10 Best Travel Rewards Programs to Help You Save Money

Travel rewards programs are a great way to save money on your next trip. Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or car rentals, these programs offer valuable points and miles that can help lower your travel costs. Many popular programs allow you to earn rewards on everyday purchases, making it easy to accumulate points quickly. From credit card perks to loyalty programs with airlines and hotels, the options are endless. With the right program, you can unlock discounts, upgrades, and even free travel. The best part is that most programs are easy to join and offer various ways to redeem your rewards.

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most popular travel rewards programs because of its versatility and value. You can earn points through a variety of Chase credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve. Points can be redeemed for travel bookings, cashback, or gift cards, and they can be transferred to over 14 airline and hotel partners, giving you access to a wide range of options.

One of the standout features of this program is its ability to offer higher point values when booking through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. With the right cards, you can earn valuable bonus points for categories like dining, travel, and groceries. The points accumulate quickly and are perfect for frequent travelers looking to save on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

American Express Membership Rewards

American Express Membership Rewards provides excellent flexibility for travelers who want to maximize their points. With a variety of AmEx cards like the American Express Platinum and Gold cards, you can earn points on travel, dining, and everyday purchases. Membership Rewards points can be transferred to over 20 airline and hotel partners, making it easy to book flights and accommodations with high value.

In addition to earning points, American Express provides exclusive travel perks like airport lounge access and hotel benefits. This makes the Membership Rewards program an attractive option for both casual and frequent travelers. The program’s point transfer partners offer competitive redemption options, making it one of the best ways to save money while traveling.

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Citi ThankYou Rewards is another great travel rewards program, offering cardholders the ability to earn points on everyday purchases. With cards like the Citi Premier Card or the Citi Rewards+ Card, you can accumulate points quickly, especially in categories such as dining, travel, and entertainment. Points can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards, including flights, hotel stays, and merchandise.

One key feature of Citi ThankYou Rewards is its wide range of travel partners. You can transfer points to several airline and hotel programs, which can significantly enhance the value of your points. Additionally, Citi offers access to exclusive travel experiences, making this program a strong contender for anyone looking to save money on travel expenses.

Capital One Venture Rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards program is known for its simplicity and high value for travelers. You can earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it easy to accumulate miles quickly. The miles can be redeemed for travel expenses such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and even vacation packages.

One of the benefits of Capital One Venture Rewards is the ability to use your miles to erase travel purchases made on your card. This flexibility allows you to book flights and hotels without worrying about specific redemption options. With a generous sign-up bonus and straightforward earning structure, this program offers great potential for those who travel often.

Hilton Honors

The Hilton Honors program is perfect for those who prefer staying at Hilton hotels around the world. You earn points for every stay at Hilton properties, and points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and even experiences. Hilton Honors also offers exclusive perks like late check-out and complimentary Wi-Fi for elite members.

What makes Hilton Honors stand out is its global reach. With thousands of Hilton hotels located in major cities and resort destinations, you can easily use your points to save on accommodations. The program also provides opportunities for elite status, which comes with additional benefits such as bonus points on stays and priority check-in.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is another fantastic hotel loyalty program, offering a wide range of hotels worldwide for rewards redemptions. Whether you’re booking a budget-friendly room or a luxurious suite, Marriott Bonvoy has plenty of options for travelers. You can earn points for every stay at participating Marriott properties, which can be redeemed for free nights or experiences.

Marriott Bonvoy also allows members to earn elite status, which provides valuable benefits like room upgrades, early check-in, and bonus points on stays. The program features an extensive portfolio of hotels, including well-known brands such as the Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Westin. Marriott Bonvoy’s global reach makes it a top choice for frequent travelers who want to save on hotel stays.

Southwest Rapid Rewards

Southwest Rapid Rewards is ideal for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines. The program allows you to earn points based on the fare you pay, with additional points available for higher-tier memberships. Points can be redeemed for flights on Southwest Airlines, and there are no blackout dates, making it easy to book travel when you need it.

One standout feature of Southwest Rapid Rewards is its Companion Pass. This allows you to designate a companion who can fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight you book. The pass is earned after accumulating a certain number of points or qualifying flights, making it an excellent value for frequent travelers.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles is one of the leading frequent flyer programs, offering a range of benefits for frequent Delta Airlines passengers. You earn miles based on your spending, and they can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and even experiences. Delta SkyMiles has a large number of airline partners, which allows you to use your miles for flights with other airlines as well.

One of the benefits of the SkyMiles program is its flexibility. You can use your miles to cover the entire cost of a flight or simply use them for a partial payment. Additionally, members who achieve elite status enjoy exclusive benefits such as priority boarding, extra baggage allowances, and access to Delta Sky Clubs, which enhance the overall travel experience.

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines AAdvantage is another popular frequent flyer program, offering a variety of ways to earn and redeem miles. You can earn miles through flights, credit card purchases, and even through shopping and dining partnerships. AAdvantage miles can be used for flights, upgrades, and hotel stays with American Airlines and its partners.

AAdvantage members can also earn elite status, which provides access to additional benefits like priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to Admirals Club lounges. The program’s flexibility in redemption options and its wide range of partners makes it a great option for travelers looking to save money on flights and travel-related expenses.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers excellent rewards for frequent flyers of Alaska Airlines. You can earn miles through flights, credit card spending, and even shopping through the Mileage Plan shopping portal. Miles can be redeemed for flights with Alaska Airlines or its extensive network of airline partners, which includes international carriers.

One unique feature of the Mileage Plan program is its distance-based award chart, which can offer better value for certain routes. Alaska Airlines offers some of the best redemption options for flights to destinations in North America and beyond. Frequent flyers who reach elite status also enjoy additional benefits such as priority boarding, free upgrades, and bonus miles.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.