Frequent Miler's latest team challenge, Million Mile Madness, is almost done! The last two weeks Greg, Nick, and Stephen competed to earn 1 Million SAS miles by flying 15 airlines. But who completed the challenge with the most Speed, Affordability, and Style?
In the past year, since learning that the Chase Ink Business Plus earned 3X for Plastiq payments, I’ve been using that card exclusively and extensively to pay all sorts of bills via the Plastiq bill payment service. I’ve happily earned 3X paying my son’s college tuition, paying contractors, paying employees, paying taxes, etc.
I’m in the extremely fortunate position of having a huge supply of Plastiq Fee Free Dollars (FFDs) thanks to referring readers to Plastiq. As a result, I don’t have to pay fees on any of my payments. But even if I had to pay the standard 2.5%, I would have been happy earning 3X Ultimate Rewards points. After all, that’s equivalent to buying Ultimate Rewards points for only 0.83 cents each. That’s a steal.
But now, 3X is dead.
Next best card?
I’m not aware of any card that continues to earn a bonus multiplier for Plastiq bill payments. So, the next best option would be a card that is great for everyday spend, or which offers a great big spend bonus.
Further, the ideal card is not an Amex card. Amex has imposed a number of restrictions on which types of payments can be accepted by Plastiq:
- For Recipients in the United States, the use of American Express cards is permitted for the following industries: Government, Utilities, Education, Residential Rent and Club Fees and Memberships.
- For Recipients in Canada, the use of American Express cards is permitted for the following industries: Government, Utilities, School, School K-12 and Residential Rent.
The ideal card is also not a consumer Visa card unless it is from Capital One (or Chase if the card has a high credit limit). Plastiq had previously announced a temporary change to the way Visa credit cards are handled:
- Payments using personal Visa cards issued by Chase will be subject to a lower limit of 20% of your credit limit.
- Payments using personal Visa cards from other issuers (other than Capital One) will code as a cash advance. That means you’d incur cash advance fees and wouldn’t earn any credit card rewards.
- The following types of Visa cards are not affected by these changes: Capital One personal Visa cards, Visa business credit cards, Visa corporate, debit and prepaid gift cards.
That leaves us with these non-Amex, non-consumer-Visa best options for everyday spend:
- Discover It Miles (year 1): This is really a 1.5% cash back card despite its name, but at the end of the first year of card membership, they double all cash back earned that year. So, this is effectively a 3% cash back card in year 1.
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited: This one earns 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar for all spend. If you move points from this no-fee card to a premium card, you can then transfer points to various rewards programs (e.g. Hyatt, United, Southwest, etc.) or use the points for up to 1.5 cents per point value with the Sapphire Reserve card. When paying 2.5% for Plastiq, using this card is like buying Ultimate Rewards points for 1.67 cents each. That’s not a great deal, but I’ve included this on the list because it is the best non-Amex “everywhere else” card that I actually own at the moment.
And these are my favorite non-Amex, non-consumer-Visa options for earning big spend bonuses:
- Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card: This is actually a Chase consumer Visa card, but it could work with Plastiq if you have a big enough credit line. Big spend bonus: Earn 2 elite qualifying night credits per $5K in purchases. If you’re chasing Hyatt status, this is a cheap and easy way to “mattress run” your way to status. When you pay the Plastiq fee, you can think of that as paying for Hyatt points plus elite nights. If we conservatively value the Hyatt points at 1 cent each, then paying the 2.5% Plastiq fee is like paying 1.5% for the elite nights plus 1% for the Hyatt points. Each elite night, then, would cost you $37.50.
- AT&T Access More Card: This Mastercard is no longer available to new applicants, but it should still be possible to sign up for the AT&T Access Card and then product change to the Access More Card. The Access More card earns 3X for online purchases (but not for Plastiq), but it also earns 10K bonus points each year in which you spend $10K. In other words, it can make sense to use this card for $10K Plastiq spend each year just to get the 10K bonus.
- Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard: With points worth up to 2.9 cents each, you can approximately break even with Plastiq’s 2.5% fee. Where things get interesting is with this big spend bonus: Ability to transfer up to 25,000 points to hotel partners after $20K calendar year spend. Amtrak points transfer to Choice Privileges 1 to 3, so this means that $20K annual spend can result in 60K Choice points each year.
- Radisson Rewards Business Visa Card: This card earns 5X points for all spend, plus for each $10K annual spend (up to $30K) you get a free night at any Radisson Rewards hotel in the US. If you consider this to work out roughly to two free nights for each $10K spend (50K points plus a free night certificate), then Plastiq’s 2.5% fee is like paying $250 for two nights. Keep in mind that with Radisson properties, this is not necessarily that good of a deal.
- Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard: Big spend bonus: 7,500 bonus points with $15K cardmember year spend + an additional 7,500 points with $25K cardmember year spend; Also: 25 tier point towards elite status per $2,500 spend (max 50 tier points per month). Since this card earns 1.5X for all spend, spending exactly $25K per year results in 37,500 miles + 7,500 + 7,500 = 52,500 miles. In other words, this card earns more than 2 miles per dollar in that scenario. See: Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard Deep Dive: Maximize Earnings and Status.
To some extent, I like all of the above options as long as my Fee Free Dollars last. My favorite option is the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card (to help me get to Globalist status). But I don’t have that card right now, and I wouldn’t want to start the hunt for elite status until early next year anyway.
Which leads me to the real best use of Plastiq…
Signup Bonuses
Most signup bonus offers require minimum spend. For example, you may have to spend $3,000 within 3 months to get 50,000 points or miles. In situations where your usual spend won’t be enough, I think that Plastiq is a great option.
It’s well worth paying 2.5% in fees in order to secure a bonus worth hundreds of dollars more.
The following “Plastiq-friendly” best offers include all of the best public Mastercard and Discover offers, all Visa business card offers, and all Capital One offers. Chase consumer Visa cards would work too, if you have a high enough credit limit, but they’re not included in this list…
If you’re interested in seeing more than the top 10 offers, simply click “Next” at the bottom of the page, or use the drop down selector at the top to show more than 10 items.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
150K Miles ⓘ Affiliate Earn a one-time bonus of 150K miles after $30K spend in the first 3 months$395 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 3/31/23: 250K Miles after $50K in spend. FM Mini Review: Similar to the Venture X consumer card, the business version offers annual rebates that easily mitigate the fee for those who travel often and could be worth it for the lounge access and travel protections given the cost/benefit ratio. Unlike the Venture X, free authorized users do not get Priority Pass access. The card earns 2 "miles" per dollar on most purchases just like the Capital One Venture X Rewards card, which are worth exactly 1 cent each toward travel. This makes the return on most spend similar to a 2% cash back card (though in this case you must redeem your miles to offset travel in order to get 1 cent per mile). One big advantage over cash back: Capital One allows transfering their "miles" to airline miles & hotel points. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel ✦ 5x on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One travel. ✦ 2X everywhere else. Card Info: Visa issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel ✦ 10,000 bonus miles starting at first anniversary ✦ Up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® ✦ Capital One Lounge Access ✦ Priority Pass w/ unlimited guests ✦ Plaza Premium lounge access ✦ Cell phone insurance ✦ Trip insurance ✦ Primary CDW coverage ✦ Redeem miles for travel at 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points |
$2,000+ Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate Earn a $2K cash bonus when you spend $30K in the first 3 months + earn an additional $2K bonus for every $500K spent within the first year.. (Rates & Fees)$150 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: $3K after $50K spend in 6 months FM Mini Review: This may be a good option for business owners who prefer simple cash back rewards. Note that this is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month. Earning rate: 2% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Base: 2% Card Info: Visa issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Spend at least $150,000 annually and get $150 annual fee refunded. Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees ✦ No preset spending limit |
Up to 125K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate Up to 125K points: 120K points after $2K spend in 90 days plus 5K points for adding an authorized user within first 90 days$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $75 Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Best for those who stay often at Sonesta hotels Earning rate: 3X Sonesta ✦ 2X airfare, car rental and dining Card Info: Mastercard World issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: 30K bonus points with $7.5K cardmember year spend Noteworthy perks: Instant upgrade to Sonesta Travel Pass Gold (free club access or continental breakfast plus other perks) |
90K points ⓘ Affiliate 90K after $8K spend in 3 months$95 Annual Fee Alternate Offer: There is an in-branch offer of 120K points after $8K in purchases in the first 3 months. Recent better offer: 120K after $8K spend (expired 9/4/24) FM Mini Review: Great card for welcome bonus and 3X categories. Also consider theInk Business Cash for its 5X categories, and the Ink Business Unlimited to earn 1.5X everywhere. Earning rate: 3X travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and advertising with social media sites (up to $150K spend per year) ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 Card Info: Visa Signature Business issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: ✦ Points worth 25% more when redeemed for travel ✦ Transfer points to airline & hotel partners ✦ Cell phone protection against theft or damage See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide |
75K points ⓘ Affiliate 75K after $6K spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee Alternate Offer: You may be able to get an offer of 120,000 points after $6,000 in purchases via a Business Relationship Manager. FM Mini Review: Great welcome bonus for a fee-free card. Good option for earning 1.5X everywhere. Good companion card to Ink Business Preferred, Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 1.5X on all purchases ✦ 5X Lyft through through March 2025 Card Info: Visa Signature Business issued by Chase. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide |
