7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024

7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Chase Sapphire Preferred Triples Points Value Through Singapore Airlines Transfers

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers an interesting avenue for boosting the value of your points: transfers to Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program. This 1:1 transfer ratio means your earned Chase points can be converted directly into KrisFlyer miles, making them especially useful for those with international travel plans. Singapore Airlines offers a vast network, making it a potentially excellent partner for your travel aspirations. While the Sapphire Preferred card boasts a modest $95 annual fee, it still provides solid earning potential, notably with its 3x points for dining and select streaming plus 5x for travel booked through Chase and Lyft. Beyond this, you can gain an additional 25% value on your points when booking through Chase Travel, effectively stretching your rewards further. It's definitely a card that can make your travel dreams more affordable without sacrificing the flexibility of a points-based system. In a year where budget-friendly options are gaining popularity, the Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out as a good option, especially when paired with the KrisFlyer program.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card's integration with Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program offers an interesting avenue for maximizing travel rewards. You can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to KrisFlyer at a 1:1 ratio, a straightforward process that bypasses the usual limitations of fixed-value redemptions.

While KrisFlyer itself doesn't always offer the most competitive redemption rates, there are occasions when it shines. Their occasional promotions can lead to boosted transfer bonuses, offering a temporary spike in value for Chase points. This flexibility is especially appealing for individuals looking to explore new possibilities with their rewards.

The potential for premium cabin experiences on Singapore Airlines is certainly a draw. They are known for their high-quality service, comfortable seating, and excellent onboard dining, all factors that can enhance the overall travel experience. Some of their routes, like those to Europe or Australia, can be especially rewarding when booking well in advance.

Furthermore, the KrisFlyer program's unique "KrisFlyer Awards" feature permits stopovers on long-haul flights, giving travelers a chance to explore an extra location for minimal cost. This unique aspect of the program can add a dimension of spontaneity to your travel plans.

While Singapore Airlines is known for its reliability and punctuality, a concern is their network's reliance on their own hubs, and while the program has partnerships, it's not always as comprehensive as some other loyalty schemes. It would be interesting to see a more pronounced expansion of partner airlines in the future, especially in under-served regions.

Another intriguing aspect is their "Book the Cook" feature for premium cabins. If you're a foodie and value fine dining as part of the travel experience, using points for premium travel on Singapore Airlines with the "Book the Cook" option might be the perfect blend of culinary adventure and smart points usage.


The KrisFlyer program itself, like many, is subject to evolving rules and dynamic pricing. It's important to be diligent in researching specific routes and availability to confirm if the rewards and bonuses align with your travel goals. Despite these variables, the partnership with Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a unique pathway to leverage these points effectively for international travel. It may not be the absolute pinnacle of value for all users all the time, but it is worth exploring and understanding.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Chase Sapphire Preferred Triples Points Value Through Singapore Airlines Transfers
2. 7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Capital One VentureOne Zero Fee Card Matches Alaska Airlines Sweet Spots
3. 7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Citi Premier Card Unlocks Turkish Airlines Business Class to Europe for 45,000 Points
4. 7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - American Express Green Card Now Partners with EVA Air for Asia Routes
5. 7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - US Bank Altitude Connect Card Opens Japan Airlines First Class Awards
6. 7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Barclays Aviator Red Card Delivers 60,000 Mile Sign Up Bonus for Qatar Airways
7. 7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Bank of America Travel Rewards Card Adds Emirates Skywards Transfer Option

7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Capital One VentureOne Zero Fee Card Matches Alaska Airlines Sweet Spots

The Capital One VentureOne card is intriguing because it has no annual fee and earns a decent 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase you make. New cardholders can get a 20,000-mile bonus after spending just $500 in the first three months, which is a nice start. This card is especially attractive to those wanting to make the most of Alaska Airlines' frequent flyer program, where the sweet spots can be maximized using Capital One miles. This helps you potentially stretch your miles for flights to destinations that you find attractive. On top of that, Capital One has roughly 16 active transfer partners, which gives cardholders some flexibility when it comes to their travel options and allows them to convert their miles into other loyalty programs. The downside is that Capital One recently ended their partnership with JetBlue, which limits the range of airlines you can reach with the card. It's a factor to consider when thinking about future travel plans.

The Capital One VentureOne card, with its zero annual fee, is attracting attention for its potential to unlock value within Alaska Airlines' mileage program. This card's core strength is its straightforward reward structure: you earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, which can add up quickly. New cardholders can even get a 20,000-mile bonus after meeting a modest spending requirement.

Capital One's VentureOne, part of the broader Venture family of cards, allows for miles to be transferred to a range of travel partners, including Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines' award chart has some attractive "sweet spots," including routes to destinations like Hawaii and Mexico, which can often be booked with fewer miles compared to other carriers. This can make using your VentureOne miles for flights particularly rewarding.

