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Simply Points Travel™

Top Cards for
Award Travel

Why These Cards?

We focus on cards that can play a useful role in a simple points strategy, especially cards that earn flexible points, have strong earning potential, or provide valuable travel benefits.

The goal isn't to open every card. It's to understand why a card fits your strategy before you apply.

Start with the strategy — not the card.

Our Top Pick

Our Favorite Starter Card

Chase

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Best For: Your First Flexible-Points Travel Card

Why We Like It

This is one of our favorite starting points for travelers who want to build flexible points. Instead of earning rewards tied to only one airline or hotel program, Chase Ultimate Rewards gives you multiple ways to use your points.

Why It Matters

Flexible points give you options. You can compare different ways to book your trip instead of being locked into a single loyalty program.

At a Glance

  • 3x dining, 3x gas and EV charging, 3x online groceries, 3x streaming services, 3x vacation homes, 2x all other travel
  • Flexible Ultimate Rewards points
  • Strong travel benefits
  • $95 annual fee

Good Fit If

You're new to points and miles and want a flexible travel card that can become the foundation of a broader Chase strategy.

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Personal referral link: If you apply through this link and are approved, we may receive referral rewards. The offer available through this link may differ from other offers available for this card.

No Annual Fee

A Good No-Annual-Fee Companion Card

Chase

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best For: A No-Annual-Fee Chase Companion Card

Why We Like It

This card helps fill one of the biggest gaps in a Chase points strategy: everyday purchases that don't fall into a higher bonus category.

Why It Matters

When paired with an eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards card, it can be part of a broader strategy for building flexible Chase points while keeping a no-annual-fee card in your wallet.

At a Glance

  • No annual fee
  • Earns 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on purchases when paired within a Chase Ultimate Rewards strategy.

Good Fit If

You want a simple everyday Chase card with no annual fee, especially if you're building a broader Chase Ultimate Rewards strategy.

See Current Offer

Personal referral link: If you apply through this link and are approved, we may receive referral rewards. The offer available through this link may differ from other offers available for this card.

Business Cards

Great Picks for Business Spending

Chase

Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Card

Best For: Simple Business Spending

Why We Like It

Not every purchase fits neatly into a bonus category. The Ink Business Unlimited keeps business spending simple by earning a flat rate on eligible purchases with no annual fee.

Why It Matters

It can be a useful catch-all card for business expenses that wouldn't earn a higher bonus elsewhere.

At a Glance

  • No annual fee
  • Simple flat-rate earning
  • Earns 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on purchases when paired within a Chase Ultimate Rewards strategy.

Good Fit If

You have eligible business activity and want a straightforward no-annual-fee card for everyday business expenses.

See Current Offer

Personal referral link: If you apply through this link and are approved, we may receive referral rewards. The offer available through this link may differ from other offers available for this card.

Chase

Chase Ink Business Cash® Card

Best For: Maximizing Common Business Categories

Why We Like It

The Ink Business Cash can be especially useful for businesses that regularly spend in its bonus categories because those purchases can earn significantly more rewards than a standard 1X card.

Why It Matters

Bonus categories can help you earn points faster from expenses your business already has.

At a Glance

  • No annual fee
  • 5X points on eligible purchases at office supply stores, up to the applicable spending limit.

Good Fit If

Your business naturally spends in this card's bonus categories and you want a no-annual-fee way to increase your earning rate.

See Current Offer

Personal referral link: If you apply through this link and are approved, we may receive referral rewards. The offer available through this link may differ from other offers available for this card.

American Express

AMEX Blue Business® Plus Credit Card

Best For: A No-Annual-Fee Amex Points Card

Why We Like It

The Blue Business Plus is a simple way to earn American Express Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases without an annual fee.

Why It Matters

Instead of needing to remember multiple bonus categories, the card can provide a strong everyday earning rate on eligible purchases up to the applicable annual spending threshold.

At a Glance

  • No annual fee
  • Earns Membership Rewards points
  • 2X points on the first $50K in eligible purchases each calendar year

Good Fit If

You want to build American Express Membership Rewards points from eligible business spending without adding another annual fee.

See Current Offer

Personal referral link: If you apply through this link and are approved, we may receive referral rewards. The offer available through this link may differ from other offers available for this card.

Not Sure Which Card Makes Sense?

The best card isn't necessarily the card with the biggest bonus. Think about the points you want to earn, where you spend money, your travel goals, and how the card fits with the cards you already have.

Learn the Points & Miles Basics

What is Chase's 5/24 policy?

The Chase 5/24 Rule is an unofficial approval policy used by Chase when reviewing credit card applications.

In simple terms:

If you've opened 5 or more personal credit cards from any bank in the last 24 months, you'll likely be denied for most Chase credit cards, even if you have excellent credit. While Chase has never officially published this rule, it has been consistently observed through years of applicant data.

Most business cards that do not report to your personal credit report generally do not add to your 5/24 count, although issuer and card reporting practices can vary.

Simply Points Travel™ Tip 💡

Think of 5/24 as your "Chase eligibility meter." If you're just starting your points and miles journey, prioritize the Chase cards you want first. Once you're over 5/24, you may have to wait until older accounts age past the 24-month mark before becoming eligible again.

Before applying: Be sure you can pay your balance in full each month and understand the issuer's approval rules, such as Chase's 5/24 policy. Most importantly, have a plan to meet the minimum spending requirement so you can earn the full welcome bonus.

Referral Disclosure: Some credit card links on this page are personal referral links. If you apply through one of these links and are approved, Simply Points Travel may receive referral points, miles, cash back, or other rewards. You are never required to use our links, and referral offers may differ from offers available directly from the card issuer. We encourage you to compare available offers and review the card's current terms and conditions before applying.

Review current offers: Card offers, benefits, fees, earning rates, and terms can change. Always review the current offer and terms provided by the card issuer before applying.

*Credit card offers are subject to the terms and conditions of the issuing bank. Please review all offer details carefully before applying. Simply Points Travel™ may receive compensation when you click on certain links or apply for products through links on this website. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the free educational content we provide.