7 Credit Cards With Airport Lounge and Expedited Security Access

7 Credit Cards With Airport Lounge and Expedited Security Access

Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers, but not all offers on Select are from affiliate partners.Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.It’s been a rough year for domestic and international travelers. Marred by issues related to understaffing, many airlines have found themselves in a precarious position — in this case, not having enough planes and crew members to accommodate so many travelers — leading to lots and lots of flights cancellations.So far this year, 88,161 flights have been canceled. For reference, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, from 2013 to 2021 — with the exception of 2020 — the number of flight cancellations never exceeded 80,000. At this rate, that number could end up reaching the record 263,941 number of flights that were canceled in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.Needless to say, it’s been a very stressful time for those who have had to fly. And as demand for travel remains strong, it’s predicted that this will be a long-standing issue.Thankfully, there are a few ways to make your next trip to the airport a little bit easier, especially if you happen to have the right credit card.Whether you’re a frequent flyer or you simply want to make your upcoming flight less of a headache, these six credit cards are worth considering, as they each include complimentary lounge access and statement credits toward expedited airport security to make your next travel experience less stressful.Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.Best credit cards for lounge access and expedited securityStatement credits for expedited airport securityBefore you hit the airport lounge, you’ll need to get through a potentially long security line. While wait times are completely out of your control, there are a few expedited security clearance programs you can enroll in to hopefully shorten your time in line.

  • TSA PreCheck®: Issued by the Transportation Security Administration, this is the cheapest option if you want to get through security lines at U.S. airports faster. $85 gets you five years of membership.
  • Global Entry: Issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I find Global Entry to be the most sensible option for most travelers, especially as it comes with all the same TSA PreCheck benefits built in. With Global Entry, you can also clear customs much quicker when arriving back to the U.S.. It costs $100 for five years of membership.
  • CLEAR: As its own standalone product, CLEAR provides a quicker clearance through security thanks to technology. By simply scanning your boarding pass and either using your eyes or fingerprints as your method of personal identification, you will be escorted to the front of the general security line, or to the front of the TSA PreCheck line if you’re also enrolled in the program. CLEAR membership costs $189 per year.

With each of the credit cards mentioned below, you can enroll in one or more of these expedited security programs, then receive statement credits to cover your membership with either TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry, CLEAR or a combination of them, depending on the card.Using credit cards to score airport lounge accessAirport lounges aren’t only for travelers who fly in business or first class. There are many travel rewards credit cards offering airport lounge access just for being a cardmember.Lounges provide a number of benefits to travelers, and they’re especially worthwhile for those who hope to avoid large crowds in the airport terminal while waiting to board their flight. Many lounges also offer complimentary food and beverages to their guests, so visiting one is an easy way to save money instead of having to purchase expensive airport food. Some even offer unique amenities like cycling rooms, showers and complimentary massages.Another good thing is nearly all major airports have at least one lounge, if not more. Throughout my own travels, I’ve found airport lounges to be an excellent way to escape noisy and crowded airport terminals.Without further ado, here’s a look at six credit cards that include airport lounge access as well as statement credits toward membership with the aforementioned expedited security programs.The Platinum Card® from American ExpressThe Platinum Card® from American ExpressOn the American Express secure site

  • RewardsEarn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 within 6 months of card membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit Needed

With The Platinum Card® from American Express, cardmembers and two guests can enjoy access to more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges across 148 countries, as well as American Express Centurion℠ lounges in the U.S. and abroad, Delta Sky Club® lounges, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges and Air Space lounges. It’s worth noting that in order to enter a Delta Sky Club® lounge, you must be flying with Delta or one of its airline partners. For more information, visit the American Express Global Lounge Collection℠ website.As for expedited security, cardholders can receive up to $189 each year in statement credits by using The Platinum Card from American Express to pay for their CLEAR annual membership, as well as an up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSAPreCheck. The card also comes with an up to $200 annual airline fee credit that you can use toward incidentals like checked baggage fees, seat selection fees, change fees and more.Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express CardDelta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express CardOn the American Express secure site

  • RewardsEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Welcome bonusEarn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months. Offer ends 8/3/2022.
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Credit needed

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a solid choice for those seeking lounge access, especially if you fly with Delta Airlines regularly. You’ll receive access to American Express Centurion℠ lounges when you book Delta flights with your Reserve card, as well as entry to Delta Sky Club® lounges and two one-time guest passes each year if you’re traveling with friends or family members.The card also provides a statement credit of up to $100 every four years to cover Global Entry enrollment or a credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for those wishing to enroll in TSA PreCheck®. Note that if you’re approved for Global Entry, you’ll receive instant access to TSA PreCheck® perks.Other air travel-related perks include a first checked bag free, priority boarding and complimentary seat upgrades when you fly Delta.Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardThe Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another great card option for travelers looking to escape the airport terminal. When you have the card, you’ll have access to Capital One Lounges — one location in Dallas (DFW) is currently open, while two more are expected to open later this year in Denver (DEN) and Washington, D.C. (IAD)— as well as the extensive network of Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges worldwide. When visiting any of those lounges, you’ll also receive two complimentary guest passes per visit (extra guests at Capital One Lounges will cost $45 each).The card also provides a statement credit of up to $100 every four years when you use it to pay for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership.Capital One Ventures Rewards Credit CardThe Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card allows two complimentary lounge visits each year, either to Capital One Lounges or more than 100 additional lounges via its Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass partners, making it a great option for those who aren’t exactly frequent flyers.Cardmembers can also receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years by using the card to enroll in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.United Club℠ Infinite CardUnited Club℠ Infinite Card

