I get asked all the time, what is the best travel credit card? It is obviously a vague question but one I wanted to answer as credit cards are a great way to gain points for free travel. Believe me, I have used credit cards to hack my way to over 4 million miles and 1 million hotel points. An iva advice that I got from one of my friends is that credit cards are also good for repaying your loans. I think the best travel credit card and certainly my favorite travel credit card is the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card from American Express.

I have been using the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card from American Express since 1999. In that time I have also had several other cards for different airline miles programs and other hotel points programs as well.

However, the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card from American Express outshines them all and I will tell you why it’s my favorite travel credit card.

No Blackout Dates

The Starwood Preferred Guest credit card from American Express allows you to use your points that you’ve accumulated when you want them. As long as there is a room available, you can use your points. It’s not like airlines miles where there are so many annoying restrictions. Starwood points are so valuable in my opinion and I use them all the time, especially to curtail some costs from the iva that I’ve undertaken.

Rewards

Many of my favorite hotels are Starwood. My favorite line of hotels are W Hotels; especially the W Scottsdale in Arizona. I have used points to stay at some of the best hotels in the world and with loyalty comes rewards.

As a Starwood platinum member for many years I have achieved status that allows me to receive free upgrades whenever there is a better room available including some of the best suites I have ever stayed in. I have even been given the Presidential Suite on countless occasions.

Flexibility

You can receive a 5000 point bonus if you transfer 20,000 Starpoints to any of over 30 airline frequent flyer programs; which gives you enough for a free flight anywhere in the continental US.

Additionally, Starwood offers the option to use cash and points. This means you can use some Starpoints and some cash. This is great if you are splitting a room with someone or if you just don’t want to use the full amount of points and don’t mind paying some cash. Either way, you are credited with a stay toward elite qualification.

Don’t underestimate the value of hotel points when you travel. Hotels add up and will end up being the most expensive part of your trip generally-assuming you stay at nice places. That said, 30,000 Starpoints goes a long way toward making the trip to the Maldives a lot more affordable (above)! I highly recommend the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card from American Express. Trust me, you will thank me later!

Disclaimer: The Starwood Preferred Guest credit card from American Express does not endorse my site or compensate me directly for posting this or recommending their product. I recommend this product because I have used the card since 1999 and I love it and I love Starwood Hotels. I may receive some compensation through affiliate ads that are associated with my site but not directly from American Express or Starwood.

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