Travel isn’t always cheap – sometimes it’s free! At least that can be the case for those who leverage the vast network of miles and points programs out there. Credit cards, frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty clubs allow travelers to earn free or discounted travel, sometimes just with your everyday spending on gas, groceries and other purchases.
10Best teamed up with a miles-and-points expert from NerdWallet to nominate the best programs for American travelers – the credit cards, frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs with the best earning potential, flexibility, extra perks and ease of redemption.
Click on each category below to vote:
Best Co-Branded Credit Card
A co-branded credit card can accelerate your earnings — Photo courtesy of iStock / Kwun Kau Tam
Free flights, extra hotel room nights, upgrades and other travel perks – these are among the rewards for spending on a good co-branded credit card. 10Best editors teamed up with a miles-and-points expert to nominate the best co-branded credit cards on the market that are most worthwhile to American travelers, based on perks, redemption rates and other benefits.
Vote: Best Co-Branded Credit Card »
Best Frequent Flyer Program
Airline loyalty can pay off in free trips and upgrades — Photo courtesy of iStock / LightFieldStudios
Savvy frequent travelers know that loyalty to a specific airline can translate to big savings on flights and upgrades. But not all loyalty programs are created equal. These nominees represent the nation’s most worthwhile programs; those that offer plenty of ways to earn and redeem miles, great coverage and lots of flight options when it comes time to book that free trip.
Vote: Best Frequent Flyer Program »
Best Hotel Loyalty Program
Hotel loyalty programs offer free nights and perks like Wi-Fi and late checkout — Photo courtesy of iStock / jacoblund
Just about every hotel brand offers a loyalty program for guests, where frequent stays are rewarded with discounted or free nights and a host of other perks (upgrades, free Wi-Fi, late checkout). With so many programs to choose from, how do you pick the right one to save big bucks on travel?
Vote: Best Hotel Loyalty Program »
Best Rewards Credit Card
A good rewards card gives you flexibility to earn points on just about everything — Photo courtesy of iStock / PeopleImages
A solid rewards credit card offers users greater flexibility on how they earn and redeem points – no need to fly the same airline, stay in the same hotel chain or rent from the same car company on every trip.
Vote: Best Rewards Credit Card »
Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, November 9.
