Green Light
Proceed through a Green Light without hesitation, would get any card identified with a green light without giving it a second thought. All these are elite Credit Cards


Yellow Light
Proceed through a Yellow Light with hesitation but still run a yellow 9/10 times, would get any card identified with a yellow light but think twice or take a step back before applying


Red Light
Proceed through a Red Light with a good reason (wife’s about to give birth) would only get a card identified with a red light for a GOOD reason (going on a cruise or need to build your credit)

JETBLUE PLUS CARD

Green light

JetBlue Plus

Green Light

-Annual fee paid 4 checked bags on JetBlue
-Keep the miles if you cancel the card
-Quality airline with free wifi

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening
-Earn 6 points for every $1 spent on JetBlue purchases
-Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on purchases at grocery stores and restaurants
-Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary
-First checked bag free for you and up to 3 companions traveling with you on the same reservation when booked with your JetBlue Card
-Receive a 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases of cocktails and food
-0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers
-Receive an annual $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package with your card
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-If you cancel your card you keep your bonus intro points that never expire

Cons:

-$99 annual fee is not waived for the first year of membership
-Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else
-Points exclusive to JetBlue products
-No travel insurance
-If you make a balance transfer, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including the balance transfer) off
-Balance transfers must be posted within 45 days of opening the account
-3% balance transfer fee

DELTA SKYMILES GOLD CARD

Green light

WF Propel AMEX

Green Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Seasonally boost offer to 70k miles
-Annual fee is waived for the first year of membership

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-Get a $100 Delta flight credit if you spend $10,000 on your card annually
-First checked bag is complimentary on Delta flights
-No foreign transaction fees
-No annual fee for the first year of membership
-Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Purchase Protection, and Extended Warranty
-Keep your intro miles if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$99 annual fee after the first year of membership
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on Delta purchases
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants and US supermarkets
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-Must keep the account open for 12 months or Amex can take back your intro bonus
-Miles exclusive to Delta products

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PRIORITY

Green light

SOUTHWEST PRIORITY

Green Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Travel credit and anniversary bonus points cover the cost of the annual fee
-Quality Airline

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-$75 annual Southwest travel credit for the calendar year that can be applied to airline tickets
-7,500 points on your card member anniversary
-4 Upgraded boardings that allow you to board in position A1-A15 (you buy these on your card and get reimbursed via statement credits)
-No foreign transaction fees
-Lost Luggage Insurance, Luggage Delay Insurance, Extended Warranty, and Purchase Protection
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$149 annual fee not waived for the first year and is pretty steep for an airline card but definitely get $149 of value from the anniversary bonuses and calendar year statement credit (get this card after June)
-Only earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Southwest purchases
-Only earn 1 point on all your purchases besides Southwest

AADVANTAGE AVIATOR RED WORLD ELITE

Green light

AAdvantage Aviator

Green Light

-Miles for no intro spend
-Annual fee paid for after 4 checked bags on American
-Keep the miles if you cancel the card

Pros:

-Earn 60,000 miles after making a purchase on your card within 90 days of opening and paying the $99 annual fee
-Earn a $99 Companion Certificate after making your first purchase within 90 days and paying the $99 annual fee
-Get up to $25 back as statement credits on inflight wifi purchase on American Airline operated flights
-First checked bag free for you and up to 4 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
-0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers
-No foreign transaction fees
-Travel Accident Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
-Keep the miles if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$99 annual fee is not waived for the first year of membership
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
-Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else
-Points exclusive to American Airlines products
-If you make a balance transfer, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including the balance transfer) off
-Balance transfers must be posted within 45 days of opening the account
-3% balance transfer fee

CITI AADVANTAGE PLATINUM

Green light

Citi AAdvantage Platinum

Green Light

-Good return on intro spend
-$99 annual fee is waived for the first year
-Can get the points without paying the fee

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 bonus AAdvantage miles after spending $2,500 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-Earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card
-First check back is free for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same American Airlines reservation
-No foreign transaction fees
-25% off inflight purchases
-$99 annual fee is waived for the first year of membership
-Keep your points if your cancel the card