Up to 75K points ⓘ Affiliate 35K after $3K spend in 3 months and an additional 40K points after $6K spend in 6 months. No Annual Fee Alternate Offer: If you have a household member with an Ink card, you may prefer the referral offer whereby the referrer can earn 40,000 points and the new account holder can earn 75,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months since it will yield more total points. Recent better offer: 90K after $6K spend in 6 monthd (expired 1/17/24 FM Mini Review: This one should be in everyone's wallet. Incredible welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee card. Great card for 5X categories. Excellent companion card to Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 5X office supplies and cellular/landline/cable (on up to $25,000 in total purchases in 5x categories annually) ✦ 2X on the first $25K in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each cardmember year ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 Card Info: Visa Signature Business issued by Chase. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide |
75K Miles ⓘ Affiliate 75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)$95 Annual Fee Alternate Offer: Airport Kiosk offer of 80K miles after $4K spend in the first 3 months See this post for details. Recent better offer: Expired 9/9/24: 75K after $4K spend in 3 months + $250 Capital One Travel credit in first cardholder year FM Mini Review: This card earns 2 "miles" per dollar, which are worth exactly 1 cent each toward travel. This makes the return on spend similar to a 2% cash back card (though in this case you must redeem your miles to offset travel in order to get 1 cent per mile). One big advantage over cash back: Capital One allows transfering their "miles" to airline miles & hotel points. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 2X miles everywhere ✦ 5X miles on hotels, vacations rentals and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Card Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Receive up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® ✦ Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points ✦ No foreign transaction fees |
80K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 80K miles after $1K in spend in 90 days and payment of annual fee. $99 Annual Fee Note that the landing page prompts you to enter a mobile phone number to continue the application, but you can click "no thanks" to continue the application on your desktop device. FM Mini Review: Frequent JetBlue travelers should seriously consider this card for its terrific perks. The combination of the 10% rebate on awards and the annual 5,000 point bonus make this card a keeper. Earning rate: 2X restaurants and grocery ✦ 6X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Earn 1 tile for every $1,000 in purchases. Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free checked bag ✦ 5000 bonus points every anniversary ✦ 10% point rebate on awards ✦ $100 statement credit w/ purchase of travel package ✦ 50% savings on in-flight purchases |
75K Miles ⓘ Affiliate 75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)$395 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: 100K after $10K spend in 6 months + $200 credit for vacation rental spend in first year FM Mini Review: This card offers annual rebates that easily mitigate the fee for those who travel often. Authorized users are free and also get access to perks like Priority Pass, Capital One Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, and more. The card earns 2 "miles" per dollar on most purchases just like the Capital One Venture Rewards card, which are worth exactly 1 cent each toward travel. This makes the return on most spend similar to a 2% cash back card (though in this case you must redeem your miles to offset travel in order to get 1 cent per mile). One huge advantage over cash back: Capital One allows transfering their "miles" to airline miles & hotel points. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel ✦ 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One travel. ✦ 2X miles everywhere else. Card Info: Visa Infinite issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel ✦ 10,000 bonus miles each year starting at first anniversary ✦ Up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® ✦ Capital One Lounge access ✦ Priority Pass membership w/ unlimited guests (lounges only) ✦ Plaza Premium lounge access ✦ Cell phone insurance ✦ Trip insurance ✦ Primary CDW coverage ✦ Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points |
75K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 75,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months$95 Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Very strong earnings for spend. Excellent bonus categories. Points transferable to select airlines. Recommend pairing this card with Citi Double Cash and Citi Rewards+. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 3X grocery ✦ 3X dining ✦ 3X gas stations & EV charging ✦ 3X flights, hotels, travel agencies ✦ 10X hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel℠ Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Transfer points to airline partners ✦ $100 Annual Hotel Savings Benefit ($100 off a $500+ hotel stay, excluding taxes and fees, when booked through Citi Travel) ✦ Travel protections See also: Citi ThankYou Rewards Complete Guide |
75K Miles ⓘ Affiliate 75K miles after $5K spend in first 3 months.$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 After clicking through, be sure to click the link at the top that says, "Are you a small business owner?" to see the business card offers that include this card. You are not eligible for the bonus if you have received the bonus on this card within the past 24 months. Please note that the United EXPLORER Business card (no longer available) is a different product and does not affect your ability to get the bonus on this card. FM Mini Review: Decent perks such as enhanced access to United saver level economy awards makes this a keeper for some. Earning rate: 2X at restaurants including eligible delivery services , gas stations, and office supply stores ✦ 2X United ✦ 2X on local transit and commuting, including taxicabs, mass transit, tolls, and ride share services Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: $100 annual United travel credit after 7 United flight purchases greater than $100 ✦ Earn up to 1,000 PQPs per year: 25 PQPs per $500 spend Noteworthy perks: ✦ Improved economy saver award availability ✦ Unlocks complimentary elite upgrades on award tickets ✦ Free first checked bag ✦ Priority boarding ✦ No foreign exchange fees ✦ 2 United Club passes per year at anniversary ✦ Free DashPass for one year (must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ Primary auto rental collision damage waiver ✦ 5,000 bonus miles at anniversary when you have this card and also a personal Chase United credit card. ✦ 25% back as a statement credit on United in-flight and Club Premium drink purchases |
75K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 75K miles after $5K spend in first 5 months$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 Alternate Offer: There is an alternative offer of 30K + $400 credit that can be found when doing a dummy booking on aa.com. Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card usually has a great welcome bonus, but if you're looking for a card to keep long term, you'll find better options. Earning rate: ✦ 2X AA ✦ 2X certain telecommunications merchants ✦ 2X car rental merchants ✦ 2X gas Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Earn $99 plus taxes domestic companion certificate after $30K spend Noteworthy perks: ✦ First checked bag free ✦ Priority Boarding ✦ Save 25% on inflight purchases |
Up to 100K Points ⓘ Affiliate 75K points after $4K spend in the first 3 months and an additional 25K after spending a total fo $20K within first 12 months$95 Annual Fee This card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). FM Mini Review: Great card for regular or frequent Air Canada flyers Earning rate: 3X Air Canada ✦ 3X grocery stores ✦ 3X dining ✦ 500 bonus points with each $2K calendar month spend, up to $6K spend per month (1,500 points max) ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Renew 25K status w/ $15K spend ✦ Status Boost w/ $50K spend ✦ Priority Reward w/ $100K, $250K, $500K, or $750K spend ✦ Free award companion for rest of calendar year and all of next with $1Million spend Noteworthy perks: Discounted award pricing ✦ Free checked bag ✦ $100 credit for NEXUS, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years ✦ Carbon offsets on Air Canada awards ✦ Pay Yourself Back for travel at 1.25 cents per point, up to 50K points per year ✦ 10% bonus when transferring Ultimate Rewards to Aeroplan (25K max bonus/year) |
80K points ⓘ Affiliate 80K points after $5K spend within first 3 months your account is open$199 Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Earning rate: 4X Southwest ✦ 3X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car partners ✦ 2X rideshare ✦ 2X social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services ✦ 1X on all other purchases. Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 1,500 TQPs for each $5K in purchases Noteworthy perks: 9000 bonus points each year upon card renewal ✦ 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available ✦ Global Entry or TSA Pre✔ Fee Credit ✦ Up to 365 Inflight WiFi Credits ✦ 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year. |
70K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 70K miles after one purchase within first 90 days. Use code 000150 for this offer$99 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Earning rate: 3X Hawaiian Airlines ✦ 2x gas, dining, and grocery stores ✦ 1x everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Two free checked bags when flight is booked through Hawaiian Airlines ✦ One time 50% off companion ticket ✦ $100 off a companion ticket for roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines at each account anniversary |
70K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 70K miles after 1st purchase and paying the annual fee within 90 days $99 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Up to 75K: 60K miles after first purchase and 15K after adding an authorized user and making one purchase on that card [Expired 2/24/24] Earning rate: 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Earn $99 + tax domestic companion certificate with $20K membership year spend. Noteworthy perks: First checked bag free ✦ Preferred boarding for the primary cardmember and up to 4 companions traveling on the same reservation ✦ 25% off in-flight purchases ✦ $25 wifi credit per membership year ✦ Flight cents: round up purchases to earn more miles |
70K miles + 40XP + 60XP ⓘ Non-Affiliate 70K miles + 40 XP after $3K in the first 90 days + 60 XP upon approval$89 Annual Fee Alternate Offer: Going through the steps to make a dummy booking at the Air France website may result in an offer that only gives 60K miles but also includes a $150 statement credit. Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Valuable primarily only for the welcome offer, then it should go off to the sock drawer unless you're interested in Flying Blue elite status. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 3X on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam purchases ✦ 1.5X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: 5K after anniversary when you spend $50 or more the previous year ✦ 40XP points towards status after anniversary when you spend $15K or more the previous year Noteworthy perks: 20 Experience Points every year; Miles don't expire as long as you make a purchase once every 2 years. |
