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It’s time for a showdown. 🥊💥

Not all travel credit cards are created equal. Some earn flexible points that can be used in multiple ways, while others are tied to a specific airline or hotel. So, which one should you get?

Flexible Travel Rewards Credit Cards: The Swiss Army Knife of Points & Miles

Flexible travel rewards cards earn points that can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners or used for travel purchases. Think of them as the versatile friend who can plan an itinerary, navigate a foreign subway system, and somehow find the best coffee shop within five minutes of landing. They can do it all.

Examples of Flexible Travel Rewards Cards:

All information about Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Parks on Recreation. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

These cards earn points in their respective programs (e.g., Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards) and let you transfer them to various travel partners like airlines and hotels. This means more options, better redemptions, and fewer "why does this flight cost 200,000 miles?! 😤" moments.

Best Uses:

Booking flights on different airlines by transferring points to their frequent flyer programs
Covering hotel stays with a variety of brands
Maximizing value by taking advantage of airline sweet spots (e.g., booking a Delta flight with Virgin Atlantic miles for fewer points)

Co-Branded Travel Credit Cards: The Loyalist’s Best Friend

Co-branded travel cards, on the other hand, are issued in partnership with a specific airline or hotel chain, and the points you earn can only be redeemed within that program.

Examples of Co-Branded Travel Cards:

While they lack the flexibility of transferable points, they come with perks that can make your travel life easier, like free checked bags, priority boarding, elite status, and even annual free hotel nights. (And you know we love the sound of freeeeeee!)

Best Uses:

Booking flights with a specific airline (and getting those sweet, sweet free checked bags)
Earning elite status faster with your favorite hotel/airline for better upgrades and perks
Receive hotel free night certificates and elite benefits

*We used the free night award from our World of Hyatt card to book a free night at the Grand Hyatt Doha during our 26 hour layover in Qatar!*

Which One Should You Get First?

🤭 Spoiler Alert: Start with Flexible Points!

If you’re just dipping your toes into the points and miles world, flexible travel rewards cards are *hands down* the best place to start. 💯 Why? Because they keep your options open.

Nothing stings more than being locked into one airline’s program only to realize their flights are always ridiculously priced in points. (👀 Looking at youuuu, Delta.)

With a flexible points card, you can transfer to different airlines and hotel brands and take advantage of the best deals to maximize your points.

Once you’ve built up a good stash of flexible points, that’s when co-branded cards can come in handy—especially if you find yourself consistently flying the same airline or staying at the same hotel chain. You know, once you’re finally ready to settle down and commit. 😉

How Co-Branded Cards Fit Into Your Points and Miles Strategy

Once you have a solid flexible points card (or three), co-branded cards can supplement your strategy by:

Giving you elite status perks (hello, free breakfast or free checked bags! 😍)
Offering free night certificates or companion passes
Boosting your point balance in a specific program when you have a redemption in mind

Think of it like building a wardrobe—start with versatile basics (flexible points) that go with everything, and once you know your style (preferred airline or hotel), invest in statement pieces (co-branded cards) that complement your travel goals.

Prioritizing flexible points cards over co-branded card is key 🔑 to a strong points and miles strategy!

If you want more options on our favorite flexible travel rewards credit cards, head to our Best Credit Cards page to see all our favorites in one place!

Bottom Line: The Perfect Combo 🤝

For the best points and miles strategy, a mix of both types of cards is ideal. Start with a flexible points card to rack up versatile rewards, then add co-branded cards that align with your favorite airlines or hotels for elite perks and brand-specific benefits. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping piña coladas on a beach, thinking about all the money you didn’t spend to get there. 💁‍♀️ Cheers to that!

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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Flexible Travel Rewards Cards vs. Co-Branded Credit Cards