Cons:

-Miles are exclusive to American Airlines products
-No anniversary bonus for the $99 annual fee
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants
-Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else
-Citi got rid of all their travel insurance and purchase protection benefits
-If you cancel the card you can’t get another bonus for 48 months after receiving the bonus miles

UNITED EXPLORER CARD

Green light

UNITED EXPLORER

Green Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Can get bonus miles without paying the annual fee
-United miles expire after 18 months without activity

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus United miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-$0 annual fee for the first year and then $95 every year after
-No foreign transaction fees
-First checked bag for the cardmember and a companion are free on United operated flights when the tickets are purchased with your card
-2 complimentary United Club passes each year
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
-Miles stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-No anniversary mileage bonus for paying the annual fee
-Benefits are exclusively for United flights
-2 United miles for $1 spent at restaurants, hotels, and on United travel
-1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases

ALASKA AIR VISA

Green light

Alaska Air

Green Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Annual fee paid for after 3 checked bags on Alaska
-Juicy Companion Certificate

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 Alaska miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening
-Earn Alaska’s bonus Companion Fare from $121 (after taxes and fees) after spending $2,000 in purchases on the card within the first 90 days plus get one each cardmember anniversary
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Alaska purchases
-Free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation
-50% off day passes at the Alaska Lounge and 20% back on inflight Alaska purchases when you pay with your card
-No foreign transaction fees
-Keep your Alaska miles if you cancel your account

Cons:

-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-$75 annual fee is not waived for the first year
-No travel insurance, purchase protection or any of those other great benefits
-Miles redemption exclusive to Alaska products

DELTA SKYMILES PLATINUM CARD

Green light

Skymiles Platinum

Green Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Annual fee paid for after 10 checked bags on Delta
-Keep the miles if you cancel the card

Pros:

-Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchase on your card within 3 months of opening
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on hotels and Delta purchases
-Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Exclusive $39 per person per visit for you and up to two guests at the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight
-No foreign transaction fees
-Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Trip Delay Insurance, Baggage Insurance Plan, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty
-Keep your intro miles if you cancel the card

Cons:

-Annual fee of $250 not waived for the first year of membership
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants and US supermarkets
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-Must keep the account open for 12 months or Amex can take back your intro bonus
-Miles exclusive to Delta products

AADVANTAGE AVIATOR BUSINESS CARD

Green light

AAdvantage Aviator Business Card

Green Light

-Miles for no intro spend
-Annual fee paid for after 4 checked bags on American
-Keep the miles if you cancel the card

Pros:

-Earn 65,000 miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening and a bonus 10,000 miles after a purchase is made on an employee card
-Earn a $99 Companion Certificate after your account anniversary and spending $30,000 or more on your card
-First checked bag free for you and up to 4 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
-No foreign transaction fees
-Keep the miles if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$99 annual fee is not waived for the first year of membership
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at eligible office supply, telecom, and car rental merchants
-Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else
-Points exclusive to American Airlines products
-Cardmember Anniversary bonus is an extra 5% of miles accrued for charges on your annually

CITIBUSINESS AADVANTAGE PLATINUM

Green light

CITIBusiness AADvantage Platinum

Green Light

-Good return on intro spend
-$99 annual fee is waived for the first year
-Can get the points without ever paying the fee

Pros:

-Earn 70,000 bonus AAdvantage miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your card within 4 months of opening
-Complimentary Companion Certificate after you spend $30,000 on your card in a card membership year and renew your membership
-First check back is free for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same American Airlines reservation
-No foreign transaction fees
-$99 annual fee is waived for the first year of membership
-Keep your points if your cancel the card

Cons:

-Miles are exclusive to American Airlines products
-No anniversary bonus for the $99 annual fee
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and gas stations
-Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else
-Citi got rid of all their travel insurance and purchase protection benefits
-If you cancel the card you can’t get another bonus for 48 months after receiving the bonus miles

JETBLUE BUSINESS CARD

Green light

JetBlue Business Card

Green Light

-Great return on intro spend
-Annual fee paid for after 4 checked bags on JetBlue
-Quality airline with free wifi

