Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

TAP Miles and Go American Express Card vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

Both are well-respected travel cards. The TAP Miles and Go American Express Card comes from Cardless at $79/yr; the IHG One Rewards Traveler from Chase at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureTAP Miles and Go American Express CardIHG One Rewards Traveler
Annual fee$79$0
Sign-up bonus40,000 bonus miles80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)-$480
Min spend to unlock bonus$2,500 in 3 mo$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerCardlessChase
Card categoryairlinehotel
Best earning category (Tap_air_portugal)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 3x miles on TAP purchases
  • 2 Lisbon lounge passes per year
  • Free extra checked bag
  • Star Alliance redemptions
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 17x at IHG
  • No annual fee
  • Silver status
Read the full review
TAP Miles and Go American Express Card
$79/yr · 40,000 bonus miles
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points

Editorial take: TAP Miles and Go American Express Card

The only US co-branded card for a European Star Alliance carrier. Useful if you fly TAP to Lisbon or onward Europe several times a year, since the lounge passes, free extra bag, and Premium Boarding can each be worth more than the $79 annual fee on a single transatlantic trip.

Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler

The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, TAP Miles and Go American Express Card or IHG One Rewards Traveler?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler has a public bonus (80,000 points, worth roughly $480), while the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card's $79 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
At $79/yr, the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the IHG One Rewards Traveler's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card and IHG One Rewards Traveler?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Cardless and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
Should I get the TAP Miles and Go American Express Card or the IHG One Rewards Traveler first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. TAP Miles and Go American Express Card: $2,500 spend in 3 months. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.