Best Credit Cards by Destination, Bonus and More

When it comes to stockpiles of frequent flyer miles, it’s safe to say that many of those miles are earmarked for a special trip to Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most popular destinations in the United States and it’s a no-brainer to use miles to get there. The flights are generally fairly expensive, and long—even if you’re departing from the West Coast—so you’ll be tempted to book into or upgrade to a premium cabin, if possible. 

If you’re an independent contractor or a small business owner, you should get a business rewards credit card. Like their personal-card counterparts, these travel rewards cards offer great benefits and another option for earning points or miles towards free flights.

Who Is the Discover it Miles Card Good For?

Discover cardholders are typically very loyal. That’s no surprise given the company’s reputation for excellent customer service. It consistently ranks at the top of JD Powers annual credit card customer satisfaction rankings.

You probably haven’t thought much about the differences between Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Most of us are more concerned with how many points or miles you can earn, and what rewards you can get.

If both United and American fly out of your local airport and you’re looking for a good business rewards credit card, the United MileagePlus Explorer Business and CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select World MasterCard should be on your shortlist.

American Express offers six travel rewards cards for consumers in its Membership Rewards lineup: EveryDay, EveryDay Preferred, Green, Gold, Premier Rewards Gold and Platinum.

Who says you can’t get something for nothing? There are number of travel credit cards with no annual fee, but yet give you miles or points on your purchases. Whether you’re considering adding another card to your collection or getting your first travel rewards card, it’s hard to justify not getting one.

If you’re a small business owner or an independent contractor you can earn points towards free airline tickets with a business credit card.

Alaska Airlines made headlines recently due to its successful bid to purchase Virgin America. Though it’s not yet clear how that merger will play out for loyal Virgin America customers, it is clear that Alaska will be able to expand its West Coast routes and transcontinental flights.

Want to feel really exclusive? How about when a credit card company actually invites you to apply for one of its cards!? We are talking about a private invitation instead of those endless promotions hawking cards in airports, on board airplanes, and in countless magazines and television commercials.

Citi offers two premium travel cards, the Prestige and the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite^™ Mastercard^®. If you travel often and are considering a high-end rewards card, they’re both great options.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United all offer premium co-branded credit cards. If you often fly on those carriers, the cards can be very valuable and make your travel experience much more pleasant. At $450, the annual fee for these cards is quite hefty, but they come packed with benefits and perks.

Have you been thinking about stepping up to a premium travel rewards card? American Express, which is known for its excellent customer service and products, has two high-end travel card offerings you should consider: the Platinum card and the Delta Reserve card.

If you’re looking for a travel rewards credit card with no annual fee that still offers a sign-up bonus, you should consider the Citi ThankYou Preferred and Amex EveryDay cards. They’re great no-fee cards because they give you access to two of the biggest rewards programs: American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou.

There is nothing better than spending some time in a lounge when your traveling and between flights, whether you’re looking to relax, score some food, grab a shower or even book a massage.

Who Is the Chase Ink Cash Credit Card Good For?

Chase Ink Cash is a no-fee card designed for small businesses. It’s a great card for what it does, and can serve as an excellent introduction to Ultimate Rewards, which is a fantastic travel reward program.

Are you looking for access to one of the big rewards programs, but you aren’t sure which credit card to get? I was in the same situation recently.

Who is the Blue Card from American Express Good For?

The Blue Card from American Express is a Membership Rewards credit card. It’s an entry-level card from the Membership Rewards family, and being a no-annual-fee card it can serve as a good introduction to the Membership Rewards program.

Typically you’d choose a co-branded airline credit card based on the airline. You’d probably consider if the airline offers a lot of flights out of your local airline and if the carrier can get you where you want to go.

Who is the Blue Sky from American Express Good For?

The Blue Sky Card from American Express is not as popular as American Express’ other cash back or Membership Rewards cards, but it’s a solid product, especially for a no-annual-fee card. There are no limitations where to book your travel. You can book directly with an airline, hotel or a cruise ship, or you can buy your travel from an online aggregator like Priceline.