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening and 10,000 points when a purchase is made on an employee card (employee must be added within 30 days of opening)
-Earn 6 points for every $1 spent on JetBlue purchases
-Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on purchases at office supply stores and restaurants
-Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary
-First checked bag free for you and up to 3 companions traveling with you on the same reservation when booked with your JetBlue Card
-Receive a 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases of cocktails and food
-Receive an annual $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package with your card
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-If you cancel your card you keep your bonus intro points that never expire

Cons:

-$99 annual fee is not waived for the first year of membership
-Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else
-Points exclusive to JetBlue products
-No travel insurance

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PERFORMANCE BUSINESS

Green light

SOUTHWEST PRIORITY BIZ

Green Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Anniversary bonus points, TSA Precheck or Global Entry, and wifi credits cover the cost of the annual fee
-Quality Airline

Pros:

-Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchase on the card within the first 3 months and an additional 30,000 points after spending $25,000 in purchased on the card within 6 months of opening the account
-Earn 3 points for every $1 you spend with Southwest
-Receive 9,000 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Get an $8 credit for in-flight wifi purchases, up to 365 credits each year
-4 Upgraded boardings that allow you to board in position A1-A15 (you buy these on your card and get reimbursed via statement credits)
-No foreign transaction fees
-Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Baggage Delay Insurance, Extended Warranty Protection, Purchase Protection
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$199 annual fee not waived for the first year
-Only earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on digital advertising, internet, cable, and phone services
-Only earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PLUS

Yellow Light

SW RAPID REWARDS PLUS

Yellow Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Annual fee not worth the anniversary bonus
-Would go with the Priority card option

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Baggage Delay Insurance, Extended Warranty Protection, Purchase Protection
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$69 annual fee (not waived the first year) only gets you 3,000 card member anniversary bonus points
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee
-Only earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on Southwest purchases
-Only earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PREMIER

Yellow Light

SW RAPID REWARDS PREMIER

Yellow Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Annual fee not worth the anniversary bonus
-Would go with the Priority card option

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Baggage Delay Insurance, Extended Warranty Protection, Purchase Protection
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$99 annual fee (not waived the first year) only gets you 6,000 card member anniversary bonus points
-Only earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on Southwest purchases
-Only earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES WORLD ELITE

Yellow Light

Hawaiian Airlines MC

Yellow Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Can get great value out of this card if you participate in trips to Hawaii frequently
-Very limited destination options

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Hawaiian Airlines purchases
-First checked bag is free for the primary cardmember when you use your card to purchase your ticket directly from Hawaiian Airlines
-Receive a one-time 50% off companion discount for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines
-$100 Companion discount annually for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines after each account anniversary
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Annual fee is waived for the first year of membership
-Keep the miles if you cancel the card

Cons:

-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on gas, dining, and grocery store purchases
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-$99 annual fee after the first year
-$100 off a RT flight between North America and Hawaii, only get use of this benefit if you go to Hawaii annually
-Miles exclusive to Hawaiian Airline products

AIR FRANCE KLM WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD

Yellow Light

WF Propel AMEX

Yellow Light

-Statement Credit plus intro miles will get you a one-way flight from NYC to CDG
-$89 annual fee
-Cardmember anniversary bonus

Pros:

-Earn a $100 statement credit and 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening
-3 miles per $1 spent on purchases with Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam airline partners
-5,000 miles on your account anniversary as long as you spend $50 on purchases within the year
-20 XP card anniversary (Extra 40 XP if you make $15,000 or more in purchases on your card)
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Keep your bonus points if you close your account

Cons:

-$89 annual fee that isn’t waived for the first year
-1.5 points for every $1 spent on everything else
-No travel insurance, purchase protection or any of those other great benefits
-Points exclusive to Air France, KLM and SkyTeam airline partners

MILES AND MORE WORLD ELITE

Yellow Light

Miles and More CC

Yellow Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Similar to United miles
-Best value if redeemed with Lufthansa

