Guides

Earning and Using Credit Card & Hotel Points

Wallace CottonContributor

June 21, 2017 • 6 min read

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Interested in using your credit cards to rack up points, but not sure how to go about it? Have you already earned tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of points and want to learn the best ways to use them for their maximum value? Then this is the FAQ page for you. See posts written by our highly knowledgeable team of points industry veterans, selected specifically to help you learn how to earn and burn like a pro.

Just want to know...

... What points are worth and if purchasing them is worth it? See our updated Points Valuations
... The best airline & hotel transfer partners? See: 10 Most Valuable Transfer Partners for Flights & Hotels
... The best cards to earn points on travel purchases? See: The 7 Best Cards for Travel Purchases
... The best way to keep track of your points and miles? See: How To Keep Track of Your Points and Miles

American Express - Membership Rewards

See: all things Membership Rewards

Earning points: Want to earn Amex Membership Rewards points? Sign up and get a huge bonus. Already did that? See this post:

Best Cards for Earning Amex Membership Rewards Points

Using Points: Want to use Amex Membership Rewards points? See these posts:

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see the transfer partners, below:

For transferring to airlines see How Long It Takes for Amex Membership Rewards to Transfer.

Barclaycard - Arrival Miles

See: all things Barclaycard

Using Points: Want to use your Arrival Miles? See these posts:

Maximizing Arrival Miles
How the Arrival Plus Offers Great Travel Redemption Flexibility

Capital One - Venture Rewards

See: all things Capital One

Considering picking up a Capital One card? See some useful information, below

Is the Capital One Venture Rewards Card Worth Getting?
Why Capital One's Cards Aren't the Best for Award Travel

Chase - Ultimate Rewards

See: all things Ultimate Rewards

Earning points: Want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points? Sign up and get a huge bonus. Already did that? See this post:

Top Cards for Maximizing Ultimate Rewards Earning

Using Points: Want to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points? See these posts:

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see the transfer partners, below.

For transferring to another account, see How Long It Takes for Chase Ultimate Rewards to Transfer and How to Transfer Ultimate Rewards Points Between Accounts.
For transferring to hotel brands, see how to transfer to IHG, Hyatt, Marriott and Ritz-Carlton.
Not sure if you should transfer your points or book through the portal? See here.

Citi - ThankYou

See: all things ThankYou Points

Using Points: Want to use your Citi ThankYou points? See these posts:

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see the transfer partners, below:

IHG - IHG Rewards

See: all things IHG Rewards

Using Points: Want to use your IHG Rewards? See these posts:

Maximize IHG Rewards for Free Nights
Maximizing IHG Rewards for Family Travel
7 Low-Level IHG Properties that Make for Awesome Awards
Historic IHG Hotels You Can Book With Points

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see some related content, below.

How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to IHG

Hyatt - World of Hyatt

See: all things Hyatt & World of Hyatt

Earning points: Want to earn World of Hyatt points? See this post about which cards to have:

The Best Credit Cards for Hyatt Guests

Using Points: Want to use your World of Hyatt points? See this post:

Top Hotels for Redeeming Your 2 Free Nights

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see some related content, below.

How transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt

Hilton - Hilton Honors

See: all things Hilton

The Award Travelers Guide to Hilton Honors

Using Points: Want to use Honors points? See these posts:

Ritz-Carlton - Ritz-Carlton Rewards

See: all things Ritz-Carlton

Using Points: Want to use your Ritz-Carlton or Marriott Rewards? See this post:

9 Marriott (and Ritz-Carlton) Properties that Make Awesome Award Redemptions

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see some related content, below.

How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Ritz-Carlton

SPG/Marriott - Starpoints/Marriott Rewards

See: all things Starwood
See: all things Marriott

The Award Travelers Guide to SPG

Using Points: Want to use your Starpoints or Marriott Rewards? See these posts:

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see SPG transfer partners, below:

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out our guides or travel resources page. Still nothing? Shoot us an email and we’ll do our best to get back to you: info@thepointsguy.com. If you'd like to see something added to this FAQ, send us a Facebook message with what you think we're missing. If your request is popular with other readers we'll add it!