  • Rewards4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining (including eligible delivery services) and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Credit needed

Those who fly with United Airlines will enjoy complimentary United Club membership, worth a value of $650 per year, as a perk of having the United Club℠ Infinite Card. This gives you and up to two guests access to United Club and affiliated Star Alliance lounges worldwide when traveling with the airline or one of its partners. or a partner airline.The card also provides a statement credit of up to $100 every four years to cover your membership with Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS, an expedited security program for those traveling between the U.S. and Canada.Other perks include complimentary first and second checked bags when you fly with United, 25% back on in-flight purchases and priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.Chase Sapphire Reserve®Chase Sapphire Reserve®

  • RewardsEarn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
  • Welcome bonusEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders will have access to more than 1,300 airport lounges across 148 countries once they enroll for free through Priority Pass. You can bring up to two guests for free.The Chase Sapphire Reserve also provides a statement credit of up to $100 every four years to reimburse you for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® enrollment fee.Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MastercardCiti® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®Information about the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

  • Rewards2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases.  1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases. 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
  • Welcome bonusEarn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Credit needed

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is ideal for American Airlines flyers as it comes with a full Admirals Club membership, worth a value of $650 per year. You’re allowed to bring up to two guests for free but you can add up to ten authorized users to the card for free and they each get their own memberships as well.The card also provides a statement credit of up to $100 every five years to cover your membership with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.When flying American Airlines, you’ll also enjoy a first checked bag free, priority check-in, early boarding and 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases.Bottom lineAmericans are eager to get back on the road after the pandemic-related restrictions, but it’s not coming without several issues. However, with one of these cards listed above, you can not only earn a solid welcome bonus to earn rewards for traveling — but also avoid the pains of long security lines and noisy airports with the benefits of each card above.Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.Information about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. .

Here’s how you can make your flying experience easier this summer

Here’s how you can make your flying experience easier this summer

Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers, but not all offers on Select are from affiliate partners.There are few industries like travel that have roared back with as much consumer demand after the pandemic-related lockdowns.Airlines predicted it would take years for consumers to fly again at pre-pandemic levels. But as vaccination efforts persisted and restrictions were lifted, Americans began to travel again. However, the airline industry has not been able to keep up with the public’s appetite for flying, resulting in major flight delays and cancellations throughout the U.S..So before you head to the airport for your next flight, keep in mind the following tips to give yourself the best chance of smooth travel.Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.Airports and airlines are equally strugglingThe travel experience right now, as cleverly put by The Atlantic, is suffering from ‘nothing works syndrome.’ And much of this has to do with one core issue: a lack of staffing. But with one large issue comes several smaller problems like weather, air traffic control issues and a reduced amount of available aircraft, all which contribute to an overall system meltdown.Here’s an idea of what travel demand and delays look like right now:On June 26, TSA reported it counted nearly 2.5 million people through its checkpoints. It was the highest number since Feb. 11, 2020 — which was right before Covid-19 shut down the world.Between 2013-2019, the total number of flight cancellations never exceeded 70,000 in an entire year. There have already been over 76,000 so far in 2022, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and we’re not even halfway through the year.Unfortunately, if you need to fly, there isn’t much you can do to avoid the larger issues. But there are several things you can do to make your experience an easier one.How to keep your travels smooth amid staffing shortages1. Avoid layovers when booking, and book directIf you can avoid layovers, it may benefit you for a simple reason: the fewer flights you take, the chance for issues to arise becomes smaller.Additionally, it may be tempting to book your next flight with a third-party travel service (i.e. Expedia or Priceline) to save a few dollars as airfare prices have skyrocketed. However, if you run into delays or cancellations, the airline may not be able to assist you directly if you booked through a third-party — you’ll first have to deal with the travel booking service’s customer service line to remedy your issues.2. Show up early, and avoid checking your bagIt’s the most cliché suggestion out there, but arriving early can help you avoid the panic of missing your flight and disrupting your travels. Long lines to check a bag or to get through security could cause you to accidentally miss your flight. And as airlines are packing their planes, missing your flight could leave you with few options to rebook as seat inventory remains low.Also, you may consider packing a bit less and bringing your bag onboard with you. One of the areas airlines are struggling to hire and keep staffed is bag handlers. So not only is your bag at risk of being lost or damaged, but it could also be a while until you receive your bag at your final destination. And if you’re strapped for time, the time it takes to check your luggage could lead you to miss your flight.And Sandra McLemore, president of Travel Marketing & Media, strongly recommends using online check-in. “Just one minute after check-in closes, your seat will go to someone on a waitlist. And you won’t get a credit, let alone a refund,” she tells Select.3. Enroll in an expedited security programExpedited security perks have arguably never been more valuable. Programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR can save flyers a significant amount of time. And the best part is that many travel credit cards offer perks to cover the application costs.I currently have Global Entry (which includes membership to TSA PreCheck), and paid with my IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card, which gives me a $100 statement credit to cover the Global Entry or TSA precheck application cost. Over the last five years I’ve flown close to 100 flights, and expeditated security has saved me anywhere from a few minutes to sometimes over an hour each trip. And since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, I get expedited security clearance anywhere in the U.S. and can clear customs quickly when returning to the U.S. after a trip abroad.There are several cards that include credits for expedited security programs, including the Bank of America® Premium Rewards credit card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. But if you’re not interested in a rewards card, you can simply pay online to enroll in one of the programs.Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