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 award miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening and paying the annual fee
-Receive two complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge Vouchers after each account anniversary
-Receive a Companion Ticket after each account anniversary
-Redeem miles for flight awards and upgrades on Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, SWISS, Star Alliance Airlines and other partners
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers
-If you cancel your card you keep your bonus intro points

Cons:

-$89 annual fee not waived for the first year of cardmembership
-Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on ticket purchases directly from Miles and More airline partners
-Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on everything else
-Points exclusive to Lufthansa and partners products
-If you make a balance transfer, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including the balance transfer) off
-Balance transfers must be posted within 45 days of opening the account
-3% balance transfer fee

VIRGIN ATLANTIC MASTERCARD

Yellow Light

WF Propel AMEX

Yellow Light

-Intro bonus and $200 is enough for a one-way flight from LAX to LHR
-$90 annual fee
-Can earn high-value companion fair

Pros:

-Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening
-Earn a bonus 7,500 miles on your anniversary if you spend $15,000 in purchases on your card annually, and another extra 7,500 miles if your spend $25,000 in purchases
-Earn 5,000 bonus miles when you add additional user to your account
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Virgin Atlantic purchases
-Receive a Companion reward flight when you redeem Flying Club miles for a Virgin Atlantic reward ticket (must spend $25,000 in purchases annually to qualify)
-Earn 25 tier points per $2,500 spent in purchases
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Keep your bonus points if you close your account

Cons:

-$90 annual fee not waived the first year
-1.5 miles for every $1 spent on everything else
-No travel insurance, purchase protection or any of those other great benefits
-Points exclusive to Virgin and Virgin partners

ASIANA VISA

Yellow Light

WF Propel AMEX

Yellow Light

-Intro bonus and fees almost get you a roundtrip flight from LAX to Korea
-$99 annual fee
-Cardmember anniversary perks

Pros:

-Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening
-Earn a bonus 10,000 miles certificate annually on your cardmember anniversary
-$100 annual rebate on Asiana Airline tickets after $100 minimum purchase
-2 complimentary Asiana Airline lounge invitations annually on your cardmember anniversary
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Asiana purchases
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Keep your bonus points if you close your account

Cons:

-$99 annual fee not waived the first year
-2 miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores
-1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-No travel insurance, purchase protection or any of those other great benefits
-Points exclusive to Asiana and Asiana partners

JETBLUE CARD

Yellow Light

JetBlue Card normal

Yellow Light

-OK return on intro spend
-No annual fee
-Annual fee on higher tier JetBlue cards is worth it

Pros:

-Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening
-Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on JetBlue purchases
-50% off inflight savings on cocktails and food purchases
-No annual fee
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers
-If you cancel your card you keep your bonus intro points that never expire

Cons:

-Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on everything else
-Points exclusive to JetBlue products
-If you make a balance transfer interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including the balance transfer) off
-Balance transfers must be posted within 45 days of opening the account
-3% balance transfer fee

DELTA SKYMILES RESERVE CARD

Yellow Light

WF Propel AMEX

Yellow Light

-Good card for a Delta Loyalist
-Amex Platinum gets you similar, arguably better benefits
-Juicy companion certificate

Pros:

-Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $5,000 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Delta purchases
-Earn 15,000 MQMs after spending $30,000 in purchases on your card, up to 4 times a year, and get the MQD (Medallion Qualification Dollar) waiver after spending $25,000 in purchases on your card
-First checked bag is complimentary on Delta flights
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Complimentary access to Delta Sky Lounges when your flying delta and 2 complimentary guest pass each year
-Complimentary access to Centurion Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Reserve Card
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation, Baggage Insurance Plan, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty
-Keep the miles if you cancel your card

Cons:

-Annual fee of $550 not waived for the first year
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases
-Must keep the account open for 12 months or Amex can take back your intro bonus
-Miles exclusive to Delta products

UNITED CLUB INFITE

Yellow Light

UNITED CLUB PREMIER

Yellow Light

-Annual fee is waived for the first year
-High annual fee for limited travel benefits
-Better bang for your buck with Sapphire Reserve unless you’re a United loyalist