35K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 35K points after $2K spend in the first 3 billing cycles (Offer Expires 12/4/2024)$99 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Recent better offer: 30K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles + 2 companion certificates, 2 upgrade certificates and 2 lounge passes Earning rate: ✦ 3X Amtrak ✦ 2X qualifying travel, dining, transit, and rideshare ✦ 1X elsewhere Card Info: Mastercard World issued by FNBO. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Earn 1,000 Tier Qualifying Points towards elite status for each $5K spent in a calendar year. Limit 4,000 TQPs per year. Noteworthy perks: ✦ 5% Amtrak Guest Rewards point rebate on redemptions ✦ Complimentary companion coupon ✦ One-Class Upgrade and a single-day ClubAcela pass each year. ✦ 20% rebate for onboard food & beverage purchases as a statement credit See also: Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card review |
60K points ⓘ Affiliate 60K after $5,000 spend in 3 months.$199 Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule. FM Mini Review: Great for its initial bonus and for Hyatt enthusiasts to spend toward status and rebate on award stays. Earning rate: 2X on fitness clubs and gym memberships ✦ 2X in the top 3 spend categories each calendar quarter. Eligible categories include dining; airline tickets purchased directly with the airline; car rental agencies; local transit and commuting; gas stations; internet, cable and phone services; social media and search engine advertising; and shipping ✦ 4X Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Get 5 elite qualifying night credits every time you spend $10,000 in purchases. ✦ After $50K spend in a calendar year, get 10% back on redeemed points for the rest of that calendar year (Up to 20K points back per year). Noteworthy perks: Discoverist elite status ✦ Ability to gift Discoverist to up to 5 employees (they do not need to be cardholders) ✦ Up to $100 each cardmember year in Hyatt statement credits: Spend $50 or more at any Hyatt property and get a $50 statement credit up to two times per year ✦ Hyatt Leverage membership with no minimum stay requirements. |
60K Points + $100 Voucher ⓘ Non-Affiliate 60K points plus $100 companion voucher after $1K spend in 90 days (enter any random five-digit number as "employee code")$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $79 Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Earning rate: 3X Spirit ✦ 2X dining & grocery ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: ✦ $100 Companion Flight Voucher EACH anniversary after making at least $5,000 in purchases within the prior year Earn ✦ 1 SQP (towards elite status) for each $10 of spend Noteworthy perks: Waived redemption fees ✦ Points Pooling ✦ 25% in-flight food & beverage rebate ✦ No points expiration ✦ No foreign transaction fees ✦ Zone 2 priority boarding |
140k points ⓘ Affiliate Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening$99 Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Recent better offer: Five 60K free night certificates after $4K spend in 3 months (expired 9/4/24) Earning rate: 10X IHG ✦ 5X travel, dining, and gas stations ✦ 3X on all other purchases Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: 10K bonus points + $100 statement credit after you spend $20K in a calendar year + make one additional purchase ✦ Diamond status after $40K in purchases + one additional purchase in a calendar year Noteworthy perks: Anniversary free night e-certificate good at IHG properties up to 40K points per night ✦ Ability to add an unlimited number of points to a free night certificate to book a higher-level hotel ✦ Fourth night free on award stays ✦ 20% discount on points purchases ✦ Platinum elite status ✦ Up to $50 in United TravelBank cash per year (must register your card with your United account) |
140K points ⓘ Affiliate Earn 1400K points after $4K spend within the first 3 months.$99 Annual Fee This card is expected to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Recent better offer: 200K after $9k spend in 6 months (expired 11/9/24) Earning rate: 10X IHG ✦ 5X travel, gas stations, restaurants and dining, social media and search engine advertising, office supply stores ✦ 3X on all other purchases Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: 10K bonus points + $100 statement credit after you spend $20K in a cardmember year + make one additional purchase. ✦ Diamond status after $40K in purchases + one additional purchase in a calendar year ✦ Free night certificate (up to 40K points) after $60K in purchases + one additional purchase in a calendar year Noteworthy perks: Anniversary free night e-certificate good at IHG properties up to 40K points per night ✦ Ability to add an unlimited number of points to a free night certificate to book a higher-level hotel ✦ Fourth night free on award stays ✦ 20% discount on points purchases ✦ Platinum elite status ✦ Up to $50 in United TravelBank cash per year (must register your card with your United account) |
50K Miles ⓘ Affiliate Earn a one-time 50K miles bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 Note: Most Capital One Business credit cards (including this one) DO count against Chase's 5/24 Rule FM Mini Review: This card is similar to the Spark Cash Plus card, but it has the advantage that "miles" earned with this card can be transferred to a large number of airline & hotel programs. Earning rate: 2X Miles everywhere ✦ Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacations rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel Base: 2X (2.9%) Card Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points ✦ No foreign transaction fees ✦ Up to $120 fee credit for TSA PreCheck® application fee or Global Entry application fee |
$1,000 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate $1K after $10K Spend in 3 Months$195 Annual Fee Alternate Offer: Some have been targeted for 150K after $10K spend via mailer or in the "Just for You" section of their online account. FM Mini Review: This is an almost 1 to 1 copy of Capital One's Spark Cash Plus card, but the Chase card throws in 2.5% earnings on very large purchases. Unfortunately, the Chase card also has a slightly higher annual fee. The biggest disappointment about this card is that, unlike other Chase Ink cards, the rewards cannot be moved to other Chase cards to improve their value. Even though this card technically earns Ultimate Rewards points, it's best to think of it as a straight up cash back card. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more ✦ 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM) ✦ 2% cash back on all other spend Base: 2% Other: 5% Card Info: Visa Signature Business Charge Card issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Purchase protections ✦ Cell phone protection (up to $1K per claim) ✦ Travel protections |
60K points ⓘ Affiliate 60K points after $3K spend within first 3 months your account is open$99 Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car partners ✦ 2X rideshare ✦ 1X on all other purchases. Card Info: Visa issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: If you earn 135,000 points in one calendar year, you'll get a companion pass good for the rest of that calendar year and all of the next year ✦ Earn 1,500 TQPs for each $5,000 spent in purchases annually. Noteworthy perks: 6000 bonus points each year upon card renewal. 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year. 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year. |
50K Miles ⓘ Friend-Referral 50K after $4,500 spend in 3 months from account openingNo Annual Fee Note: Most Capital One Business credit cards (including this one) DO count against Chase's 5/24 Rule Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card is similar to the Spark Cash Select for Business, but rewards are intended to be used to offset travel purchases. This is a good option for business owners who prefer simple rewards with no annual fee, and who value free travel over cash back. If you spend more than $19K per year, though, go for the 2X Spark Miles card. Earning rate: 1.5X miles everywhere ✦ Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel Base: 1.5X (2.18%) Card Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points ✦ No foreign transaction fees |
$750 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate Earn a $750 cash bonus when you spend $7,500 within the first 3 months. $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 FM Mini Review: A good option for business owners who prefer simple cash back rewards. Earning rate: 2% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Base: 2% Card Info: Visa Signature issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees |
$750 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $750 cash back after $6000 spend on the account owner's card in first 150 daysNo Annual Fee Keep in mind that only spend on the Account Owner's card counts toward minimum spending requirements, spend on employee cards does not count. Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Nice welcome bonus. Useful for its 3% categories, but you can do much better for spend outside of those categories. Earning rate: 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants ✦ 1% back everywhere else ✦ Note: purchases of gaoline greater than $200 will not be deemed to be a purchase of automotive gasoline and will therefore earn only 1%. Base: 1% Dine: 3% Gas: 3% Phone: 3% Office: 3% Card Info: Visa World Elite issued by USB. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks. |
Up to 60K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate Up to 60K miles: 50K bonus miles after spending $4K in first 90 days + additional 10K miles after a purchase is made on an employee card in the first 90 days$99 Annual Fee FM Mini Review: This card is almost identical to the JetBlue Plus card except that this one offers Group A boarding and earns 2X at office supply stores rather than grocery stores. Both cards are great choices for JetBlue flyers. Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants and office supply stores ✦ 6X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Earn 1 tile for every $1,000 in purchases. Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free checked bag ✦ Group A boarding ✦ 5000 bonus points every anniversary ✦ 10% point rebate on awards ✦ $100 statement credit w/ purchase of travel package ✦ 50% savings on in-flight purchases |
50K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 50K miles after $2,500 spend in first 3 months $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Recent better offer: 75K miles after $3,500 spend in 3 months (ended 10/14/24) FM Mini Review: Excellent choice for a great intro bonus. Plus it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.) Earning rate: 2X restaurants ✦ 2X gas ✦ 2X AA Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: $125 AA Flight Discount with $20K membership year spend Noteworthy perks: ✦ First checked bag free ✦ Priority Boarding ✦ Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases |
75K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 75K (worth $750 as a statement credit or deposit into eligible account) after $7500 spend in first 4 months$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 FM Mini Review: Since the points are worth 1c each, this card isn't terribly rewarding for ongoing spend. Note that points can not be combined with the Altitude Reserve. Earning rate: 2x on top two categories where you spend the most each month. Base: 1% Other: 2% Card Info: Visa Signature Business issued by USB. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Earn 2x in the two categories in which you spend the most each month. Full list of categories can be found here. |