  • RewardsEarn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonusReceive 50,000 bonus points — a $500 value — after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR15.99% to 22.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • Balance transfer feeEither $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Information about the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.Chase Sapphire Reserve®

  • RewardsEarn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
  • Welcome bonusEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR17.74% to 24.74% variable
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

4. Use lounges rather than regular airport food optionsAnother area that has dramatically suffered is airport dining. Whether it’s a lack of staffing, supply chain issues or outrageous pricing, airport dining has become more difficult since the onset of the pandemic.For example, when I flew through the Detroit airport a few months ago, the Starbucks franchise was completely closed as they didn’t have workers. And when I flew through San Diego, its Starbucks location was charging an extra 2% fee for “employee retention.” For the restaurants that may be available, you could find yourself waiting some time to be served.To save both money and time, you may consider visiting an airport lounge. They typically have free food and drinks available, and you can receive access simply by having one of many different travel credit cards.For example, I’m an authorized user on the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which gives me access to Priority Pass lounges around the world. The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also provide widespread airport lounge access, including Priority Pass membership and access to Delta SkyClubs and Amex Centurion lounges. Terms apply.However, keep in mind that lounges have become busier as a plethora of credit cards have started to award lounge access.The Platinum Card® from American ExpressOn the American Express secure site

  • RewardsEarn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 within 6 months of card membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit Needed

5. Be prepared for the worst-case scenarioYou can take as many precautions as you’d like, but sometimes the cards won’t fall in your favor.But when things go awry, the first thing to do is not panic. It’s happening to many other travelers, and there are solutions available. But to protect yourself against this, you may consider doing the following:

  • Give yourself extra time. For example, you may consider flying to your destination earlier than you need so if there’s a delay, you have some wiggle room.
  • Begin looking for alternative solutions immediately. As soon as you hear of a delay or potential cancellation, it’s wise to find solutions like a hotel room or even another flight. Because it will be you and everyone else on your flight trying to find solutions all at once as well.
  • Book travel with a credit card that has travel insurance. If you experience a delay or even a cancellation, some of the costs, unfortunately, will fall on you as the traveler. That can include things like food or a hotel (depending on the airline and circumstances of the delay and/or cancellation). However, credit card travel insurance will help cover the costs you may incur during a delay or cancellation — just make sure you pay for your travel with your travel credit card so the insurance goes into effect. When my flight was canceled last Christmas in San Diego, the coverage from my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card kicked in and covered the incidental costs.

Bottom lineTraveling is supposed to be a fun and enjoyable experience, but for the foreseeable future, it’s more likely going to be a headache to get from ‘A to B’. So if you’re traveling anytime in the near future, implementing these tips and tricks can ease the pains of post-pandemic travel.Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.For rates and fees of the Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.Information about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. .

Score 5 Free Nights With Bonus

Score 5 Free Nights With Bonus

Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers, but not all offers on Select are from affiliate partners.Chase launched a new welcome bonus for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card on Thursday, allowing new cardholders to earn five free nights after meeting the minimum-spend requirements, in this case, spending $5,000 within the first three months of card membership.In addition to the bonus — which is pretty lucrative considering each free night is valued at up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points — the card comes with solid benefits to enhance your hotel stay.Below, Select outlines the new limited-time welcome bonus and everything else you need to know about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card’s limited-time welcome bonusAs part of a new welcome bonus offer, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is currently offering new cardholders five free nights — that’s instead of the usual three — with each night being eligible for a redemption of up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, after you spend $5,000 within the first three months of opening your account.That means this bonus can be worth up to a whopping 250,000 Marriott points if maximized correctly. If you value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents per point (a standard valuation by many award travel bloggers) that’s potentially $2,000 in value towards Marriott hotel stays. You can book many mid-range hotels, and even some luxury Marriott properties, with the 50,000-point certificates.For spending on the card, cardholders can also earn:

