If you do one thing, do this.
Most people overthink points and miles. Here's the shortcut: get a Chase Sapphire Preferred, use it on travel and dining, and you'll be ahead of 90% of travelers. That's it. Details below if you want them.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/year · ~60–80k point sign-up bonus · best all-around beginner card
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Why this card
- Chase Ultimate Rewards are the most flexible points in the US — transfer to United, Hyatt, Southwest, Air Canada, and more.
- Hyatt transfers alone routinely get you 3–5x the value of cash back.
- One card, one annual fee, one dashboard.You don't need a wallet full of cards to get most of the value.
- The sign-up bonus is usually worth $800+ in travel after you hit the spending requirement.
After you're approved
- Put travel, dining, and streaming on the card until you hit the sign-up bonus.
- Track your balance in the wallet.
- When you're ready to book a trip, use the points advisor to find the cheapest way to redeem.
- Before transferring, check the transfer bonuses page to see if you can stretch your points further.
Not sure this is the right card for you?
Answer 5 questions (takes 15 seconds) and we'll point you at your best match — Sapphire Preferred, Venture X, Amex Gold, or one of a dozen others.
Take the 15-second quizGoing somewhere? Here's what to pack.
Ten items that keep showing up in frequent-flyers' bags — packing cubes, travel adapters, noise-cancelling headphones, and seven more. Put your new card's welcome bonus to work.
See the travel gear guideWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. That doesn't change what we recommend — see our advertiser disclosure. Card terms, fees, and bonuses are set by the issuer and can change — always confirm on the issuer's site.