Up to $750 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $250 after $1,500 spend in 90 days, plus 5% cashback everywhere on up to $10K spend within the first 6 monthsNo Annual Fee Earning rate: 3% phone, internet and cable services ✦ 2% dining and gas stations Base: 1% Dine: 2% Gas: 2% Phone: 3% Card Info: Visa issued by TD. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. |
50K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 50K Miles after $3K spend in 90 days + payment of the annual fee$89 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 1/1/23: 100K Miles after $3K spend in 90 days Earning rate: 2X Miles & More Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Cardmembers receive a companion ticket and two complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers after first purchase and each year after paying the annual fee |
100K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 100K after $3K spend in first 3 months$95 Annual Fee Alternate Offer: Choice members may be targeted for a higher offer FM Mini Review: Worth getting for the welcome offer and keeping for the 30,000 anniversary points. The 5x categories could also be interesting for some. Earning rate: 10X at Choice Hotels ✦ 5X at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plans ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Wells. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Automatic Platinum status ✦ 30,000 bonus points each card anniversary ✦ Cell phone Protection ($25 deductible, $800 max per claim) |
50K miles + Companion Fare ⓘ Non-Affiliate 50K miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $3K spend in 3 months $95 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Recent better offer: 70K after $4K in 3 months [Expired 4/23] FM Mini Review: Alaska miles are quite valuable so this offer is better than it appears Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ✦ 2x gas, EV charging, shipping and local transit ✦ 1X elsewhere Card Info: Visa issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: $121 companion pass every year after $6K spend. Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free first checked bag for you and up to six other passengers on your reservation ✦ 10% bonus on earned miles with eligible BOA business account ✦ During 2024, earn 4K EQMs/$10K spend, up to a maximum of 20K EQMs. |
50k Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 50k miles after spending $4,000 within the first 90 days$99 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 9/11/22: 80K + $99 statement credit after $2K spend in first 90 days Earning rate: 3X Hawaiian Airlines ✦ 2x gas, dining, and office supply stores ✦ 1x everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Earn up to 40,000 annual bonus miles — 20k miles with $50-$99k annual spend or 40k miles with $100k or more annual spend; Noteworthy perks: One-time 50% off a companion discount on roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines |
60K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 60K (worth $600 as a deposit into eligible account or towards travel) after $6K spend in 180 days$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 Note that only spend on the Account Owner's card (not including purchases made on employee cards) counts toward minimum spending requirements. Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card offers decent return on gas station and travel spend and it does feature no foreign transaction fees. However, the return on most other spend is relatively weak. Earning rate: 5x hotels and car rentals when booked through US Bank Portal ✦ 4X travel, gas stations and EV charging ✦ 2x take out, food delivery (including apps like GrubHub, UberEATS, etc), dining and streaming services Base: 1% Travel: 4% Dine: 2% Gas: 4% Other: 5% Card Info: Visa issued by USB. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: $25 statement credit after every three consecutive monthly taxi or rideshare transactions paid for with your card. 4x Priority Pass lounge visits per year. |
50K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 50K miles after $5K in 90 days$95 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Earning rate: 2X miles on Korean Air, Gas Stations, Dining Card Info: Visa issued by USB. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: 5% off Korean Air flight (cardholder+companion) 1X/calendar year ✦ 2 Korean Air VIP Lounge coupons each year ✦ 2,000 bonus points upon renewal ✦ No foreign transcation fees |
50k miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 50K miles after $500 in purchases in the first 90 days + instant Gold status with account opening & first purchae; maintain Gold status for 12 months with $3,000 in purchases within first 90 days$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 Earning rate: 5X at FlyFrontier.com ✦ 3X restaurants Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: $100 discount voucher after $2,500 in annual spend. Noteworthy perks: ✦ 2 free checked bags for primary cardholder only ✦Keep miles from expiring with one purchase every six months. ✦ Earn 1 elite qualifying mile per dollar spent ✦ No award redemption fee when taxes/fees are paid for with the card. |
80K Points ⓘ Affiliate 80K points after $2K spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee Recent better offer: 120K after $2K spend (expired 7/4/22) FM Mini Review: A good no annual fee card for anyone who values the 4th night free benefit. Earning rate: ✦ 5X IHG ✦ 3x dining, gas stations utilities, cable, Internet, phone, and select streaming services ✦ 2X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: 10K bonus points after $10K in purchases and one additional purchase each calendar year ✦ Gold status after $20K in purchases and one additional purchase each calendar year. Noteworthy perks: Fourth night free on award stays ✦ 20% discount on points purchases ✦ No foreign transaction fees |
75K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 75K (worth $750 as a deposit into eligible account) after $10K spend in 120 days$195 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card offers an excellent signup bonus. For ongoing use, it's effectively a 2% cashback card that increases to 2.5% for the first $5K in mobile wallet spend per quarter. Earning rate: 6x prepaid hotel & car rental through Altitude Rewards Center ✦ 2.5X mobile wallet payments (on up to $5,000 spend per quarter) Base: 2% Shop: 2.5% Other: 6% Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by USB. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Real Time Mobile Rewards (redeem points at full value at time of purchase) ✦ No foreign transaction fees ✦ Free authorized user cards |
$500 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $500 after $5,000 spend in first 3 months.No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: On its own, this is a decent, no-annual fee 2% cash back card. However, when paired with the Autograph or Autograph Journey, those points become transferable to travel partners, making the uncapped 2x earnings much more appealing. Earning rate: 2x everywhere Base: 2% Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Wells. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Points can be combined with Autograph or Autograph Journey cards and then be transferred to select airline & hotel programs ✦ Baggage Delay Reimbursement |
70K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 70K after $1K spend in first 3 monthsNo Annual Fee Alternate Offer: Choice members may be targeted for a higher offer FM Mini Review: Decent bonus for a no-annual fee card, but not a great keeper unless you value the Choice Gold Status Earning rate: 5X at Choice Hotels ✦ 3X at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plans ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Wells. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Automatic Gold status ✦ Cell phone Protection ($25 deductible, $800 max per claim) |
$500 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate One time bonus: $500 after $4,500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)No Annual Fee Note: Most Capital One Business credit cards (including this one) DO count against Chase's 5/24 Rule Recent better offer: Expired 9/9/24: $750 Cash Back after $6k spend in 3 months FM Mini Review: This is a good option for business owners looking for simple cash back rewards with no annual fee. If you spend $30,000 or more per year, though, you would be better off with the 2% Spark Cash Plus card. Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Base: 1.5% Card Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees |
$500 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate $500 statement credit after $5K spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere; Earn up to 2.625% back everywhere with Bank of America Platinum Honors status. Note that you'll need Preferred Rewards on the business side ("Preferred Rewards for Business") to earn a greater return. Base: 1.5% Card Info: Mastercard issued by BOA. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Up to 75% bonus for Preferred Rewards for Business banking customers |
50K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 50K points after $4K in 3 months$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 Note that the ongoing annual fee is $0 if you maintain an HSBC Premier checking account (which requires $5K per month in direct deposits to remain fee-free) FM Mini Review: This card may be worth it for the welcome bonus and possibly for the annual rideshare benefit if you have an HSBC Premier checking account and can thus keep the card annual fee-free. Note that the points value is based on HSBC's stated value when redeemed for airfare via the HSBC portal. Earning rate: 2x travel (includes airlines, hotels, and car rentals) Card Info: Mastercard World issued by HSBC. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: $50 Uber or Lyft credit annually (20% back up to $50) ✦ TSA PreCheck credit once every 5 years ✦ Complimentary Boingo Wi-Fi |
Up to 80K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate Up to 80K points: 40K after after $4K spend in first 90 days + 40K after $15K spend in first 365 days (Offer Expires 1/8/2025)$95 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 7/11/24: 100K after $15K in spend FM Mini Review: Excellent earning rate at gas stations and Wyndham hotels. Diamond status plus 15K annual bonus makes this card a keeper. Earning rate: 8X Wyndham & gas ✦ 5X marketing, advertising, and utilities (telecommunications, cable, satellite, electric, gas, heating oil and water) ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: 15,000 points each anniversary year ✦ Diamond status ✦ 10% discount on free night awards ✦ Cardmember discount on paid stays ✦ No foreign transaction fees |
$600 OneKeyCash ⓘ Non-Affiliate $600 OneKeyCash after $3K spend in first 3 months$99 Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Good bonus categories, especially when combined with the 2x base earning. The anniversary bonus more or less offsets the annual fee and being able to combine primary car rental insurance with 9x earning at Expedia could be valuable for some. Earning rate: 3% at Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo and at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, food delivery ✦ 2X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Wells. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Automatic Gold status ✦ $100 OneKeyCash anniversary bonus ✦ $100 annual Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit ✦ Trip insurance ✦ Primary rental car insurance ✦ Cell phone Protection ($25 deductible, $1000 max per claim) |
