One way I save money on travel and get to fly in style (business and first-class) is by leveraging credit cards as tools. But comparing dozens of credit cards can be overwhelming. Which ones are in my wallet? Here are the credit cards I personally use–and why I think they’re worth keeping year after year (even with the annual fees). If you are interested in one of the cards below, applying through the links below would be a way to support me and the site. I appreciate the consideration!

“The best all-around travel card”
Bonus: Earn 50,000 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening— that’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Annual Fee: $95
Why It’s Worth it:
- Transfer points to 13 airline or hotel partners, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott
- 0% foreign transaction fees–a must if you travel overseas
- The points are 25% more valuable when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Primary car rental coverage, up to the car’s value
Learn More

Chase Freedom Flex or Chase Freedom Unlimited
“Best no annual-fee card where you can still earn a lot of points”
Bonus: Earn 15,000 20,000 points after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening–valued at $200 in cash back
Annual Fee: None
Why It’s Worth it:
- No annual fee, which makes it a great starter card
- The 5% rotating categories can fast-track your points
- Points can be combined with premium cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve
Learn More

“Most flexible travel card for premium benefits, like lounge access, TSA Precheck and Global Entry”
Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening— that’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Annual Fee: $550
Why It’s Worth it:
- $300 travel credit
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit
- Free airport lounge access with Priority Pass
- Transfer points to 13 airline or hotel partners, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott
- 0% foreign transaction fees–a must if you travel overseas
- The points are 50% more valuable when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Primary car rental coverage, up to $75,000
Learn More

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
“Most flexible and most valuable points”
Bonus: Earn 75,000 points after spending $3,000 within 3 months
Annual Fee: $125
Why It’s Worth it:
- One free night award every year after your account anniversary, valid for hotels that cost 35,000 points or less–valuable for expensive destinations like Hawaii, Paris, NYC
- Transfer points to a whopping 45 airline partners, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines (both great for trips to Asia)
- Redeem points for stays at not just Starwood hotels, but Marriott and Ritz-Carlton properties, too
- Complimentary Silver Elite Status
Learn More

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card (the card I have is no longer available, but this is the next best option)
“For luxury hotel lovers who want an alternative to the Chase Sapphire Reserve”
Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee: $450
Why It’s Worth it:
- One free night award every year after your account anniversary, valid for hotels that cost 50,000 points or less–valuable for expensive destinations like Hawaii, Paris, NYC
- Transfer points to a whopping 45 airline partners, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines (both great for trips to Asia)
- Redeem points for stays at not just Starwood hotels, but Marriott and Ritz-Carlton properties, too
- Complimentary Gold Elite Status–good for late checkout until 2pm
- $300 travel credit on participating Marriott hotels
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit
- Free airport lounge access with Priority Pass Select
- 0% foreign transaction fees–a must if you travel overseas