I wrote this week that the fever pitch surrounding ultra-premium credit cards is making me melt. While I am of course excited by the continued evolution of the credit card and loyalty program market, there is no doubt that maximization (to come out ahead of annual fee increases!) requires effort. The good news is that we’re happy to do some of the heavy lifting for you: this week alone, we have published posts comparing the best all-around travel credit cards, the best portal credits, how to maximize your newest ultra-premium card, a comparison of the booking portals, and a Coffee Break analysis of the new Alaska ultra-premium card.
Somewhat ironically, the takeaway from all of those posts is that, oftentimes, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to “Which is best?” when it comes to credit cards and travel rewards. Instead of “Which is best?”, you should ask “Which is best for me?”. Read on for this week’s analysis to help you compare and find what fits your needs.
This week on the Frequent Miler blog…
What’s the best “all-around” travel credit card?
You would think that the headline question here would be a simple one to answer for us at Frequent Miler. After all, we do write a blog that is entirely dedicated to credit cards and travel rewards — this should be a layup, no? As Tim’s analysis shows, the answer isn’t nearly so easy as pointing to a single credit card. Since I primarily use points and miles to cover the majority of my “travel” expenses, I am more interested in travel protections and ease of use in my own case. For that reason, I’ve been leaning more heavily on the Venture X card, but for those who spend more in certain travel categories, this list has a host of cards that may provide more bang for your travel bucks.
The white-hot ultra premium credit card market is making me melt (on Nick’s mind)
Speaking of premium credit cards and bang for your buck, I have started to reach my boiling point with the ever-increasing cost and couponization of ultra-premium credit cards. In my household, we were probably already spending more than we should have on these cards, but recently increased and rumored-to-soon-increase fees are taking things to another level and it is time to cut back. While I can make use of benefits and justify lots of cards individually or in combination with one or two others, this post helped me walk through which ultra-premium credit cards are definite keepers for me, which are definitely going to be cut at next renewal, and which are on the fence. If the latest Platinum card rumors are true, at least one of those might move to the “definitely keep” list, and then I’ll have to consider whether to make a corresponding cut.
Got the new Sapphire Reserve card? Here’s what to do next…
While I’m feeling the fatigue of ultra-premium cards with coupon credits, that is probably because I think no good coupon credit or premium benefit should be left behind. If you are cut from the same thread, you will want to see Greg’s post about everything you should do to maximize your new Sapphire Reserve card. From maximizing your coupons to registering for your rental car elite status to stacking with Bilt rewards, this post gives you the homework you need to excel with your new Sapphire Reserve card.
Best credit card travel portal credits
One thing to love about the Sapphire Reserve card is its broad travel rebate. But that “The Edit” credit? That one doesn’t get much love in Greg’s analysis of the best credit card travel portal credits. The best travel portal credits are rebates rather than discounts and this post does a great job of explaining why that is the case and ranking the various portal credits from best to worst. Do note that Greg used the rumored changes expected to come to the Platinum cards and the already-announced changes coming to the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card for these rankings.
Luxury booking showdown: Fine Hotels & Resorts vs The Edit vs The Reserve vs Premier Collection
Speaking of The Edit credit, you might wonder about the differences and similarities between the various credit card luxury booking platforms. Interestingly, while Greg mentioned in his post ranking travel credits that he has found Chase’s pricing to be higher than Amex, I found the opposite in my handful of anecdotal searches to compare prices and availability of the various luxury booking platforms. That said, Fine Hotels & Resorts still came out on top in terms of the number of properties available and several readers commented to note that Amex’s guaranteed 4pm late checkout bests everyone else. That said, writing this post gave me a renewed appreciation for the Points Boost opportunity to get $0.02 per point in value toward The Edit bookings with the Sapphire Reserve.
Alaska’s intriguing premium rewards card | Coffee Break Ep68 | 8-26-25
If you are still hungry for more ultra-premium credit card analysis, we served up a coffee break this week where Greg and I discussed the Alaska Atmos Summit card. I haven’t ever wanted an airline-specific ultra-premium card; most of them primarily feature lounge access and have ancillary benefits that aren’t very meaningful for me. Alaska’s premium card is different. I want this one and I was excited to talk about why on this week’s coffee break.
American Airlines AAdvantage vs Alaska Atmos | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep321 | 8-29-25 | Podcast
Part of the reason I want the Atmos Summit card is that Alaska Atmos is such a surprisingly good fit for me in terms of earning elite status. I’ll earn Atmos Silver status this year just based on my award redemptions and since recording this podcast, I’ve booked part of a trip that will get my family halfway to Silver next year as well. I want more Alaska miles and they are tough to earn. I’m also confident that I could use the included companion certificate and the one that can be earned through spend to high value. I could imagine earning Atmos Gold or higher annually. While I rarely ever fly Alaska (I think the last time I did was more than 7 years ago!), I’ll be happy for the benefits when flying American Airlines. On this week’s Frequent Miler on the Air, we discuss the pros and cons of each program and why some AA regulars might want to consider Alaska’s program and vice versa.
How to book Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham points
Vacasa vacation rentals can be a terrific way to utilize Wyndham Rewards points. Unfortunately, we have seen some recent negative changes on this front that seem to be tied to Vacasa’s acquisition by Casago. For starters, Wyndham has updated its program terms to indicate that Vacasa properties can now be booked no more than 6 months in advance of arrival, which is a huge restriction for those who plan in advance and/or during peak periods. Adding insult to injury, many readers have reported certain properties and areas being completely unavailable due to booking system updates. One reader who owns a Vacasa rental reported being able to get their rental made available with points by submitting a support ticket with Vacasa, so there is hopefully a light at the end of the tunnel, but for now, things are looking a bit dimmer with regard to booking Vacasa through Wyndham.
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Hi, Nick. I am a fellow New Yorker. Wondering if I (ever) need to fly Alaska Airlines to use the welcome bonus points and 25K companion certificate? I am based near LGA and am wondering if I could simply use the 100K points to book flights from LGA on transfer partner American Airlines? Also wondering if the companion certificate can be used on American Airlines?. Thanks for any enlightenment you can provide!
No, you never have to fly Alaska.
Let’s be careful with terminology: American Airlines is a partner, not a transfer partner. You don’t transfer your miles to American or any other airline. But you can use your Alaska miles to book flights on their partners like American Airlines.
I imagine you understand that, I just wanted to clarify because sometimes that confuses people. I just want to differentiate because you can transfer Citi Thank You Points to American Airlines, but you don’t transfer miles from one airline to another.
And yes, the 25k annual companion certificate can be used to book partner awards, so you could use it entirely on flying American Airlines as well or any of their other partners.
Thank you, Nick for this clarification! It really makes me think differently now about the value of this card. Much appreciated!!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE………….put the content that cover the Youtube Podcast in print here at FM.
Honest I have tried to watch but it is too painful.
Tim is killing it here on FM but that is about it lately. I have been a reader for almost 10 years, since Greg did that One card to rule them all post.
Make FrequentMiler Great Again. MFMGA
Readers can post their hate to my comments below. Ciao.
Don’t watch the podcast, listen to the audio version and set the speed to 1.5x or 2x.
Indeed, what’s “best” is different for each person. Still, there will be those who suggest that a particular card is not good for anyone simply because it’s not good for themselves. Or, that another card is absolutely the best for everyone simply because it’s the best for themselves.