40K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 40K after $3K spend in 90 days + 2.5k for adding an authorised user (up to 4)$99 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: The Tier Points and annual 3rd night free at Virgin Hotels might be useful for some, especially with the anniversary bonus...but it's more "meh" than "yeah" for most of us. Earning rate: 3X Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels and Virgin Voyages ✦ 2X dining, at grocery stores, on select streaming services and for EV charging ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard Signature issued by Synchrony. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Spend $15k in a calendar year to choose one or $30k to choose two of: voucher for companion seat or cabin upgrade; one free night or suite upgrade at Virgin Hotels up to $300 Bar Tab credit or Blue Extras perks package on Virgin Voyages Noteworthy perks: 25 Tier Points for each $2,500 in eligible purchases (max 50 Tier Points per month) ✦ 3rd night free at participating Virgin Hotel once/year ✦ 5,000 point yearly anniversary bonus |
$400 OneKeyCash ⓘ Non-Affiliate $400 OneKeyCash after $1K spend in first 3 monthsNo Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Good reward categories for a card with no annual fee. Could be a winner for folks who use Expedia, Hotels.com and/or vrbo frequently Earning rate: 3% at Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo and at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, food delivery ✦ 1.5X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Wells. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Automatic Silver status ✦ Cell phone Protection ($25 deductible, $1000 max per claim) ✦ Trip insurance ✦ Primary rental car insurance |
12K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 12K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cyclesNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Earning rate: 2X Amtrak ✦ 2X dining ✦ 1X elsewhere Card Info: Mastercard Platinum issued by FNBO. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: ✦ 5% Amtrak Guest Rewards point rebate on redemptions. ✦ 10% rebate for onboard food & beverage purchases as a statement credit See also: Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card review |
20K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate Earn 20,000 points (worth $200 cash back) after spending $500 in the first 3 monthNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Great for 5X and 3x categories and World Mastercard benefits. Excellent companion card to Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred. Earning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase Travel℠ ✦ 5X Lyft through March 2025 ✦ 3x dining ✦ 3x drugstores ✦ 5X in rotating categories on up to $1,500 spend per quarter (Q4 2024: McDonalds, PayPal, Pet Stores & Selectr Charities) Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Chase. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Free DashPass for up to 3 months upon activation ✦ Cell phone protection ✦ Lyft credits ✦ $10 monthly credit for non-restaurant DoorDash orders See also: Chase Ultimate Rewards Complete Guide |
20K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate $200 cash back after spending $1.5K in first six months. Note: $200 is awarded as 20,000 ThankYou® Points.No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: 2X rewards for all spend with no annual fee makes this card a winner. Earn 2X everywhere and redeem for the equivalent of 2% cash back or 2X ThankYou points. Pair with the Premier or Prestige card to make points transferrable to airlines. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 2% cash back everywhere (1% cash back for each purchase + 1% when paying your credit card bill for that purchase). ✦ For a limited time: Earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi TravelSM Portal through 12/31/24. Base: 2X (2.9%) Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: 1X when you make a purchase + 1X when you pay for those purchases See also: Citi ThankYou Rewards Complete Guide |
20K miles ⓘ Affiliate Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Decent welcome bonus for a card with no annual fee, but other cards offer better rewards for ongoing spend. Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 1.25X miles everywhere ✦ 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Card Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Redeem miles for travel at value of 1 cent per mile ✦ Convert "miles" to airline miles & hotel points |
20K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 20K points after $1.5K spend in 3 months No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: The fact that you can get 10% Points Back when you redeem, up to the first 100,000 points redeemed per year, makes this a great choice to pool with ThankYou Premier, Prestige, and/or Double Cash Click here for our complete card review Earning rate: 5x on travel booked through Citi Travel℠ Portal through December 31, 2025 (excludes air travel) ✦ 2X at supermarkets and gas stations on up to $6,000 per year ✦ Round up to nearest 10 TY points on all purchases Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Round up to the nearest 10 points on all purchases with no cap. ✦ Get 10% Points Back when you redeem, up to the first 100,000 points redeemed per year. See also: Citi ThankYou Rewards Complete Guide |
20K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 20K points after $1500 spend in the first 6 monthsNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Recent better offer: Expired 9/13/22 - 20,000 points after $750 spend in first 3 months FM Mini Review: This is a great card to have and hold for a single category where you spend no more than $500 per month as it represents an excellent return without rotating categories to track. Earning rate: 5x on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1x thereafter. Eligible categories: Restaurants, Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, Select Travel, Select Transit, Select Streaming Services, Drugstores, Home Improvement Stores, Fitness Clubs and Live Entertainment. ✦ 1x on all other purchases Base: 1X (1.45%) Travel: 5X (7.25%) Dine: 5X (7.25%) Gas: 5X (7.25%) Grocery: 5X (7.25%) Other: 5X (7.25%) Card Info: Mastercard issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. See also: Citi ThankYou Rewards Complete Guide |
30K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 30K after $3K spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Earning rate: 1.5X everywhere; 3X for travel booked through BOA's travel center Card Info: Mastercard World issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: When you're a Business Advantage Relationship Rewards client, you can get up to 75% rewards bonus on every purchase you make. Your rewards bonus is based on your enrolled tier – Gold 25%; Platinum 50%; or Platinum Honors 75% |
75K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 75K miles after $7,500 spend in first 3 months$595 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Good choice for those who need Admirals Club® access and those who value the Loyalty Points boosts at 50K and 90K Loyalty Points earned. Plus, it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.) and some handy credits for Avis or Budget rentals and GrubHub. Earning rate: 4X AA ✦ 10X hotels booked through AA.com/Hotels ✦ 10X car rentals booked through AA.com/Cars ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: ✦ First Checked Bag Free ✦ Admirals Club® access for both primary and authorized users ✦ Up to $120 per 12 monthly billing cycles for GrubHub purchases (up to $10 per monthly billing cycle) ✦ Up to $120 back on eligible Avis or Budget prepaid car rentals every calendar year ✦ $10 monthly Lyft credit after you take 3 Lyft rides that calendar month ✦ 10K bonus Loyaty Points after earning 50K Loyalty points through all channels and another 10K bonus Loyalty Points after earning 90K Loyalty Points through all channels ✦ 25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases on American Airlines flights ✦ Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every 4 years |
25K FunPoints ⓘ Non-Affiliate 25K FunPoints after spending $500 within the first 90 days of account opening.No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Even for Carnival enthusiasts, there's not much to get excited about here. Earning rate: 2X Carnival ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Points can be redeemed at 1 cent each towards Carnival purchases ✦ 0% promotional APR for 6 months on Carnival cruise bookings |
$300 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate $300 statement credit after $3K spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This can be a very appealing card for the $50,000/year in 3% bonus categories...and it becomes downright sexy if you have Preferred Rewards as well. Earning rate: 2% on dining plus 3% on 1 choice from: gas stations and EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services (for the first $50,000 in combined choice/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% everywhere else. Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 2% Gas: 3% Phone: 3% Office: 3% Biz: 3% Card Info: Mastercard issued by BOA. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Up to 75% bonus for Preferred Rewards for Business banking customers. This means that you can earn up to 5.25% with this card! Your rewards bonus is based on your enrolled tier – Gold 25%; Platinum 50%; or Platinum Honors 75%. |
$250 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate One time bonus: $250 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)No Annual Fee Earning rate: 3% on dining, entertainment, select streaming services, and purchases at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) ✦ 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel (terms apply) ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 3% Grocery: 3% Other: 3% Card Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees |
15K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate Earn 15K AA miles after $500 spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Not bad for grocery spend if you highly value AA miles Earning rate: 2X grocery ✦ 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases |
$300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $300 after $3000 spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: No rewards on everyday purchases, but a nice sign-up bonus for a no annual fee card. Base: 0% Card Info: Mastercard Platinum issued by BOA. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. |
$225 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $75 statement credit for every $500 spent within the first 90 days, up to $225No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Shop Your Way points are worth .85 cents each and can only be used towards specific gift cards and merchandise. But where this card shines is with its regular offers that start to appear after putting spend on the card, often giving 10-15x cash back or Thank You Points on various categories of purchases. It's a keeper because of it. Earning rate: 5X gas ✦ 3X grocery and dining ✦ 2X Sears and KMart Card Info: Mastercard ` issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Known for extremely generous targeted spending offers for statement credits and Thank You Points |
