The Best Credit Cards to Collect Points for Free Travel

Using credit card points to get free travel is one of the biggest no brainers to me and I want to help you do the same. I’ve flown first class on numerous trans-Atlantic flights and stayed at some of the nicest hotels for free all because I put my everyday spending on the right cards. As a dual American and British Citizen, I’ve tapped into both markets and can share my suggestions for cards on both sides of the pond I think you should be using to collect points and travel for free!

See below for my recommendations for both US and UK based travellers!

Best Cards for US Travellers

Chase Sapphire Preferred

  • $95 Annual Fee
  • No FX fees
  • Door Dash Subscription
  • 5X Points on Chase Travel
  • 2X Points on Travel
  • 3X Points on Dining and Groceries
  • 1X Points on all Other

Chase Sapphire Reserve

  • $550 Annual Fee
  • No FX fees
  • $300 Travel Credit
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
  • Unlimited Airport Lounge Access
  • 10X Points on Chase Dining
  • 5-10X Points on Chase Travel
  • 3X Points on Dining
  • 1X Points on all Other

Hilton Honor Surpass

  • $150 Annual Fee
  • Hilton Gold Member Status
  • $200 Hilton Credit/year
  • 12X Points Hilton Bookings
  • 6X Points US Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas Stations

Best Cards for UK Travellers

British Airways American Express

  • No Annual Fee
  • 1X Points All Other
  • Companion Voucher after spending £15,000 per year

Gold American Express

  • £195 Annual Fee
  • 4 Lounge Passes/year
  • £10 Deliveroo credit/month
  • 3X Points Amex Travel
  • 2X Points with Airlines
  • 1X Points All Other

Platinum American Express

  • £650 Annual Fee
  • Unlimited Lounge Passes/year
  • £100 Harvey Nichols Credit
  • £400 Dining Credit
  • 2X Points Amex Travel
  • 1X Points All Other

Just an FYI, this post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. It enables me to keep bringing you more free content to binge and I really appreciate it! If you would also like to to earn affiliate income from your travel suggestions, I highly recommend signing up for a Stay22 account here, it’s free! 😊 Read my Affiliate Disclosure here.