Travel isn’t always expensive. In fact, it can be free for those who leverage the vast network of miles and points programs out there. Credit cards, frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty clubs allow travelers to earn free or discounted travel, sometimes just with your everyday spending on gas, groceries and other purchases.
10Best teamed up with a panel of miles and points experts, along with travel writers, to nominate the best programs for American travelers – the credit cards, frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs with the best earning potential, flexibility, extra perks and ease of redemption. Then we invited you to vote for your favorites. The results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Best Airline Co-Branded Credit Card: Allegiant World Mastercard
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The Allegiant World Mastercard earns three points per dollar on Allegiant purchases (including air, hotel and car rental), two points per dollar on qualified dining and a point per dollar on everything else. Other perks include a 15,000-point sign-up bonus, BOGO vacation packages, priority boarding and a free beverage on every flight.
Full list of winners: Best Airline Co-Branded Credit Card »
Best Frequent Flyer Program: Delta SkyMiles
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SkyMiles members earn miles with flights on Delta and several partner airlines, as well as through Delta Vacations getaways or through myriad hotel, car rental, restaurant and retail partners. Miles never expire and can be used to book travel on Delta or partner airlines, purchase cabin upgrades or shop on the SkyMiles Marketplace.
Full list of winners: Best Frequent Flyer Program »
Best Hotel Loyalty Program: Wyndham Rewards
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The Wyndham Rewards program honors stays at more than 50,000 participating hotels, vacation clubs and resorts worldwide. These include popular brands like Wyndham, La Quinta, Days Inn, Super 8 and Ramada. Points can also be redeemed for airline travel, gift cards, tours and more.
Full list of winners: Best Hotel Loyalty Program »
Best Rewards Credit Card: Discover it Cash Back
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Discover it cardholders earn five percent cash back on rotating categories like gas stations, Amazon.com, restaurants and wholesale clubs, plus one percent back on all other purchases. Discover matches the cashback you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Full list of winners: Best Rewards Credit Card »
Best Travel & Hotel Co-Branded Credit Card: Wyndham Rewards Earner Card
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Wyndham Rewards Earner cardholders enjoy up to 90,000 bonus points after spending just $2,000. That’s enough points for up to 12 free nights! Cardholders also earn up to eight points per dollar at Wyndham properties and on qualifying gas purchases and up to 6 points per dollar spent on food (both dining and grocery stores). Other benefits include annual point bonuses, no foreign transaction fees, booking discounts and more.
Full list of winners: Best Travel & Hotel Co-Branded Credit Card »
Congratulations to all these winning programs! Remember to visit 10Best.com daily to vote in our Readers’ Choice contests.
10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.