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate One time bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)No Annual Fee FM Mini Review: While you can do better with a 2% cash back card that has no annual fee, the Quicksilver card often offers excellent discounts with popular services such as Spotify. Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Base: 1.5% Other: 5% Card Info: Mastercard issued by CapOne. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees |
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $200 in rewards (20K points) after $1K in purchases in first 3 billing cycles.No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Decent low-spend welcome bonus on a card that could be a keeper given uncapped 2% rewards on a business card. Annual big spend bonus sweetens the deal. Earning rate: 2% everywhere Base: 2% Card Info: Visa issued by FNBO. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Big spend bonus: Earn 10,000 Bonus Points every Anniversary with $10,000 annual spend |
$200 Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $200 back after $1K spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: 2% cashback everywhere is decent, but this card doesn't really have anything to separate it from any other 2% cashback card. Earning rate: 2X everywhere Base: 2% Card Info: Mastercard Credit Card issued by FNBO. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. |
$200 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate $200 statement credit after $1K Spend in 3 MonthsNo Annual Fee FM Mini Review: This has a good gas station bonus for a no annual fee card, but there's not much else to make it a compelling card Earning rate: ✦ 3 points per $1 at gas stations ✦ 2 points per $1 at grocery stores ✦ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases Card Info: Mastercard issued by Citi. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: $20 statement credit every billing cycle you spend $1,000+ or $10 statement credit when you spend $500 - $999.99 (for AT&T Wireless customers omly) See also: Citi ThankYou Rewards Complete Guide |
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $200 after $1000 spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee Earning rate: 3% drugstores and gas stations ✦ 2% medical expenses ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Gas: 3% Other: 3% Card Info: Mastercard issued by Barclays. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. |
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $200 after $1000 spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee Earning rate: 3% airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals ✦ 2% restaurants ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 2% Card Info: Mastercard issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. |
20K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 20K after $1K spend in the first 90 daysNo Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Points are worth $0.01 each toward onboard credit or cruise purchase with Norwegian. Note that points expire 5 years after they are earned regardless of activity. This card offers very poor value for ongoing spend after meeting the welcome bonus requirements. Interestingly, it appears to be eligible for Bank of America Preferred Rewards, which would increase the bonus categories by as much as 75% for those with Bank of America's top-tier Platinum Honors. Earning rate: 3x Norwegian cruise line purchases ✦ 2x air and hotel Card Info: Mastercard World issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. |
30K Miles + 1 Year Silver status ⓘ Non-Affiliate 30K after $3K spend in 90 days$99 Annual Fee Earning rate: 3X Emirates ✦ 2X airfare, hotel, and car rentals ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Maintain Emirates Skywards Silver status with $20K spend per membership year (Silver status offers cardmember lounge access to Emirates Business Class lounges in Dubai only) Noteworthy perks: 25% discount when buying miles ✦ No foreign transaction fees |
25K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 25K after $1K in first 90 days$59 Annual Fee Alternate Offer: You may be targeted for an offer including a $100 statement credit during a dummy booking. Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Points are worth $0.01 each toward airfare and do not expire unless you cancel the card. If you cancel the card, you forfeit all points. Between that policy and the annual fee, this card probably isn't worth it in most scenarios. Earning rate: 3x Allegiant ✦ 2x dining Card Info: Mastercard World issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Priority Boarding and one free beverage every time you fly Allegiant and show your card. ✦ BOGO airfare when you use your card to buy a vacation package with at least a 4-night hotel stay or 7-day car rental on a single itinerary |
50K Miles + 1,000 PQP ⓘ Non-Affiliate 50K miles + 1,000 Premier Qualifying Points after $5K spend in first 3 months.$450 Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: While pricey, the Chase United MileagePlus® Club Business Card is a great choice for those who want a United club membership Earning rate: ✦ 2X United ✦ 1.5X everywhere else Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Earn up to 1,000 PQPs per calendar year: 25 PQPs per $500 spend Noteworthy perks: United Club membership ✦ Unlocks complimentary elite upgrades on award tickets ✦ Priority check-in, security screening, baggage handling, and boarding ✦ Get one year of complimentary Dash Pass (Must activate by 12/31/27) ✦ Free 1st and 2nd checked bags ✦ Primary auto rental collision damage waiver ✦ Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President's Circle® |
$200 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate 20K points (worth $200) after $3K spend in the first 60 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Effectively a 2% cashback card on bonuses categories. Outside of the welcome bonus, there's not much that's exciting here. Earning rate: 2X Gas ✦ 2X Grocery ✦ 2X Travel ✦ 1X elsewhere Base: 1% Travel: 2% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Brand: 2% Card Info: Mastercard World issued by First Tech. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. |
60K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 60K after $4K spend in 3 months$395 Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Points are worth 1.5c each when redeemed for airfare through the HSBC portal. Could be worthwhile for a welcome bonus, but not rewarding enough to justify keeping beyond the first year. Earning rate: 3x travel (includes airlines, hotels, and car rentals) ✦ 2x dining Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by HSBC. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: $100 Uber or Lyft credit annually (up to $20 per ride, up to $100 per year) ✦ $100 annual air travel credit (reimburses tickets, seat upgrades, baggage fees, or in-flight purchases) ✦ LoungeKey membership and 2 free lounge visits per year ✦ Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit ✦ Complimentary Boingo Wi-Fi |
$50 + First Year Double + $20/year ⓘ Friend-Referral Get $50 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories. Plus, get $20 cash back each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: In my opinion this is the single best "starter card" for students. It offers great rewards and no annual fee. Earning rate: 5X in rotating categories, up to $1500 spend per quarter (Q4 2024: Amazon.com and Target) Base: 1% Dine: 5% Shop: 5% Other: 5% Card Info: Discover issued by Discover. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Discover Cash Back is worth more than face value when redeemed for partner gift cards |
10K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate 10K points after $1K spend in 90 days. No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Not bad for a fee-free airline card. Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants and grocery ✦ 3X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else✦ Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Earn 1 tile for every $1,000 in purchases. Noteworthy perks: 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases including cocktails, food and movies. |
10K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 10K after $500 spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Earning rate: 2X Spirit Card Info: Mastercard World issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: ✦ 5K bonus miles each anniversary when you spend $10K within prior year Noteworthy perks: Points Pooling ✦ 25% in-flight food & beverage rebate ✦ No points expiration ✦ No foreign transaction fees ✦ Zone 2 priority boarding |
$100 + First Year Double ⓘ Friend-Referral Get $100 after first purchase. All "miles" earned in first 12 months will be doubled. This makes this a 3% cash back card for the first year. No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Great card to get for its first year 3% cash back. Earning rate: 1.5 miles per dollar for all spend. Base: 1.5% Card Info: Discover issued by Discover. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: ✦ No foreign transaction fees ✦ Redeem miles for travel or for cash back (1 cent per mile either way) |
$100 Back + First Year Double ⓘ Friend-Referral Get $100 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories. No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This is a great choice for its rotating 5% categories Earning rate: 5X in rotating categories, up to $1500 spend per quarter (Q4 2024: Amazon & Target) Base: 1% Grocery: 5% Shop: 5% Other: 5% Card Info: Discover issued by Discover. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Discover Cash Back is worth more than face value when redeemed for partner gift cards |
$100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $100 statement credit after $500 spend in first 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Possibly worthwhile for a low-spender looking for an easily-attainable welcome bonus. Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere Base: 1.5% Card Info: Mastercard issued by Comenity. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. |
$100 Cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $100 cash back after $500 spend in the first 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Recent better offer: Expired 10/31/22: $150 after $500 in spend FM Mini Review: This card could be decent for an easy cash back bonus, but there are much more rewarding options for ongoing everyday spend. Earning rate: Earn 1.529% back on your purchases when your Upromise Program account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan or 1.25% if it is not ✦ Up to $250 cashback rewards per calendar year on gift card purchases at MyGiftCardsPlus Base: 1.25% Card Info: Mastercard issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: When your Upromise Program account is directly linked to an eligible 529 College Savings plan, you'll receive a 1.529% cash back (otherwise, you get 1.25% back) |
$100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate $100 after $500 spend in first 3 months.No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This could be a good fit for those who spend a lot in the card's 4X categories. Earning rate: 4X self-care (gym memberships, at spas / massage parlors, and barber shops / salons) ✦ 4X sports, recreation, and entertainment ✦ 4X "planet-friendly purchases" like EV charging stations, riding public transportation, and purchasing select second hand and vintage ✦ 1X everywhere else Base: 1% Other: 4% Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Wells. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Cellular Telephone Protection |