Pros:

-$525 annual fee is waived for the first year of membership, no spending required
-4 miles for every $1 spent on United purchases
-Access to United Clubs and Star Alliance affiliated lounges around the world
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Up to 2 free checked bags for the cardmember and a companion on United operated flights when the tickets are purchased on the United Club Infinite Card
-Complimentary Premier Upgrades on United-operated flights for the primary Cardmember
-Trip Cancellations/ Trip Interruption Insurance, Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Purchase Protection, Return Protection
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle Membership
-Miles stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$525 annual fee not waived the first year
-High spend to unlock the intro bonus
-Only given access to the United Clubs when flying United
-Only 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining purchases
-Only 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else

AADVANTAGE EXECUTIVE WORLD ELITE

Yellow Light

AAdvantage Executive World Elite

Yellow Light

-OK return on intro spend
-$450 annual fee
-Fly American 5 times roundtrip and annual fee pays for itself

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 miles after spending $5,000 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-First check back is free for you and up to eight companions traveling with you on the same American Airlines reservation
-Admirals Club membership for you and up to two guests or immediate family members
-No foreign transaction fees
-Earn 10,000 AAdvantage Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases on your card per calendar year
-25% off in flight purchases
-Receive a $145 statement credit off the annual fee if you have a Citigold account
-If you cancel your card you keep the bonus miles
-If you fly American 5 times roundtrip annually, the fee pays for itself(~$25 for a checked bag each way, ~$25 for Admirals Club access)

Cons:

-Miles are exclusive to American Airlines products
-$450 annual fee is not waived for the first year and doesn’t carry an anniversary bonus
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
-Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else
-Citi got rid of all their travel insurance and purchase protection benefits
-If you cancel the card you can’t get another bonus for 48 months after receiving the bonus miles

UNITED BUSINESS CARD

Yellow Light

United Biz Chase

Yellow Light

-OK return on intro spend
-Anniversary bonus miles not worth the annual fee
-Good travel coverage

Pros:

-Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card within the first 3 months
-First checked bag free for you and one companion while traveling on United-operated flights purchased with the card
-Two United Club passes per year
-5,000 bonus miles for every cardmember anniversary
-No foreign transaction fees
-$100 flight credit after making 7 United-travel related purchase totaling $100 or more each
-Auto Rental Collision Waiver, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, Trip Delay Reimbursement
-Keep the miles if you close your account

Cons:

-$99 Annual fee not waived for the first year
-2 miles for every $1 spent on purchases made with United, taxis, ride shares, tolls, transit, gas, office supply stores and restaurants
-1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES BUSINESS MASTERCARD

Yellow Light

Hawaiian Biz MC

Yellow Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Can get great value out of this card if you participate in trips to Hawaii frequently
-Very limited destination options

Pros:

-Earn 60,000 miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening and an additional 10,000 miles when a purchase is made on an employee card (employee must be added within 30 days of opening)
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Hawaiian Airlines purchases
-Receive a one-time 50% off companion discount for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines
-Earn 20,000 bonus miles with $50,000-$99,999 in annual purchases or earn 40,000 miles with $100,000 or more in annual purchases
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Keep the miles if you cancel the card

Cons:

-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on gas, dining, and office supply store purchases
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-$99 annual fee not waived the first year
-No free baggage included
-Miles exclusive to Hawaiian Airline products

DELTA SKYMILES GOLD BUSINESS CARD

Green light

Skymiles Gold Biz

Yellow Light

-Good return on intro spend
-Annual fee is waived for the first year of membership
-Annual fee pays for itself after 4 checked bags on Delta

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-Get a $100 Delta flight credit if you spend $10,000 on your card annually
-First checked bag is complimentary on Delta flights
-No foreign transaction fees
-No annual fee for the first year of membership
-Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Purchase Protection, and Extended Warranty
-Keep your intro miles if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$99 annual fee after the first year of membership
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on Delta purchases
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants and US supermarkets
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-Must keep the account open for 12 months or Amex can take back your intro bonus
-Miles exclusive to Delta products
-High APR and no late payment benefits on purchases outside of amazon brands (if that is important to your business)