  • Up to 17X points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties — that’s 6X points per dollar at more than 7,900 branded hotels and resorts, up to 10X points per dollar just for being a member of Marriott Bonvoy and 1X point per dollar just for having Silver Elite Status, another cardholder perk
  • 3X points per dollar for the first $6,000 you spend at grocery stores, gas stations and on dining each year
  • 2X points per dollar for all other purchases

In addition to those spending categories, the card also delivers solid value with the following benefits:

  • The ability to earn one Elite Night Credit toward elite status for every $5,000 you spend with the card, and 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of elite status per year
  • Complimentary Silver Elite Status through Marriott Bonvoy and the opportunity to earn Gold Elite Status after spending $35,000 each year
  • One Free Night Award each year after your account anniversary, which you can use to redeem a one-night stay of up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
  • Complimentary premium Wi-Fi when you stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties
  • Baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement and purchase protection when you pay for travel and other large purchases with the card
  • Complimentary access to 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge Service
  • No foreign transaction fees for using the card abroad

While the card carries a modest $95 annual fee, the value of the welcome bonus and the ongoing perks and benefits easily justifies the cost.Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

  • RewardsEarn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining; 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 spent; up to 17X total points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, and 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 5 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.74% to 23.74% variable on purchases and balance transfers
  • Balance transfer feeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Eligibility for the new welcome bonusFor those who enjoy earning multiple welcome bonuses from credit cards, it’s important to remember the eligibility rules put in place by credit card issuers to ensure consumers aren’t reapplying for cards simply to earn their respective bonuses.If you fall into any of these categories, you won’t be able to earn the new welcome bonus:Other available Marriott Bonvoy credit card bonusesIf you already have the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, or are currently in the market for a hotel rewards credit card with different benefits, there are a number of additional Marriott Bonvoy credit cards to consider. Here’s a look at their welcome bonus offerings:Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card new bonus availableThe Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is also offering a raised welcome bonus as well.The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a solid pick for consumers seeking a travel rewards credit card with no annual fee. The new welcome bonus offers 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending at least $2,000 within the first three months of opening your account.If you value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents per point, that’s $480 in value with no annual fee — making it a great deal for travelers who don’t want to cough up any cash.Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

  • RewardsEarn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels, 2X points on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains) and 1X point on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.74% to 23.74% variable on purchases and balance transfers
  • Balance transfer feeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® CardThe Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is a great hotel credit card for travelers who regularly stay at Marriott properties. Once approved for the card, you can earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend at least $3,000 within your first three months of card membership.Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® CardOn the American Express secure site

  • Rewards6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3X points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, 2X points on all other eligible purchases
  • Welcome bonus75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $3,000 in purchases on the card within the first 3 months.
  • Annual Fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® CardThe Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card is a great pick for business owners who want to earn rewards for free hotel nights. The current welcome bonus mirrors the Brilliant card’s, offering 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend at least $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® CardOn the American Express secure site

  • Rewards6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 4X points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping, 2X points on all other eligible purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership.
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.49% – 25.49% variable on purchases
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Bottom lineThe Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is an amazing offer from Chase since it gives cardholders a relatively easy opportunity to earn five free nights — instead of the usual three (or less) — for their next vacation. That said, it’s important to remember that the free nights can only be redeemed for rooms that are 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night or less, so if you have a particular Marriott property in mind, make sure the free stay you want to book is within that points-redemption threshold.As always, before applying for a new credit card, be sure to check your credit score as the credit cards mentioned in this article require at least a good credit score in order for you to be approved.Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express® Card , click here.For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card , click here.Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. .

United Club℠ Infinite Credit Card Review 2022

United Club℠ Infinite Credit Card Review 2022

Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers, but not all offers on Select are from affiliate partners.The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a luxury co-branded airline credit card that lets you earn United miles on daily purchases and provides benefits such as free checked bags and United Club lounge membership. For a limited time, new cardholders can also score a solid 120,000-mile welcome bonus after spending $6,000 within the first three months of opening an account. If you’re a frequent United Airlines flyer who values access to United Club lounges than this premium travel credit card is a real contender for a place in your wallet.Below, Select breaks down the rewards, benefits and fees associated with the United Club℠ Infinite Card to decide if it’s right for your needs.Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.United Club℠ Infinite Card reviewUnited Club℠ Infinite Card

  • Rewards4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining (including eligible delivery services) and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 120,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.49% to 23.49% variable
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Credit needed

Pros

  • Annual fee waived the first year
  • United Club membership with access to over 45 United Club locations and participating Star Alliance™ affiliated lounges worldwide
  • Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit every four years
  • No fee on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • No intro 0% APR period

