ✦ First Checked Bag Free ✦ Admirals Club® access for both primary and authorized users ✦ Up to $120 per 12 monthly billing cycles for GrubHub purchases (up to $10 per monthly billing cycle) ✦ Up to $120 back on eligible Avis or Budget prepaid car rentals every calendar year ✦ $10 monthly Lyft credit after you take 3 Lyft rides that calendar month ✦ 10K bonus Loyaty Points after earning 50K Loyalty points through all channels and another 10K bonus Loyalty Points after earning 90K Loyalty Points through all channels ✦ 25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases on American Airlines flights ✦ Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every 4 years
ⓘ $601 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
50K Miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer. We always present the best offer even when it means less revenue for Frequent Miler
50K miles after 1st purchase and paying the annual fee within 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Up to 75K: 60K miles after first purchase and 15K after adding an authorized user and making one purchase on that card [Expired 2/24/24]
Earning rate: 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Brand: 2X (2.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees.
Big spend bonus: Earn $99 + tax domestic companion certificate with $20K membership year spend.
Noteworthy perks: First checked bag free ✦ Preferred boarding for the primary cardmember and up to 4 companions traveling on the same reservation ✦ 25% off in-flight purchases ✦ $25 wifi credit per membership year ✦ Flight cents: round up purchases to earn more miles
ⓘ $202 1st Yr Value EstimateClick to learn about first year value estimates
15K miles Non-AffiliateThis is NOT an affiliate offer.
Earn 15K AA miles after $500 spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
FM Mini Review: Not bad for grocery spend if you highly value AA miles
Earning rate: 2X grocery ✦ 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else
Base: 1X (1.4%)
Grocery: 2X (2.8%)
Brand: 2X (2.8%)
Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees.
Noteworthy perks: Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases

More airline companion certificates

Several other airline credit cards offer the chance to spend toward companion certificates. These certificates certainly can be valuable in the right instance, though each has relatively niche use.

Complete List of all Big Spend Bonuses

By default, the following table only shows the first 10 cards in our database, but you can click “Next”, search, or use the drop-down to increase the number of displayed cards.  Search this table using keywords such as:

  • Elite Status
  • Bonus Points
  • Companion (for companion tickets)
  • Free Night

Also, limit results to your program of interest by searching for “Delta”, “Marriott”, “United”, “Virgin”, “Avios”, etc.

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36 Comments
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Lee

British Airways companion certificate

Kent

Also, limit results to your program of interest by searching for “Delta”, “Marriott”, “United”, “Virgin”, “Avios”, etc.

Search box for the “complete list” is missing.

Ben

Missing the 20,000 bonus loyalty points on the AA Citi Executive card.

Greg The Frequent Miler

We didn’t include that because that bonus doesn’t require any credit card spend.

DSK

There is a targeted 70,000 point bonus on $4k spend with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey (60,000 if not targeted). That would yield 60,000 or 70,000 Avios which you value at 1.1 cents per point, with an effective annual fee of $49 ($50 Travelbank should trigger the rebate). Shouldn’t that be on your list, especially for folks who are getting maxed out with the other major banks?

DSK

Actually an effective annual fee of $45.

Stephen Pepper

The list in this post highlights cards that offer big spend bonuses outside of the welcome offer, like $15k on a Hyatt or Hilton Surpass card to get a free night certificate, $40k on an IHG Premier or Business card to get Diamond status, etc. rather than it being a list of cards with high welcome offers.

DSK

Got it. Thanks Stephen.

Yaaarp

What about spend bonuses that are not for hotel/airline benefits? Eg ones that are for points, cash or other benefits?

Brutus

Got an example?

Baris

Hilton Business no longer offer a free night certificate after spending, maybe that requires an update too

Tim Steinke

Thanks for the reminder. Fixed it.

Ian Maschal

This list is huge no was hoping for 1-5 cards to use for big tax payments

Maurice

The Delta portion should be updated since MQMs have gone away!

Greg The Frequent Miler

Fixed that. Thank you

Tarik

Great list! But what are actually the best ones? There are over 80 here. Choosing the winners would make for a great podcast episode!

Mr. Seg

Agreed, hard to tell from this list

Cheryl

agreed

Pierre

The Hilton Business card no longer has the free night for 15K

Greg The Frequent Miler

It does until June 30th

Pierre

Ah yes that’s right and you even mentioned that (what I get for quick browsing)

Lynn

*The Hilton Honors Aspire card offers a free night award that can be used at almost any Hilton property in the world after $30K in purchases in a calendar year and another free night certificate after $60K in purchases in a calendar year.* You get a free night just for having the card each year, too, right?

Greg The Frequent Miler

Yes

Nick Reyes

As Greg says, yes — but I’ll add that the reason that isn’t mentioned here is because this post is specifically about big spend bonuses, so it focuses on the additional benefits of these cards based on spend.

Lee

Great article.

Last edited 1 year ago by Lee
Vince

Alaska cards now offer EQMS with spend (“Throughout 2024, for every $10,000 you spend on purchases, you’ll automatically earn 4,000 EQMs (up to 20,000 EQMs total))”

Paul

I think the part above “It’s possible to earn top tier status this way, but you won’t qualify for Loyalty Choice Rewards (such as upgrade certificates) unless you also complete 30 or more qualifying flight segments during the elite membership year” about AA is incorrect unless I’m misunderstanding it. I have gotten the loyalty bonuses without flying much but getting loyalty points in other ways.

Lee

Greg, another note. A big spend bonus of the Brilliant card is a second 85k FNC.