The 7 Best Credit Cards for Earning Miles

Traveling has become even more accessible when you understand how to smartly accumulate miles. Having the right credit card makes all the difference in this process.

If you’re looking to maximize your points, bonuses, and perks, choosing the right card is the first step toward your dream trips.

Check out the 7 best credit cards for earning miles and find out which one fits your profile.

How We Selected the Best Credit Cards

We selected these cards based on criteria that truly matter to anyone looking to earn miles:

• Attractive welcome bonuses
• Annual fees that deliver real value
• Ease of earning miles on daily purchases
• Flexible point redemption options
• Extra perks like travel insurance and lounge access

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Bonus: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Earning: 2x points on travel and dining; 1x on everything else.
• Annual fee: $95.
• Highlight: Excellent balance of cost and benefits.
• Weakness: Limited premium perks compared to higher-tier cards.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
• Earning: 2x miles on every purchase.
• Annual fee: $95.
• Highlight: Simplicity and flexibility in redemptions.
• Weakness: Miles value can be lower if not used for travel.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
• Earning: 10x on hotels and rental cars (via Capital One Travel), 5x on flights (via portal), 2x on all others.
• Annual fee: $395.
• Highlight: Premium benefits with great value, including a $300 annual travel credit.
• Weakness: High annual fee requires active use of perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Bonus: 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
• Earning: 3x on travel and dining; 1x on everything else.
• Annual fee: $550.
• Highlight: Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access, $300 annual travel credit.
• Weakness: High cost only makes sense for frequent travelers.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Bonus: Up to 100,000 points after meeting spending requirements (varies).
• Earning: 5x on flights and hotels (via Amex Travel); 1x on everything else.
• Annual fee: $695.
• Highlight: Access to the world’s best lounges, hotel elite status, luxury perks.
• Weakness: Requires effort to maximize all credits; very high cost.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

• Bonus: Up to 85,000 miles depending on current offer.
• Earning: 3x on Delta purchases; 1x on everything else.
• Annual fee: $650.
• Highlight: Access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges when flying Delta.
• Weakness: Less flexibility if you don’t fly Delta frequently.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

• Bonus: 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in 3 months.
• Earning: 3x on Southwest purchases; 2x on transit, internet, streaming; 1x on others.
• Annual fee: $149.
• Highlight: Direct benefits like boarding upgrades and annual points.
• Weakness: Best suited only for Southwest flyers.

How to Quickly Choose Your Best Miles Card

• Travel frequently internationally? Choose Amex Platinum, Venture X, or Chase Sapphire Reserve.
• Want simplicity? Capital One Venture Rewards is perfect.
• Loyal to a specific airline? Delta or Southwest cards are your best bet.
• Looking for great value? Chase Sapphire Preferred offers high returns with a low annual fee.

Extra Tips to Accelerate Your Miles Earning

• Consolidate your spending on your chosen card.
• Maximize category bonuses like travel, dining, or partner portals.
• Use tools like AwardWallet to track points and miles.
• Transfer points to airline partners for maximum value.

Quick Comparison of the Best Credit Cards

Ready to Travel More While Spending Less?

Choosing one of the 7 best credit cards for earning miles means turning your everyday spending into unforgettable experiences. Review your spending habits, evaluate the benefits, and start maximizing your points today. Traveling just became smarter — and more rewarding.