Welcome bonusThe welcome bonus offered with this card delivers big value, allowing new cardholders to earn 120,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. If you value United miles at a modest 1 cent per mile you’d end up with about $1,200 worth of travel from the bonus alone, and that’s not even including the additional miles you’ll earn from purchases made to get the bonus.Compared to other travel credit cards this is one of the most lucrative welcome bonus offers available at the moment. Many are able to get more value from United miles as well, so this bonus could easily be worth way more depending on how you redeem your miles.Keep in mind that you won’t be able to get the welcome bonus if you already have another United Club card or you’ve already gotten a welcome bonus for another United Club card within the past 24 months.Benefits and perksThe United Club℠ Infinite Card is packed with plenty of features for cardholders to take advantage of. If you’re thinking of applying, it’s important to think realistically about how many of the perks you’ll actually use — and how often — to make sure it’s worth your while.Once approved for the card, you’ll be able to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Access to United Club (and participating Star Alliance™ affiliate) airport lounges worldwide
  • Complimentary first and second checked bags when you fly with United, reflecting a $35 value on the first bag and up to $45 value on second bag each way, per person (up to $320 in savings per round-trip flight)
  • Up to $100 statement credit every four years when you enroll in NEXUS, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
  • 25% back on in-flight purchases such as Wi-Fi, food or beverages (as a statement credit)
  • 10% off United economy saver award flights within the continental U.S. and Canada
  • Because it’s a co-branded MileagePlus credit card, you’ll earn up to 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points, or PQPs, toward United elite status annually — 500 for every $12,000 you spend (up to 4,000 per calendar year)
  • Premier Access travel services such as priority check-in and expedited security, boarding and baggage handling
  • Comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation and interruption, baggage delay insurance, reimbursement for lost luggage and trip delays, travel accident insurance (including travel and emergency assistance services and emergency evacuation and transportation) and rental car coverage (collision damage waiver)
  • Visa Infinite concierge services

By taking advantage of most or all of these benefits, you can easily justify the card’s $525 annual fee. Even if you just get the card for United Club access, you’ll be saving money since a membership costs $550 to $650 when you’re purchasing directly from United.How to earn and redeem United milesEarning United MileagePlus milesWhen you spend on the card, you’ll earn: 

  • 4X MileagePlus miles per dollar on all purchases from United Airlines, including in-flight services such as Wi-Fi, food and beverages, as well as tickets for flights
  • 2X MileagePlus miles per dollar on all other travel purchases — flights, hotels, cruises, trains, rental cars, tolls, public transportation, taxis and ride-sharing services
  • 2X MileagePlus miles per dollar on dining and eligible delivery options
  • 1X MileagePlus mile per dollar spent everywhere else

Select calculated how many miles the average American could potentially earn in a year by using their United Club℠ Infinite Card. We worked with the location intelligence firm Esri, who provided us with a sample annual spending budget of $22,126.The budget includes six main categories: groceries ($5,174), gas ($2,218), dining out ($3,675), travel ($2,244), utilities ($4,862) and general purchases ($3,953). Here’s what the average consumer would earn by using this credit card:

  • Groceries: 5,174 United MileagePlus miles
  • Gas: 2,218 United MileagePlus miles
  • Dining out: 7,350 United MileagePlus miles
  • Travel: 8,976 United MileagePlus miles (assuming all travel dollars are spent with United Airlines)
  • Utilities: 4,862 United MileagePlus miles
  • General purchases: 3,953 United MileagePlus miles

With all spending considered, you could end up earning 32,533 United MileagePlus miles within the first year if you were to include the 120,000-mile welcome bonus — this type of spending would end up yielding a total of 152,533 United MileagePlus miles. Over a five-year period, cardholders could potentially earn 282,665 United MileagePlus miles, although the total amount would depend more on an individual or business’ annual spending habits.Alternatively, if you’re trying to rack up a large amounts of United MileagePlus miles in a hurry, consider earning rewards through credit cards with transferable rewards. Credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® let you earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be transferred directly to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio. These cards are some of the best travel credit cards because you have the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a variety of ways, including transferring them to United Airlines.Redeeming United MileagePlus milesOnce you earn enough United MileagePlus miles, the fun part is redeeming them for free flights. Be aware that while the flight cost is covered by miles, you’re still responsible for paying any applicable taxes and fees. For example, if you were to redeem them for a flight within the U.S., you will still have to pay $5.60 each way in taxes and fees.To redeem MileagePlus miles, visit the United website and begin searching for your desired flight pattern. Before you hit the search button, click the “book with miles” box. From there, you will be able to look through any available flights and see how many miles it will cost for each seat class.Keep in mind that you should really aim to get more than 1 cent per point in value for your United MileagePlus miles. Anything below that wouldn’t be a great redemption, and you may be better off paying cash for the fare.Lastly, if you’re trying to book travel outside the United States, you may find yourself seeing different airlines on the United website. This is because of United’s connection to Star Alliance, an airline alliance with 26 members. As a result, you’ll be able to earn miles by flying with any one of them and can also redeem your MileagePlus for flights on any of United’s partners. If you’re searching for flights from New York to Singapore, for instance, you’ll be shown flights with Singapore Airlines, while if you’re interested in traveling to Germany, flights with SWISS Airlines or Lufthansa will appear in your search results.In short, as you continue to earn United MileagePlus miles by spending with the United Club℠ Infinite Card, it’s in your best interest to spend them as you earn them. If you were to instead hold onto a large amount of airline miles, you’d be susceptible to devaluation announcements from United Airlines or could potentially having them digitally stolen from you before you get to use them.Rates and feesCard comparisonThe United Club℠ Infinite Card is a solid option for someone who prefers luxury travel benefits when flying with United Airlines. But how does it stack up against other luxury travel credit cards? Select compared two other popular credit cards to see how it really matches up.United Club℠ Infinite Card vs. The Platinum Card® from American ExpressThe Platinum Card® from American Express is a value-packed luxury travel card that offers terrific benefits for both your travels and day-to-day necessities. You can also earn a ton of American Express Membership Rewards® points when you spend with the card.To get you started, the card comes with a large welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership. And as you spend on the card, you’ll earn:

  • 5X points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5X points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel
  • 1X points per dollar spent everywhere else

With the Amex Platinum you’ll also have access to a long list of benefits, including:

  • Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits and up to $200 in Uber credits per year
  • Access to the Global Lounge Collection, which has over 1,200 airport lounges in more than 130 countries. Including access to Amex Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs
  • A $200 hotel credit for prepaid properties booked via Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
  • A $240 digital entertainment credit (up to $20 each month) when you use your card to purchase service with Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM or The New York Times
  • A $155 Walmart+ statement credit to help you cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership after you pay for monthly Walmart+ service with your card
  • A $300 annual credit with Equinox (broken up into $25 each month)
  • A $100 credit when you shop at Saks Fifth Avenue, divided into $50 for each half of the year
  • A $179 credit when you enroll in CLEAR
  • Comprehensive travel insurance and complimentary American Express concierge services

Terms apply.The Platinum Card comes with a whopping $695 annual fee (see rates and fee), which can easily be made back in value by utilizing available spending credits and taking advantage of large earnings for booking travel.When comparing the two cards, consider how often you fly and with which airline(s). If you tend to only fly with United Airlines and visit only United Club lounges, the United Club Infinite Card would be the better choice. If you’re looking for more flexibility with credit card rewards, more spending credits and a much larger list of airline lounges you can access, the Amex Platinum Card may be your best bet. If you’re primarily a Delta flyer you may be better suited with the Amex Platinum, as you get complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying on Delta.The Platinum Card® from American ExpressOn the American Express secure site

  • Rewards5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (starting January 1, 2021, this applies on up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonus100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 within 6 months of account opening. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit Needed

United Club℠ Infinite Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is another premium travel credit card that offers cardholders a wide variety of benefits. Once you’re approved for the card, the current welcome bonus lets you earn 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.With the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you’ll have access to valuable benefits, such as:

  • A $300 travel credit
  • 50% more in value when you redeem Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase travel portal
  • A $100 statement credit for enrolling in either TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS
  • Access to airport lounges, including Priority Pass lounges
  • Comprehensive travel insurance, purchase protection and return protection*
  • No foreign transaction fees

By spending with the card, you’ll also be able to earn a large amount of Ultimate Rewards points through flexible spending categories:

  • 10X points per dollar on hotel and rental car reservations purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal (after spending $300 on travel)
  • 10X points per dollar when you use the Chase Dining program
  • 5X points per dollar on flights purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal (after spending $300 on travel)
  • 3X points per dollar on travel expenses (like flights, hotels, cabs, Ubers, trains and more) worldwide (after spending $300 on travel)
  • 3X points per dollar at restaurants and eligible delivery services, including takeout
  • 1X point per dollar spent everywhere else

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a $550 annual fee, just $25 more than what you’d pay for the United Club Infinite Card’s annual fee.If you’re deciding between the two cards, it really comes down to which benefits you think you will use the most and if you wish to have more flexibility with your rewards. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be transferred directly to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio, so you could potentially earn more miles by using the Chase Sapphire Reserve card than the United Club Infinite Card based on where you do most of your spending. Plus, you can transfer to your Chase points to over ten other partners or redeem them through the Chase Travel Portal where you’ll ultimately have more flexibility in redemption.However, if your main focus is on earning status with United Airlines, the United Club Infinite Card gives you the chance to earn up to 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points per year — 500 per $12,000 spent — to help expedite your status-earning journey.Chase Sapphire Reserve®

  • RewardsEarn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2022
  • Welcome bonusEarn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.99% to 23.99% variable
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Credit needed

Who the United Club Infinite Card is best forThe United Club℠ Infinite Card is a solid choice for regular travelers with good to excellent credit who are loyal to United Airlines and its many Star Alliance partners. It’s a great pick for anyone who can budget for the $525 annual fee, especially those who plan to take advantage of the many benefits it offers, such as complimentary United Club lounge access and up to two free checked bags.Keep in mind that because this is a Chase card, you may end up having to deal with the infamous Chase 5/24 rule — in other words, you won’t get approved for any new Chase cards if you’ve already gotten approved for five or more personal credit cards within the last 24 months.Bottom lineThe United Club℠ Infinite Card is a solid travel credit card, perfect for anyone who enjoys flying with United Airlines, spending time in United Club lounges and checking one or two bags when they fly. The card offers a lucrative 120,000-mile welcome bonus, flexible spending categories, a number of benefits to enhance your overall travel experience and comes with a sleek design.Before you apply for a new credit card, be sure you have room in your budget for the annual fee and enough purchases coming up to get you past the $6,000 spending threshold to get the welcome bonus. Without a sturdy budget, picking up a shiny new credit card could potentially lead to a financial disaster if you end up spending outside of your means.Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details. Purchase protection provided by AMEX Assurance Company.For rates and fees of the Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. .