10K points + 10K Tier Credits ⓘ Non-Affiliate 10K points + 10K Tier Credits after $1,500K spend in the first 3 billing cyclesNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: The MGM Rewards Mastercard won't have much to offer, except to those for whom earning tier credits on spend is appealing. Earning rate: 3X MGM ✦ 2X Gas and Grocery ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World issued by FNBO. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Earns points and tier credits for spend and BetMGM deposits ✦ MGM Pearl Status |
Free DashPass ⓘ Non-Affiliate Receive 12 months of DashPass for free upon approvalNo Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule. Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Could be worth considering for folks who spend a lot on DoorDash and restaurants. Earning rate: ✦ 4% back on DoorDash and Caviar orders ✦ 3% back on dining ✦ 2% back at grocery stores ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 3% Grocery: 2% Brand: 4% Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Chase. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: 12 months of free Dash Pass after $10,000 in purchases within a cardmember year. Noteworthy perks: 10% off first order each month (up to $15 per order) on convenience, grocery, alcohol, retail or dashMart ( through 12/31/24) ✦ $5 off one order each month (through 9/30/24) ✦ Trip protection ✦ Purchase protection |
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate No Annual Fee Requires Costco membership. Cash back provided annually with February billing statement as rewards coupon redeemable for cash or merchandise at Costco Earning rate: ✦ 4% gas & EV charging (up to $7K spend / year) ✦ 3% restaurant & travel ✦ 2% Costco ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Travel: 3% Dine: 3% Gas: 4% Brand: 2% Card Info: Visa Signature issued by Citi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. |
None ⓘ Non-Affiliate No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card isn't ordinarily worth a look with only 1.8% cash back. Earning rate: 1.8% back everywhere (1.9% back if you have a Citizens Quest checking account) Base: 1.8% Dine: 1.8% Gas: 1.8% Other: 1.8% Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Citizens. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: 1.8% cash back on all purchases |
None ⓘ Non-Affiliate No Annual Fee Alternate Offer: Earn a $250 Amazon gift card after $1k spend with our referral link FM Mini Review: Given the recent downward spiral of Brex, there's probably better places to concentrate business spending. Earning rate: 8x Rideshare ✦ 5x Brex Travel ✦ 4x Restaurants ✦ 3x on recurring software like Salesforce, Zendesk, Twilio, and more ✦ 1x everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Emigrant. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Transfer points 1 to 1 to airline programs: Aeromexico, Air France Flying Blue, Avianca Lifemiles, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Emirates Skywards, JetBlue, Qantas, Singapore KrisFlyer ✦ $5K AWS credits ✦ Up to $100K AWS Activate credits ✦ Up to 50% off UPS shipments ✦ 25% off Slack for 12 months ✦ 20% Annual Zoom Subscription discount ✦ 50% Dropbox discount ✦ Up to $150 Google Ads credit ✦ 40% off first 12 months QuickBooks ✦ And many more discounts |
0% APR ⓘ Non-Affiliate 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers after account is opened. After that, a variable rate will apply.No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Although this is marketed as a travel card, it's really cashback, since the rewards can be used for travel, a statement credit or an ACH transfer at the same rate. 3% back on dining, travel and gas is pretty good for a no annual-fee card, especially with no foreign transaction fees. Earning rate: ✦ 3X Travel, Dining and Gas ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard Credit Card issued by FNBO. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. |
3% back for 12 months ⓘ Non-Affiliate 3% cash back for 12 months on up to $20K in purchasesNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: While the headline is 3% back for a year, the bonus itself is an extra 1.5% back on up to $20K in purchases for the first year. That's certainly not a bad return on otherwise unbonused spend, but many other cards on the market that offer even moderately good welcome bonuses offer greater net return with significantly less spend. Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere Base: 1.5% Card Info: Mastercard World issued by Santander. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: No foreign transaction fees |
None ⓘ Non-Affiliate There is currently no welcome bonus offered.No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card could be a good option for someone looking for a 2% cash back Mastercard, though keep in mind that the Citi DoubleCash is a competitor that earns at the same rate while offering points which could become transferable to airline partners, whereas the SoFi credit card only earns cash back rewards. Earning rate: 2X everywhere Base: 2% Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by SoFi. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: 2% cash back on all purchases (3% for first year on up to $12k with direct deposit) ✦ no foreign transaction fees ✦ cell phone insurance |
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Excellent cash back card for PayPal spend. Earning rate: 3% cash back when you check out with PayPal ✦ 1.5% cash back everywhere else Base: 2% Brand: 3% Card Info: Mastercard Signature issued by Synchrony. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. |
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate No Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Excellent cash back card for everyday spend with no foreign transaction fee. Earning rate: 3% cash back when you check out with PayPal ✦ 2% cash back everywhere else Base: 2% Brand: 3% Card Info: Mastercard Signature issued by Synchrony. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. |
None (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate This card does not currently have a welcome offerNo Annual Fee Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers. Note: UBS Business cards DO add to Chase's 5/24 Rule. FM Mini Review: May be worth getting for signup bonus. Otherwise this card is useless. Base: 1X (1.5%) Card Info: Visa Signature issued by UBS. This card imposes foreign transaction fees. Noteworthy perks: Primary rental car coverage for business rentals ✦ Travel accident insurance ✦ Delayed and lost luggage coverage ✦ Extended warranty ✦ Return protection |
None ⓘ Affiliate There is no official welcome bonus, but this card offers the opportunity to earn 1x points on rent when you make at least 5 transactions per billing cycle. Terms apply.No Annual Fee Note that some people see a targeted offer in the Bilt Rewards app to earn 5x points for the first 5 days after being approved and receiving and activating the card. This is not guaranteed, but rather is targeted. Select 'Click Here to Apply' to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions. FM Mini Review: If you pay rent and haven't been earning rewards, this card is a no-brainer as you can pay your rent and earn rewards with no annual fee. A surprisingly good set of transfer partners makes the rewards for using this for rent worth getting the card for that main purpose alone (as long as you remember to use the card 5 times per month). Earning rate: Must use your card for 5 purchases per month, then: 3x Dining ✦ 3x Lyft ✦ 2x Travel ✦ 1x rent (one payment per month, up to 100,000 points per year) ✦ 1x on other purchases Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Wells. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Transfer points 1 to 1 to airline and hotel programs (including American Airlines, United, Hyatt, Aeroplan, and more) ✦ Redeem points for 1.25 cents each towards travel booked through Bilt's travel portal ✦ Cell phone insurance ✦ Primary rental car insurance ✦ Purchase protection ($10K/item, $50K/year) ✦ Travel insurance ✦ No transaction fee to pay rent and earn rewards |
40K Miles + 1 Year Gold status ⓘ Non-Affiliate 40K after $3K spend in 90 days$499 Annual Fee Earning rate: 3X Emirates ✦ 2X airfare, hotel, and car rentals ✦ 1X everywhere else Card Info: Mastercard World Elite issued by Barclays. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: 10K bonus miles with $30K spend per membership year ✦ Maintain Emirates Skywards Gold status with $40K spend per membership year (Gold status offers cardmember and guest lounge access to Emirates Business Class lounges worldwide) Noteworthy perks: Priority Pass Select ✦ Global Entry Fee Credit ✦ 25% discount when buying miles ✦ No foreign transaction fees |
None (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate This card does not currently have a welcome offer$150 Annual Fee Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers. Note: UBS Business cards DO add to Chase's 5/24 Rule. FM Mini Review: The annual fee kills the value here Earning rate: Earn 2% cash back on your first $100,000 in eligible purchases each year then 1% Base: 2% Card Info: Visa Signature issued by UBS. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Noteworthy perks: Purchase security ✦ extended warranty ✦ Return protection ✦ Travel accident insurance ✦ Delayed and lost luggage coverage ✦ Primary collision and damage waiver coverage on rental cars for business |
None (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate This card does not currently have a welcome offer$550 Annual Fee Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers. Note: UBS Business cards DO add to Chase's 5/24 Rule. FM Mini Review: May be worth considering if you highly value the card's perks and if you can maximize rewards by purchasing flights costing as close to $900 as possible for 50,000 points (up to 1.8 cents per point value) Earning rate: 3x for air travel and hotel stays, 2x for eligible business expenses (office supplies, business cable/internet, shipping, business phone and advertising), 1X everywhere else Card Info: Visa Infinite issued by UBS. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Up to $500 credit towards airport club day pass or annual airport club membership after $50K calendar year spend. Noteworthy perks: Priority Pass Select ✦ $350 annual airline fee credit for selected domestic airline ✦ $100 towards Global Entry or TSA Pre√ ✦ Primary rental car coverage for business rentals ✦ Travel accident insurance, emergency medical evacuation coverage, delayed & lost luggage, trip delay, trip interuption, trip cancellation ✦ Price protection, event ticket protection, return protection, extended warranty, purchase protection ✦ No foreign transaction fees |
In addition to the Amex SPG Lux card (which I’m hoping will become available today), I’m thinking of signing up for the Citi Premier and the CitiBusiness AAdvantage card within the next few days. And, assuming my applications are approved, I’ll use Plastiq with those Citibank cards until I’ve met the minimum spend requirements. Then, I’ll move on to new cards…
Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
any alternatives for consumers (not businesses)? i’ve considered radpad, which can be used with discover cashback since they don’t charge to use debit. but, their system recognizes discover as credit. bummer.
