Travel Credit Card Rewards Calculators

Flexible Credit Card Rewards Points

Flexible travel rewards programs are the forefront when it comes to getting the most value towards travel out of your everyday spending. Here some of the benefits:

• Wide Redemption Options: Redeem points for a variety of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more, across multiple brands and partners.
• Transferable Points: Points can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel loyalty programs, often unlocking higher redemption values compared to non-flexible travel rewards programs.
• Enhanced Travel Flexibility: Not tied to a single airline or hotel brand, allowing you to book travel based on price, convenience, or availability.
• Comprehensive Travel Perks: Enjoy broad benefits like trip cancellation insurance, purchase protection, and airport lounge access, regardless of the travel provider.
• Non-Travel Redemption Options: If plans change, points can often be used for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise, offering added flexibility (though sometimes at a lower value).
• No Blackout Dates: Avoid restrictions or blackout dates with multiple booking options, whether directly through providers, card issuers, or via statement credits.
• Bonus Earning on Everyday Spending: Many flexible travel cards offer higher rewards rates on categories like dining, groceries, or gas, boosting your points even when not traveling.
• Works Well with Co-Branded Cards: Flexible travel cards complement co-branded credit cards by allowing point transfers to the same loyalty program, maximizing rewards while still enjoying brand-specific perks.

If you want to earn rewards towards travel, I highly recommend going with flexible travel rewards programs as they will generally be the best option over standard travel cards.

Explore all the programs and credit cards that earn flexible travel rewards points below. Use our flexible travel rewards card calculators to estimate total earnings, rewards value, partner transfers, and more.

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Cards

American Express Membership Rewards is one of the premier credit card rewards programs in the U.S. and several other countries.

AMEX Membership Rewards points are especially valuable for those who frequent Delta Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or Choice Hotels. Overall, AMEX has the most extensive list of transfer partners, with 18 frequent flyer programs and three hotel loyalty programs, offering unmatched flexibility in redemption options.

AMEX’s premium Platinum-colored cards provide even greater benefits, including global lounge access (such as Delta SkyClub®), complimentary elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, and more.

For non-transfer redemptions, Membership Rewards points are worth 1 cent each when booking airfare through Amex Travel, Fine Hotels & Resorts (with eligible cards), or select gift cards. All other redemptions typically yield lower value.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Cards

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the leading flexible travel rewards programs in the U.S.

With Ultimate Rewards, you can transfer points from Chase’s travel cards to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs. Partners include major airlines like United, Southwest, and JetBlue, as well as hotel brands like World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

If you prefer not to transfer points, you can still get great value by redeeming them for travel through Chase Travel at 1.25 or 1.5 cents per point, depending on your card. This offers a high-value alternative for booking flights, hotels, and more.

Additionally, points can be redeemed for cash back at 1 cent per point—a rate higher than most other flexible travel rewards programs, providing excellent versatility.

Capital One Miles Credit Cards

The Capital One Venture Rewards and Spark Rewards programs define flexibility when it comes to travel redemptions.

Miles earned with Capital One travel cards can be transferred to a wide range of international airline partners, including Air Canada, Aeromexico, British Airways, and Qantas, allowing you to reach virtually any destination. You can also convert miles into hotel rewards points with partners like Accor, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham.

A standout feature of Capital One miles is their versatility: they can be redeemed at 1 cent per mile toward any type of travel. You can book directly through Capital One Travel or use miles as a statement credit to offset travel-related expenses such as airfare, hotels, car rentals, parking, and tolls.

However, redeeming miles outside of travel significantly reduces their value—cash back redemptions, for instance, offer just 0.5 cents per mile. For maximum value, stick to travel-related redemptions.

Citi ThankYou Rewards Credit Cards

Citi ThankYou Rewards is a top-tier travel rewards program offering flexible points, but to unlock its full potential, you’ll need a Citi premium card—currently, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is the only option.

With a premium card, you can transfer points to Citi’s full range of airline and hotel partners at the best ratios. This includes airlines like JetBlue, Aeromexico, and Emirates, as well as hotel partners such as Accor, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham.

Citi points typically offer lower value for non-travel redemptions unless paired with a Citi cash back card, which guarantees a fixed value of 1 cent per point. Since points can be transferred between Citi cards, combining the Citi Strata Premier Card with a Citi cash back card is the best strategy to maximize travel rewards and enhance redemption flexibility.

Bilt Rewards Credit Cards

Bilt Rewards is a much smaller travel rewards program when compared to major issuers like American Express, Chase, and Capital One, but they offer flexible travel rewards that can provide exceptionally high value.

Bilt Rewards points can be transferred to airlines like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and British Airways, and hotel partners such as World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG. With these partners and many more, it's not hard to get up to 2 cents in value per Bilt Rewards point.

Bilt Rewards points can also be redeemed through the Bilt Travel Portal at a value of 1.25 cents per point, or used toward a down payment on a home at 1.5 cents per point—an excellent option for those planning to buy a new home. Other redemption options typically offer lower value.

Bilt currently offers just one credit card, but it stands out by allowing you to pay rent or mortgage payments without a transaction fee. Additionally, Bilt rewards users with points for referrals, providing a unique opportunity to earn significant rewards by covering one of life’s biggest expenses—your housing.

Other Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Non-flexible travel rewards credit cards function similarly to cash back cards but are geared specifically toward travel redemptions. With these cards, the best redemption option is typically travel, offering a flat value of around 1 cent per point, while other redemption options usually yield much lower value.

One advantage of non-flexible rewards is their simplicity—you’ll always know exactly how much your points are worth without needing to transfer them to partners or strategize for higher value. However, flexible rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One miles offer similar ease, with straightforward 1 cent per point travel redemptions and the added benefit of transfer options for potentially greater value.