Southwest Performance Business Credit Card Review 2022

Southwest Performance Business Credit Card Review 2022

Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial products and write articles we think our readers will find useful. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers, but not all offers on Select are from affiliate partners.Subscribe to the Select Newsletter!Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly. Sign-up here.Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business credit card reviewSouthwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

  • RewardsEarn 4X points on Southwest® purchases; 3X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car partners; 2X points on rideshare; 2X points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services; 1X points on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonusEarn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
  • Annual fee$199 applied to first billing statement
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR15.99% to 22.99% variable
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Credit needed

Welcome bonusThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers a lucrative 80,000-point welcome bonus after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Note that you won’t be able to receive the welcome bonus if you already have this business card or if you’ve previously received a welcome bonus for the same card within the last 24 months, even if you’re no longer a cardholder.If you’re able to meet the minimum-spending requirement, you’ll have an impressive number of Southwest Rapid Rewards points to start out with. Since they’re generally valued at 1.3 cents per point, you’ll end up with roughly $1,100 in value within the first few months of card membership, reflecting a 22% return on your spend once you hit that mark.As you continue to spend more with the card and rack up Rapid Rewards points, you’ll be well on your way to earning the highly-coveted Southwest Companion Pass, a level of status that serves as a buy-one-get-one ticket for you and your chosen traveling companion — you’ll only have to pay taxes and fees for their flight once you reach the threshold of 125,000 qualifying points or 100 qualifying one-way Southwest flights in a calendar year, making it an extremely valuable perk. Plus, there’s no limit on how often you can use the Companion Pass as long as it’s active.Benefits and perksThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card offers cardholders access to a variety of benefits and features. By making the most of these perks, its $199 annual fee becomes much easier to justify.Cardholders receive the following benefits:

  • 9,000 bonus points for each account anniversary
  • Four Upgraded Boardings per year (based on availability)
  • Up to 365 in-flight WiFi credits per year when flying with Southwest Airlines
  • A $100 credit every four years to put toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment
  • The chance to earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List elite status for every $10,000 you spend
  • A $500 fee credit each anniversary year when you transfer Rapid Rewards points to another member
  • The ability to add authorized users for no additional fee
  • Lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance and travel accident insurance
  • Travel and emergency assistance and roadside dispatch services
  • Auto rental collision damage waivers on car rentals booked with the card
  • Extended warranty protection and purchase protection
  • No foreign transaction fees when you use your business card abroad
  • $0 delivery fees on restaurant orders above $12 (or groceries over $25), reduced service fees and $10 off your next order when you use the card and activate your complimentary year of DoorDash membership by Dec. 31, 2024.

Earning points for spendingWhen you spend on the card, you’ll earn: 

  • 4X Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on purchases made with Southwest Airlines
  • 3X Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
  • 2X Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising, as well as internet, cable, and phone services
  • 2X Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services
  • 1X Rapid Rewards point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

Select calculated how many points the average American can earn in a year when using their Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. We worked with the location intelligence firm Esri, who provided us with a sample annual spending budget of $22,126.The budget includes six main categories: groceries ($5,174), gas ($2,218), dining out ($3,675), travel ($2,244), utilities ($4,862) and general purchases ($3,953). Here’s what the average consumer would earn by using this card:

  • Groceries: 5,174 Southwest Rapid Rewards points
  • Gas: 2,218 Southwest Rapid Rewards points
  • Dining out: 3,675 Southwest Rapid Rewards points
  • Travel: 8,976 Southwest Rapid Rewards points (assuming all travel dollars are spent with Southwest Airlines).
  • Utilities: 4,862 Southwest Rapid Rewards points
  • General purchases: 3,953 Southwest Rapid Rewards points

With all spending considered, you would end up earning 28,858 Southwest Rapid Rewards points within the first year — if you were to include the 80,000-point welcome bonus, this type of spending would yield 108,858 Rapid Rewards points. Over a five year period, cardholders could potentially earn 224,290 Southwest Rapid Rewards points, although the total amount would depend more on an individual or business’ annual spending habits.How to earn and redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards pointsEarning Southwest Rapid Rewards pointsThere are two main avenues when it comes to earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points: fly with the carrier or spend with one of Southwest Airlines’ co-branded credit cards. Depending on your status and which Southwest credit card you’re using, you’ll earn a different amount of points per flight. By also paying for daily purchases with your card, you’ll see those points accumulate pretty quickly.Cardholders can also earn more points as they fly, though the amount varies by which fare is booked:

  • If you book a ‘Wanna Get Away’ ticket, you’ll earn 6X points per dollar on the base fare
  • If you book an ‘Anytime’ ticket, you’ll earn 10X points per dollar on the base fare
  • If you book a ‘Business Select’ ticket, you’ll earn 12X points per dollar on the base fare

Note that the base fare is the price of the ticket alone, without any additional taxes or fees.Another way to earn Rapid Rewards points is by using credit cards that offer transferable points as a perk. Travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® let cardholders earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to Southwest Airlines, one of its travel partners. Should you decide to fly with another airline like British Airways or United Airlines, Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to their loyalty programs as well.If you believe a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card is the best solution for your travel needs but aren’t 100% sold on the Performance Business Credit Card, here are some other co-branded cards to consider:PersonalBusinessRedeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards pointsOnce you’ve earned enough points for a free flight, the redemption process is simple. All you need to do is visit the Southwest Airlines website and log into your Rapid Rewards account. You can then begin searching for flights — just remember to click the “points” button rather than “dollars” before you submit.While the most valuable use by far of Rapid Rewards points is cashing them in for free flights, you can also choose to redeem them for car rentals, hotels, gift cards or other merchandise. Because the overall value of your points will be reduced, it’s best to use your hard-earned points for free flights, which offer the biggest bang for your buck.Rates and feesCard comparisonThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a solid choice for small business owners looking to save on future Southwest flight costs. But is it the best card for you?Select analyzed two other business travel credit cards to see how they match up with the Southwest Performance Business card.Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express CardThe Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is a fine airline card geared toward small business owners who enjoy flying with Delta. To get you started, the card comes with a lucrative welcome offer, which ends April 13, 2022, letting you earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business card comes with an array of benefits, including a status boost to help you get closer to Delta elite status, as well as priority boarding, a yearly Companion Certificate, 20% in in-flight savings, a $100 credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and travel insurance coverage, among other perks, like no foreign transaction fees.As you spend on the card, you’ll earn 3X miles per dollar spent with Delta and directly with hotels, 1.5X miles per dollar spent on purchases over $5,000 (up to 50,000 miles per year) and 1X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.If you’re trying to decide between the two cards, keep a few factors in mind. First of all, Delta has a much larger flight network featuring many international destinations while Southwest Airlines is primarily a domestic airline, though it does currently fly to 14 destinations in 10 countries outside the U.S. Also, if you know where you’ll be flying most, compare Delta and Southwest flights to those destinations to see which airline has more frequent and direct options from your home airport.Another thing to consider is how often you fly with someone else, as it may be worth going for the Southwest Companion Pass if this is something that happens a lot and you’re looking to continue that trend. Lastly, are you married to luxury benefits such as priority boarding and discounted lounge access when it comes to your flight experience? If the answer is yes, the Delta Platinum Business card may be the better option of the two.Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card On the American Express secure site

  • RewardsEarn 3X miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 1.5X miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (that’s an extra half mile per dollar), up to 50,000 additional miles per year. 1X mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
  • Welcome bonusLimited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months of card membership. Offer ends 4/13/2022.
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR15.99% – 24.99% variable on purchases
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Credit needed

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card vs. United ClubSM Business CardThe United Club Business Card is a suitable option for business owners who prefer flying with United Airlines. Once approved, you’ll be able to earn the 100,000- mile welcome bonus after spending $10,000 within the first three months of opening your account.The card offers terrific benefits for United frequent flyers, including access to United Airlines airline lounges, free first and second checked bags, premier access travel services such as priority boarding and check-in, travel insurance and Avis President’s club status, among other perks. There are also no foreign transaction fees to worry about if you’re using your card outside the U.S.When it comes to earning valuable United MileagePlus miles, the spending categories are quite simple — 2X miles per dollar spent on United purchases and 1.5X miles per dollar spent elsewhere.There is one big difference between these two cards: The United Club Business Card carries a hefty $450 annual fee, while the Southwest Performance Business Credit Card’s is just $199. If you’re considering both cards, think hard about which annual fee you’re willing to stomach and be honest about whether or not you’ll be able to use benefits such as airline lounges and priority boarding enough to justify it. Most importantly, before you select a new credit card, make sure your current budget is solid enough to absorb the new expenses.United Club℠ Business CardInformation about the United Club℠ Business Card has been collected independently by CNBC and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

  • Rewards2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases and 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Welcome bonus100,000 bonus miles after you make $10,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
  • Annual fee
  • Intro APR
  • Regular APR16.49% to 23.49% variable
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Credit needed

Who the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card is best forThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a great option for business owners who want to save money on flight costs, have a few perks when flying Southwest and potentially earn the Southwest Companion Pass, which over time would allow them to save even more.The Performance Business Card comes with a handful of helpful travel benefits and is a great fit for frequent flyers focusing on value over luxury. Flying with the budget airline doesn’t mean you’ll be sacrificing quality either, as Southwest is consistently ranked one of the best airlines to fly with in terms of customer service.Bottom lineCatch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here.*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. .