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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
-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
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
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
-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 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 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 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 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
-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 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
-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
-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
-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