Travel isn’t always cheap – sometimes it’s free! At least that can be the case for those who leverage the vast network of miles and points programs out there. Credit cards, frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty clubs allow travelers to earn free or discounted travel, sometimes just with your everyday spending on gas, groceries and other purchases.
10Best teamed up with a panel of miles-and-points experts to nominate the best programs for American travelers – the credit cards, frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs with the best earning potential, flexibility, extra perks and ease of redemption. For the past four weeks, our readers have been voting for their favorites, and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full list of winners:
Best Airline Co-Branded Credit Card: Allegiant World Mastercard
Frequent Allegiant flyers earn three points per dollar on many travel purchases — Photo courtesy of Allegiant Air
The Allegiant World Mastercard earns three points per dollar on Allegiant purchases (including air, hotel and car rental), two points per dollar on qualified dining and a point per dollar on everything else. Other perks include a 15,000-point sign-up bonus, BOGO vacation packages, priority boarding and a free beverage on every flight.
Full list of winners: Best Airline Co-Branded Credit Card »
Best Frequent Flyer Program: Spirit Airlines FREE SPIRIT
FREE SPIRIT members earn on flights and Choice Hotels stays — Photo courtesy of Spirit Airlines
FREE SPIRIT members earn miles on flights and on partner purchases through Choice Hotels, several car rental companies and dining partners. Round-trip award tickets start at 5,000 miles with extra savings during off-peak periods.
Full list of winners: Best Frequent Flyer Program »
Best Hotel Loyalty Program: Wyndham Rewards
This is the second straight win for Wyndham in the Hotel Loyalty category — Photo courtesy of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
The Wyndham Rewards program honors stays at some 8,000 participating hotels worldwide, including brands like Hawthorn Suites, Ramada, Howard Johnson and Super 8. Members can also choose to earn miles with partner airlines, including American and United, or on car rentals through Avis and Budget.
Full list of winners: Best Hotel Loyalty Program »
Best Rewards Credit Card: Bank of America Premium Rewards
This winning card comes with a generous new cardholder bonus — Photo courtesy of Bank of America
With the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card, cardholders earn 50,000 bonus points with eligible purchases, unlimited two points per dollar spent on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on everything else. Other perks include a $200 travel statement credit, travel insurance protections and no foreign transaction fees.
Full list of winners: Best Rewards Credit Card »
Best Travel & Hotel Co-Branded Credit Card: Wyndham Rewards Visa Card
Wyndham Rewards points can be redeemed for hotel stays around the globe — Photo courtesy of Wyndham Rewards
Wyndham Rewards Visa cardholders enjoy 15,000 bonus points after their first purchase, three points per dollar spent at Wyndham properties, two points per dollar spent at gas stations and grocery stores and one point per dollar spent everywhere else and no annual fees.
Full list of winners: Best Travel & Hotel Co-Branded Credit Card »
Congratulations to all our miles, points and rewards winners.