Great offers from our partners

See current offers Find your best card with CardMatch™

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Just want to know...

American Express - Membership Rewards

See: all things Membership Rewards

Earning points: Want to earn Amex Membership Rewards points? Sign up and get a huge bonus. Already did that? See this post:

Best Cards for Earning Amex Membership Rewards Points

Using Points: Want to use Amex Membership Rewards points? See these posts:

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see the transfer partners, below:

For transferring to airlines see How Long It Takes for Amex Membership Rewards to Transfer.

Barclaycard - Arrival Miles

See: all things Barclaycard

Using Points: Want to use your Arrival Miles? See these posts:

Maximizing Arrival Miles
How the Arrival Plus Offers Great Travel Redemption Flexibility

Capital One - Venture Rewards

See: all things Capital One

Considering picking up a Capital One card? See some useful information, below

Is the Capital One Venture Rewards Card Worth Getting?
Why Capital One's Cards Aren't the Best for Award Travel

Chase - Ultimate Rewards

See: all things Ultimate Rewards

Earning points: Want to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points? Sign up and get a huge bonus. Already did that? See this post:

Top Cards for Maximizing Ultimate Rewards Earning

Using Points: Want to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points? See these posts:

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see the transfer partners, below.

For transferring to another account, see How Long It Takes for Chase Ultimate Rewards to Transfer and How to Transfer Ultimate Rewards Points Between Accounts.
For transferring to hotel brands, see how to transfer to IHG, Hyatt, Marriott and Ritz-Carlton.
Not sure if you should transfer your points or book through the portal? See here.

Citi - ThankYou

See: all things ThankYou Points

Using Points: Want to use your Citi ThankYou points? See these posts:

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see the transfer partners, below:

IHG - IHG Rewards

See: all things IHG Rewards

Using Points: Want to use your IHG Rewards? See these posts:

Maximize IHG Rewards for Free Nights
Maximizing IHG Rewards for Family Travel
7 Low-Level IHG Properties that Make for Awesome Awards
Historic IHG Hotels You Can Book With Points

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see some related content, below.

How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to IHG

Hyatt - World of Hyatt

See: all things Hyatt & World of Hyatt

Earning points: Want to earn World of Hyatt points? See this post about which cards to have:

The Best Credit Cards for Hyatt Guests

Using Points: Want to use your World of Hyatt points? See this post:

Top Hotels for Redeeming Your 2 Free Nights

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see some related content, below.

How transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt

Hilton - Hilton Honors

See: all things Hilton

The Award Travelers Guide to Hilton Honors

Using Points: Want to use Honors points? See these posts:

Ritz-Carlton - Ritz-Carlton Rewards

See: all things Ritz-Carlton

Using Points: Want to use your Ritz-Carlton or Marriott Rewards? See this post:

9 Marriott (and Ritz-Carlton) Properties that Make Awesome Award Redemptions

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see some related content, below.

How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Ritz-Carlton

SPG/Marriott - Starpoints/Marriott Rewards

See: all things Starwood
See: all things Marriott

The Award Travelers Guide to SPG

Using Points: Want to use your Starpoints or Marriott Rewards? See these posts:

For transferring your points to an airline or hotel, see SPG transfer partners, below:

Comments

By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

American Express - Membership Rewards

Barclaycard - Arrival Miles

Capital One - Venture Rewards

Chase - Ultimate Rewards

Citi - ThankYou

IHG - IHG Rewards

Hyatt - World of Hyatt

Hilton - Hilton Honors

Ritz-Carlton - Ritz-Carlton Rewards

SPG/Marriott - Starpoints/Marriott Rewards

Comments

Comments

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Best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for hotel stays

Amex Membership Rewards vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards points: Which is best?

How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points

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TPG featured card

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express - Membership Rewards

Barclaycard - Arrival Miles

Capital One - Venture Rewards

Chase - Ultimate Rewards

Citi - ThankYou

IHG - IHG Rewards

Hyatt - World of Hyatt

Hilton - Hilton Honors

Ritz-Carlton - Ritz-Carlton Rewards

SPG/Marriott - Starpoints/Marriott Rewards

Comments

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons