Understand rewards
The basics of points, miles and cash back
Points, miles and cash-back rewards are currencies offered by many credit card issuers, airlines, hotels and other platforms.
- SpendOn everyday purchases and larger expenses
- EarnBased on earning rates for specific categories
- RedeemFor travel, cash back, products or experiences
Loyalty points and miles
Loyalty points and miles are tied directly to a specific airline, hotel or brand. In most cases, rewards can’t be transferred to other brands. For example, if you earn American AAdvantage miles, you can only use those miles to book flights through American Airlines. Those can be either American’s own flights or flights on its partner airlines, but the key is that you must book through the program.
Earn with a loyalty program
United MileagePlusRedeem with that loyalty program
United Airlines flightFlexible points and miles
Some platforms and credit card issuers offer the ability to earn points and miles that can be used within their own brand’s ecosystem or transferred to any of their airline, hotel and other loyalty program partners. These points provide a high degree of flexibility, allowing consumers to choose which partner program to transfer their rewards to without being tied to a single program.
Earn with a credit card
Chase Ultimate RewardsTransfer to a partner
United MileagePlusKeep learning
Cash-back rewards
Cash-back rewards are usually the simplest to earn and redeem. With a cash-back credit card, you’ll earn a percentage of each purchase back in rewards that you can redeem for cash, either as a statement credit, a check in the mail or a direct deposit.
Earn with a cash-back card
Citi Double Cash® CardRedeem for cash back
Statement credit, check or direct depositEditorial disclaimer: Editorial content is not influenced by nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to or after publication.