DELTA SKYMILES PLATINUM BUSINESS CARD

Green light

WF Propel AMEX

Yellow Light

-OK return on intro spend
-Annual fee pays for itself after 10 checked bags on Delta
-Juicy companion certificate

Pros:

-Earn 45,000 bonus miles and 5,000 MQMs after you spend $3,000 in purchase on your card within 3 months of opening
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on hotels and Delta purchases
-Earn 1.5x miles on all purchases for $5,000 or more. Up to 50,000 additional miles per year
-Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Exclusive $39 per person per visit for you and up to two guests at the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight
-No foreign transaction fees
-Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Trip Delay Insurance, Baggage Insurance Plan, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty
-Keep your intro miles if you cancel the card

Cons:

-Annual fee of $250 not waived for the first year of membership
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants and US supermarkets
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-Must keep the account open for 12 months or Amex can take back your intro bonus
-Miles exclusive to Delta products
-High APR and no late payment benefits (if that is important to your business)

DELTA SKYMILES RESERVE BUSINESS CARD

Yellow Light

WF Propel AMEX

Yellow Light

-Good card for a Delta Loyalist
-Amex Platinum gets you similar, arguably better benefits
-Juicy companion certificate

Pros:

-Earn 45,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $5,000 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Delta purchases
-Earn 1.5 miles for every $1 spent after you make $150,000 in purchase on your card each calendar year
-Earn 15,000 MQMs after spending $30,000 in purchases on your card, up to 4 times a year, and get the MQD (Medallion Qualification Dollar) waiver after spending $25,000 in purchases on your card
-First checked bag is complimentary on Delta flights
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Complimentary access to Delta Sky Lounges when your flying delta and 2 complimentary guest pass each year
-Complimentary access to Centurion Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Reserve Card
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation, Baggage Insurance Plan, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty
-Keep the miles if you cancel your card
-If you don’t have Medallion Status, your card adds you to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Medallion Members

Cons:

-Annual fee of $550 not waived for the first year
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases
-Must keep the account open for 12 months or Amex can take back your intro bonus
-Miles exclusive to Delta products
-High APR and no late payment benefits on purchases outside of amazon brands (if that is important to your business)

UNITED TRAVELBANK CARD

“Red

TRAVELBANK

Red Light

-Chase Freedom OVER United TravelBank
-No annual fee
-Waste of a credit inquiry

Pros:

-Earn $150 in United TravelBank cash after spending $1,000 in purchase on the card within 3 months of opening
-No annual fee
-No foreign transaction fees
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Purchase Protection, Price Protection

Cons:

-2% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on United travel
-1.5% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on all other purchases
-TravelBank cash back is exclusive to United products
-Better off with a Chase Freedom card

BRITISH AIRWAYS VISA SIGNATURE

“Red

BRITISH AIRWAYS

Red Light

-Only if your spending 3 months traveling around Europe
-Annual fee not worth it
-Weak points for international travel

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 Bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months and earn an additional 50,000 Bonus Avios after spending $20,000 on the card within the first year of opening
-3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia purchases
-No foreign transaction fees
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Purchase Protection, Lost Luggage Reimbursement
-Keep the miles if you close your account

Cons:

-$95 Annual fee not waived for the first year
-2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations made directly with the hotel
-1 Avios for every $1 spent on everything else
-Avios have a low redemption value with high taxes and fees for International flights

AER LINGUS VISA SIGNATURE

“Red

AER LINGUS VISA

Red Light

-Only if your spending 3 months traveling around Europe
-Annual fee not worth it
-Weak points for international travel

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 Bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months and earn an additional 50,000 Bonus Avios after spending $20,000 on the card within the first year of opening
-3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia purchases
-No foreign transaction fees
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Purchase Protection, Lost Luggage Reimbursement
-Keep the miles if you close your account

Cons:

-$95 Annual fee not waived for the first year
-2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations made directly with the hotel
-1 Avios for every $1 spent on everything else
-Avios have a low redemption value with high taxes and fees for International flights

IBERIA VISA SIGNATURE

“Red

IBERIA VISA

Red Light

-Only if your spending 3 months traveling around Europe
-Annual fee not worth it
-Weak points for international travel

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 Bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months and earn an additional 50,000 Bonus Avios after spending $20,000 on the card within the first year of opening
-3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia purchases
-No foreign transaction fees
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Purchase Protection, Lost Luggage Reimbursement
-Keep the miles if you close your account

Cons:

-$95 Annual fee not waived for the first year
-2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations made directly with the hotel
-1 Avios for every $1 spent on everything else
-Avios have a low redemption value with high taxes and fees for International flights

DELTA SKYMILES BLUE CARD

Red Light

WF Propel AMEX

Red Light

-OK return on intro spend
-No annual fee
-Waste of a hard inquiry
-Get the Delta Skymiles Gold instead

Pros:

-Earn 15,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-No annual fee
-No Foreign Transaction Fee
-Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty
-Keep the intro bonus miles if you cancel your account

Cons:

-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants
-2 miles for every $1 spent on delta purchases
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-Miles are exclusive to Delta products

AMERICAN AIRLINES AADVANTAGE MILE UP

“Red

AA Mile Up Card

Red Light

-Rewards + OVER AAdvatange Mile Up
-No annual fee
-Don’t waste your chance at an AAdvantage intro bonus on this card

Pros:

-Earn 10,000 AAdvantage miles and a $50 statement credit after spending $500 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at grocery stores
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
-No annual fee
-25% off in flight purchases
-Keep the miles if you cancel the card

Cons:

-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-Miles are exclusive to American Airlines products
-If you cancel the card you can’t get another bonus for 48 months after receiving the bonus miles
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee

SPIRIT AIRLINES WORLD MASTERCARD

Red light

WF Propel AMEX

Red Light

-Lower tier intro bonus
-$59 annual fee waived for the first year
-Only if you pride yourself on flying Spirit regularly

Pros:

-Earn 15,000 bonus miles after your first purchase with the card and then another 15,000 after spending $500 in purchases within 90 days of opening
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent
-$59 annual fee is waived for the first year of membership
-5,000 bonus miles if you spend $10,000 on the card annually
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Keep your bonus points if you close your account

Cons:

-No anniversary bonus for the annual fee of $59
-Spirit is a bottom tier airline
-No travel insurance, purchase protection or any of those other great benefits

ALLEGIANT WORLD MASTERCARD

Red light

WF Propel AMEX

Red Light

-Lower tier intro bonus
-$59 annual fee
-0% intro APR for 12 months
-Only if you have an Allegiant route you frequent

Pros:

-Earn 15,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of opening
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Allegiant purchases
-0% intro APR on purchases made on the card for the first 12 billing cycles
-Boy one, get one free when you use your card to purchase a vacation package from Allegiant with four or more hotel nights or at least 7 rental car days on the same itinerary
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Keep your bonus points if you close your account

Cons:

-Annual fee of $59 is not waived the first year of membership
-No annual anniversary bonus
-Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on dining
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-Allegiant is a bottom tier airline
-No travel insurance, purchase protection or any of those other great benefits

FRONTIER AIRLINES WORLD MASTERCARD

Red Light

Frontier MC

Red Light

-OK return on intro spend
-Frontier sucks
-Waste of a hard inquiry

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases on your card within 90 days of opening and paying the annual fee
-Earn 5 miles for every $1 spent on purchases at flyfrontier.com
-Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on restaurant purchases
-Earn a $100 Flight Voucher on every account anniversary after spending $2,500 or more on purchases with your card during your card membership year
-0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
-No foreign transaction fees
-Share miles with family and friends

Cons:

-$79 annual fee not waived for the first year
-Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else
-If you make a balance transfer, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including the balance transfer) off
-Balance transfers must be posted within 45 days of opening the account
-Miles expire if you don’t make at least one purchase every 6 months
-Miles exclusive to Frontier products
-No free baggage included with the card