Best Frequent Flyer Earning Credit Cards for U.S. Resident

[Vic99]

As the title implies, what's the best? 

I would view best as (in this order):
- most miles for money charged on card, including offset by annual fee if anything;
- most carriers that are part of credit card network;
- least hassle for redeeming miles;

My family of four travel to Europe two out of three years to visit family.  We also expect a U.S. or Canada flight every two or three years.

Together we charge between $1,000-3,000 per month.  No problems paying off each month.  Thanks.

[Calvawt]

I would focus on American Airlines, besides the direct cards you can open Starwood cards and transfer to American. 

United also works really well with direct cards and also chase ultimate rewards.


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[rubybeth]

Do you want an actual airline card, or a card that you can use with any airline?

I love our BarclayCard Arrival Plus MasterCard--we earn double miles on every purchase, and then can reimburse ourselves for any travel expenses, including airfare on any carrier plus the cost of hotels and sometimes other travel expenses have been reimbursable, too (like our Museum Cards in the Netherlands, and the cost of our Van Gogh Museum tickets). https://home.barclaycardus.com/cards/barclaycard-arrival-plus-world-elite-mastercard.html The $89 annual fee is also a reimbursable expense, and I believe it's waived the first year.

I believe the Chase Sapphire card is similar, details are slightly different, but these two (BarclayCard and Chase) are frequently cited as the best options that give you flexibility in terms of airlines (we always just choose the cheapest airfare, so like the flexibility).

Chase info: https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/sapphire-preferred-card.aspx

[doggyfizzle]

I would suggest Amex Preferred Rewards Gold or Everyday Preferred.  Both have the best earnings potential (IMO) for a typical family that purchases gas, groceries, plane tix, etc.  Amex points can be transferred to carriers in all major alliances (sky team, one world, star) to allow for quite a bit of flexibility in terms of travel options.

I've had good luck with the Starwood card as well, but there is no guarantee the 1:1 transfer ration of Starpoints to most frequent flyer programs will continue if the Mariott merger goes through.