[…] subsequently shared his suggestions for alternative cards to use with Plastiq. If you decided to ignore those suggestions and continued using the Ink Business Preferred, that […]
Greg is that 3x comes from Plastiq charges falling under “office supplies”? Curious because the alive Ink Chase card gives 5x on office supplies
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: It doesn’t code as 3x anymore. To my knowledge, nobody ever figured out why it coded as 3x. The charges didn’t appear to code as anything that would trigger a bonus category. The Ink Cash / Ink Plus cards did not earn 5x at Plastiq.
Greg, We used our free night when getting the Hyatt card for the all inclusive in Cancun. That was pretty wonderful. However, I had never considered using the Hyatt card on Plastiq since it earns only 1 point per dollar spent. That would seem like a big penalty. Would you explain using using the Hyatt card on Plastiq in more detail. If it makes sense, I could spend on Plastiq with it and throw in some MS with it.
It’s a trade off: If you use the Hyatt card in this way, the purpose would be to get to Globalist status. The only reason to do that is if you can get more value from Globalist status than from the rewards given up by not putting the spend on a more generous card. A simple example is to compare the Hyatt card earnings to the Freedom Unlimited or Ink Business Unlimited (both of which earn 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar). Since Ultimate Rewards are transferable to Hyatt, you can see that the Hyatt card earns only 2/3rds as many points as an easy alternative. The first $15K of Hyatt card spend is easier to justify since it also means getting a free cat 1-4 night. After that, it’s all about status. For example, if you would have to spend $50K more to get to Globalist status, then you can see that the Hyatt card would deliver 50K points vs. 75K points with Freedom Unlimited. In other words, it would cost you 25K points to get status. If you would make good use of that status, it’s easy to justify.
So with consumer chase visas, are you saying if my CL is 5k, I can only pay up to 1k through Plastiq?
Yes, you can pay at most $1K per payment. Nothing is stopping you from making multiple payments though
I have 34K I’m paying off for my wife’s school loans. I’ll be paying it off through plastiq. Is my best play just meeting minimum spends on a bunch of cards ?
Yes
The Masterpass promotion is still going on so I’m buying Mastercard GC from Staples (right now, $100 cards are no fee) or the $500 cards from Giftcards.com and prepaying my property tax in $250 installments.
That’s definitely the best way to go for now!
[…] With Plastiq 3X dead, what’s next? […]
Great reminder post. Completely forgot about the visa thing and was about to make a different cc plan based on plastiqfor min spend.
Good on you that you can get massive fee free Plastiq payments! I want some of your action! lol In your situation, I totally get and would go with WofH Chase Card. When you think of the points value (I easily get >2% value w either points and pay or straight points) and then free nights at 15k, explorist level and globalist level, if you can spend that much (and you can!) you will get 3 free nights, a nice amount of WofH points which are in themselves a great value and then globalist status. Holy no brainer, Batman!
For the rest of us, well me specifically, Amex BB works ffor rent and utilities as the point value far excess the 2.5%, but still is not great. A better angle for me, and maybe some on others here is one or more of Chase’s Avios Trio of cards (Aer Lingus, British Air, Iberia). For me in Chi-town the value of Iberia to Madrid direct for 68K biz and then earning a companion pass worth 1k for 30K spend, is a really good use of Plastiq spend. No other airline from the midwest, let alone my home town can I fly direct biz class for so few points and the 30K of spend takes me almost halfway there + the 1k companion pass. Even converting the Avios for Domestic flights along with the 1K compaion pass would still yield a nice profit on plastiq spend for those not in the same travel market as me, though this is YMMV 4 sho. Thoughts?
Yes, definitely use Amex Blue Business Plus wherever you can! (I will too, but I don’t have rent payments)
If you get good value from Avios, then I think it makes sense to use Plastiq to meet the spend requirements on those cards, but past that I’m not sure the value is there at 1X unless you’re sure you can get good value from the companion ticket. I’d think you’d be better off earning Avios indirectly through transferable points:
Amex BBP: 2X, then transfer to Avios
Ink Cash Unlimited: 1.5X, then transfer to Avios
So I can sign up for plastiq and pay my mortgage with my Chase Ink Business Unlimited card?
Not mortgage, no. If you want to pay mortgage you’ll have to use Mastercard or Discover. See my guide to Plastiq: https://frequentmiler.com/complete-guide-to-plastiq-credit-card-payments/
Then what MC?
@Brett. Look at the postings above for details. The Barclays Arrival Premier Mastercard and Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard are options.
Thanks
Where is Arrival Premier? You can get up to 2.14 mpd with it. No signup bonus though. Considering this or VS card for Plastiq.
It was an error that I left that card out. See my reply to Rob, above, for thoughts about that card.
Luckily I happened to pay my wife’s $5k tuition bill a few days before they killed 3x on the CIP. Every MS avenue only lasts so long as you always zen-fully remind us. Can you do another MS what works?-type post? I feel like it’s been a little while. Seems like there really aren’t that many MS options these days.
Yep, thanks for the reminder. It is past time to do a MS what works post
Wells Fargo Propel?
Propel is an Amex card
My question is similar to Tom’s–I presume I can use my chase reserve provided I am using less than 20% of my total credit limit; and I presume my Chase Ink Business plus will work as it is a business card. This is for tuition purposes.
Yes to both
Hi Greg (or anyone else), I’ve had a Chase Ink Plus card for years but only now am I questioning this-I assumed since it was a fee card that I was getting the 1.5 exchange rate for points since it was a fee chard. Did I need a Sapphire card all these years to get the best exchange rate?
The ink plus is 1:1 for unbounded spend. You may need a biz unltd to get 1.5. But don’t convert your plus. It’s discontinued and pulls double duty by allowing airline transfers with office supply and internet/cell bonus spending, Make them pry it from your cold, dead hands.
I’m not sure what you mean by exchange rate. The Ink Plus has the same transfer partners as the other premium Chase cards. If you mean the value when using points to pay for travel, then:
All $95/year Chase Ultimate Rewards cards offer 1.25 cents per point
The Sapphire Reserve offers 1.5 cents per point