If you’ve ever forgotten to cash in your credit-card reward points, you’re not alone. Of the more than $40 billion in rewards U.S. cardholders earned in 2022, over $33 billion went unclaimed, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (1). While some leave money on the table, others are turning the work of keeping up with complicated perks, shifting terms and multiple accounts into a part-time gig that could be worth thousands of dollars. Must Read Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of selecting the right credit card for booking flights to maximize rewards and benefits, highlighting that airline credit cards offer specific perks while general travel cards provide more flexibility [1][31]. Airline Credit Cards Overview - Airline credit cards are designed for travelers loyal to specific airlines, offering rewards and benefits such as free checked bags and priority boarding [32][34]. - Co-branded airline cards typically provide rewards tied to the airline, while general travel cards allow for broader redemption options across multiple airlines [35][38]. Key Features of Airline Credit Cards - Important features to consider include welcome bonuses, rewards rates aligned with spending habits, travel benefits like free checked bags, and fees associated with the card [38][40]. - The potential for elite status and the ability to transfer miles to various travel partners are also significant advantages of airline credit cards [43][45]. Specific Card Highlights - The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, with a rewards rate of 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel [4][5]. - The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card provides 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, along with benefits like a free checked bag for the cardholder and additional passengers [8][9]. - The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months, with benefits including a Companion Certificate and free checked bags [12][13]. General Travel Cards - General travel cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold Card, are recommended for those who do not have loyalty to a specific airline, as they provide elevated rewards on flights purchased directly from airlines [47][31]. - These cards offer flexibility in redeeming rewards across various travel partners, making them suitable for occasional travelers [35][38].

Core Insights - American Express offers a variety of credit cards tailored to different financial goals, including cash back, travel rewards, and introductory 0% APR options [1][2] Group 1: Best American Express Credit Cards - The Blue Cash Everyday® Card has no annual fee, offers a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months, and provides 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year [4][5] - The Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months, with 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 spent annually [8][9] - The American Express® Gold Card is highlighted for travel rewards, offering 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, with a welcome offer of up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months [14][17] - The Platinum Card® from American Express, with an annual fee of $895, offers premium travel rewards, including 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines [19][21] - The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card provides 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months, catering to frequent Delta flyers [24][25] Group 2: Card Features and Benefits - Many American Express cards offer introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, which can be beneficial for managing existing debt or making large purchases [68] - The Hilton Honors American Express Card provides 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months, with 7x points on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels [36][38] - The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 per year, with no annual fee [32][33] - The American Express Business Gold Card allows for 4x Membership Rewards points on the top two eligible categories where the business spends the most each month [41][43] Group 3: Membership Rewards and Redemption - Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, and shopping, with the best value typically found in travel redemptions [60][62] - American Express has a wide selection of co-branded airline and hotel cards, allowing for point transfers to various travel partners [54][65]