The main edge non-flexible travel cards have over standard cash back cards is the inclusion of valuable travel perks. These can include lounge access, credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and travel insurance, which enhance the overall travel experience.

While non-flexible travel rewards programs may lack versatility, some stand out by offering strong earning rates and solid value, sometimes even outperforming flexible rewards programs in certain spending categories or when certain qualifications are met.

Listed below are all credit card rewards program that earns standard rewards points. Use our travel rewards credit card calculators to calculate total earnings, rewards value, card value, and much more.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Bank of America offers three travel rewards credit cards, earning points worth 1 cent each when redeemed for travel. For those with a Premium Rewards® credit card, points can also be redeemed for dining at the same value.

What sets Bank of America apart from other standard travel rewards programs is its Preferred Rewards and Preferred Rewards for Business programs. These programs allow cardholders to earn up to 75% more points per dollar spent, depending on their combined balances and investments with Bank of America and Merrill.

This boosts the base earning rate of their travel cards from 1.5X points to as high as 2.625X points and boosts the multiplier on their premium cards up to 3.5X points. For individuals or businesses with significant investments or savings, these cards (along with their cash back cards) offer some of the best rewards potential in the market.

• Calculator: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card
• Calculator: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• Calculator: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
• Calculator: Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard

Discover Miles Credit Cards

Discover offers one travel rewards card that earns Discover miles. The term "miles" is used loosely in this regard as the rewards are not restricted to travel and can be used for just about anything at a value of 1 cent per mile.

In essence, this card functions as a 1.5% cash back card under the guise of a travel rewards card.

However, it stands out with one of the best intro bonuses in the cash back category: Discover Match. With this bonus, Discover matches all the rewards you earn in your first year, effectively turning it into a 3% back card for the first 12 months.

• Calculator: Discover it® Miles Card

HSBC Rewards Credit Cards

HSBC offers two travel rewards credit cards in the United States. These cards earn points redeemable for 1 cent each towards travel.

• Calculator: HSBC Elite Credit Card
• Calculator: HSBC Premier World Mastercard

Luxury Card Rewards Credit Cards

Luxury Card offers three credit cards, each earning points redeemable for travel at a value of 2 cents per point. Other redemption options vary between 1, 1.5, or 2 cents per point, depending on the specific card.

While these cards come with premium travel perks, they are essentially high-end cash back cards. Many other cards on the market offer similar or better rewards and benefits at significantly lower price points—even some with no annual fee.

• Calculator: Luxury Card Mastercard® Gold Card™
• Calculator: Luxury Card Mastercard® Black Card™
• Calculator: Luxury Card Mastercard® Titanium Card™

PenFed Rewards Credit Cards

PenFed offers two travel rewards credit cards that earn points redeemable at a value of 1 cent each. They're solid options if you already bank with PenFed.

• Calculator: PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
• Calculator: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card

PNC Rewards Credit Cards

PNC offers both personal and business credit cards for its PNC Miles and PNC Points rewards programs. PNC Miles can be redeemed for travel at 1 cent per point, while PNC Points are worth roughly 0.25 cents each.

Overall, PNC’s travel rewards cards are underwhelming and are far from offering anything close to good value. If you’re a PNC customer seeking a credit card, their cash back credit cards are a far superior choice, providing better rewards and overall value.

• Calculator: PNC points® Visa® Credit Card
• Calculator: PNC points® Visa® Business Credit Card
• Calculator: PNC Premier Traveler® Visa Signature® Credit Card
• Calculator: PNC Travel Rewards Visa® Business Credit Card

TD Miles Credit Cards

TD offers a single travel rewards credit card in the U.S., which excels at earning rewards on travel and dining purchases. However, beyond these categories, it’s fairly standard and doesn’t compare to the more robust options available in TD’s Canadian lineup.

• Calculator: TD First Class℠ Visa Signature® Credit Card

USAA Rewards Credit Cards

USAA offers two travel rewards cards that earn USAA Rewards points based redeemed towards travel. They are decent option if you already bank with USAA.

• Calculator: USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card
• Calculator: USAA Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank Altitude & FlexPerks Credit Cards

U.S. Bank offers a small handful of travel rewards credit cards. They're solid options if you're looking to earn a steady stream of points on everyday purchases redeemable towards travel.

• Calculator: U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
• Calculator: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

Cruise Line Rewards Credit Cards

Cruise line rewards credit cards let you earn points that can be redeemed for free or discounted cruise tickets.

These cards typically offer 2X to 3X points on cruise line purchases, providing solid rewards for loyal cruisers. However, the best value for points is often tied to the cost of the cruise, with more expensive cruises yielding higher redemption rates.

Unfortunately, these cards offer minimal rewards for non-cruise purchases and generally lack special perks like fast-tracking to elite status or exclusive incentives.

For most cruisers, even frequent travelers, a flexible travel rewards card from programs like Capital One Miles or Chase Ultimate Rewards may be a better option. These programs allow you to earn rewards faster and redeem them for a broader range of travel expenses, including cruises.

• Calculator: Carnival® World Mastercard®
• Calculator: Celebrity Cruises® Visa Signature® Credit Card
• Calculator: Holland America Line Rewards Visa® Card
• Calculator: Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard®
• Calculator: Princess Cruises® Rewards Visa® Card
• Calculator: Royal Caribbean® Visa Signature® Credit Card

Other Travel Rewards Credit Cards

• Calculator: Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
• Calculator: Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
• Calculator: Speedy Rewards® Mastercard®
• Calculator: One Key+™ Card
• Calculator: One Key+™ Card