MY TOP PICKS - 2023

ECONOMY CLASS 

Chase Sapphire Preferred

$95 annual fee

 

80,000 points

3x dining purchases

2x travel purchases

1:1 Transfer Partners 

Trip Protection (Delay & Car Rental)

$50 annual hotel credit

April 2023: Limited time increased sign up bonus from 60k to 80k points. 

 

 

*My go to beginner award travel card. All around great points earning, solid trip protection for delayed flights & car rentals, and a sign up bonus to offset the annual fee.  

PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS 

American Express Gold Card

$250 annual fee

 

60,000 points + $200 statement credit

4x grocery & restaurants

$120 Uber credit ($10/month)

$120 dining credit($10/month)

1:1 Transfer Partners 

A weekly spender card.  4x on grocery and dining out are the top hits here.  If you can max out the $10 monthly credits on Uber and Dining; it nearly offsets the $250 annual fee.  Amex rewards can be used top off your Delta Skymiles account. 

BUSINESS CLASS 

Capital One Venture X

$395 annual fee

 

75,000 points

$300 annual travel credit

10,000 annual point bonus

Lounge Access (Priority Pass & others)

Trip Protection

2x points on ALL purchases

1:1 Transfer Partners

A high end card for a logical annual fee.  The $300 annual credit is easy to use, lounge access is a +, 2x points on all spending makes this the card we use on all ‘non-bonused’ spending (think Costco…). 

 

EXTRA LUGGAGE

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™

$250 annual fee

 

85,000 points

1 annual free night

Gold Elite Status

6x hotels

4x restaurant/grocery

I call it extra luggage because a hotel card is, “extra”.  Not needed, but nice to have.  At $250 annual fee, you get a free annual night certificate for a up to 50,000 point stay.  Play it right, that could be worth $250.  With 6x on hotel stays, I’d use this card at Marriott only and watch the Bonvoy points add up. 

Final Thoughts: I may receive a commission when you apply through my links. 

I do my best to offer the best available sign up bonus, but please double check the public offers before applying through my links.  I appreciate your support. 

If you have questions about other cards, please contact me.  There are many other cards that could benefit your travel goals. 

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