The flexibility of the VentureOne rewards doesn't end with airlines. You can essentially use your miles for any travel purchase made within the previous 90 days, giving you more control over how you spend them. This is unlike some rewards programs that only allow for flights, making your points less versatile.

While Capital One lost its partnership with JetBlue earlier this year, they still maintain a fairly robust set of partners including over 15 airlines. This allows for wider potential use of miles for international travel than some mid-tier cards might offer. It remains to be seen how Capital One continues to evolve its travel partnerships in the future.

There's also an interesting side benefit to the Capital One VentureOne, you get a 50% discount on craft beverages at select merchants with any Capital One card. That might not seem related to travel, but it's a reminder that reward cards are becoming more multifaceted.

It is interesting that Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan goes beyond just air travel. They offer other ways to earn miles through partners like hotels and car rental companies, allowing travelers to expand their mileage accumulation outside of flying. This strategy may encourage more engagement with the program.

While this card might not be as loaded with bells and whistles as higher-fee cards, the VentureOne demonstrates how simple card rewards can be combined with a compelling airline program like Alaska Airlines. It's a straightforward approach to building up rewards that doesn't necessitate complex strategies or a large spending commitment, making it accessible for the casual or beginning travel rewards enthusiast.

7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Citi Premier Card Unlocks Turkish Airlines Business Class to Europe for 45,000 Points

The Citi Premier card has become a compelling option for travelers looking to experience Turkish Airlines' business class to Europe without spending a fortune. For only 45,000 Citi ThankYou points, you can secure a business class seat, making it a potentially attractive deal. Transferring your ThankYou points to Turkish Airlines' Miles&Smiles program opens up this opportunity. Turkish Airlines' business class offers a number of amenities to make the journey more comfortable, including improved onboard meals and entertainment options.

Given its relatively low annual fee of just $95, and a solid signup bonus, the Citi Premier card makes a strong case for itself among mid-tier cards. It's an excellent choice for travelers who want to maximize their points for international travel without necessarily having to pay for a premium card. Furthermore, Citi's ability to transfer points to other airline and hotel loyalty programs adds valuable flexibility and variety to the rewards program. It's a nice option to have in your arsenal if you're exploring a broader range of travel options.

The Citi Premier card presents a compelling opportunity for accessing Turkish Airlines business class to Europe for a relatively low 45,000 points. This is notably lower than what many other programs require, making it potentially a smart way to leverage your points for a premium travel experience.

Turkish Airlines has been steadily expanding its network in recent years, currently reaching over 300 destinations across 120+ countries. This includes a range of lesser-known destinations that might be appealing to travelers seeking something a bit off the beaten path in Europe and beyond. They have also been garnering positive reviews in numerous airline quality surveys, consistently ranking among the best internationally. This reputation for quality and service is worth considering, especially when compared to some of the larger, legacy carriers.

One fascinating aspect of Turkish Airlines' award chart is that it appears that the sweet spot in terms of availability often seems to be during off-season periods, like the colder winter months when travel demand tends to be lower. This suggests an opportunity for those willing to travel during less popular times to find favorable award availability.

Beyond simply reaching Europe, Turkish Airlines allows for free stopovers in Istanbul on international flights. This is a really valuable feature, since Istanbul is a fascinating city with a rich history, and it can give a rewarding opportunity to see more of the world without paying a lot extra.

Another attractive aspect of their award program is the absence of fuel surcharges. Many legacy carriers will slap on big fees on top of the miles you use to book. Turkish Airlines not having these is significant for cost-conscious travelers, making their award flights much more appealing than some of the alternatives.

Turkish Airlines also has a reputation for its on-board food offerings. They put considerable effort into the dining experience on their flights, and they've partnered with well-regarded chefs to develop their menu offerings. This focus on quality dining extends through to the business class offering, potentially enhancing the experience for those seeking a high-quality meal in addition to comfort and attentive service.

The Citi Premier card and the Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles program both have points that don't expire as long as you have some activity within a 3-year window. This gives some added flexibility for planning your redemption strategy. The Turkish Airlines program also tends to run promotions occasionally, so it might be worth keeping an eye out for special deals or reduced mileage requirements for certain destinations at specific times of the year.

Finally, Istanbul's location as a major connecting hub for air traffic between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an extremely convenient airport for many travelers. This could potentially facilitate more straightforward bookings for multi-continent itineraries if you choose to connect through this hub.

7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - American Express Green Card Now Partners with EVA Air for Asia Routes

American Express's Green Card has gained a new dimension for those interested in Asian travel with its new alliance with EVA Air. Cardholders can now shift their Membership Rewards points over to EVA Air's Infinity MileageLands program. While it requires a minimum 15,000 point transfer, it adds another layer to the Green Card's already appealing features, especially for those who travel to Asia often.

This partnership is interesting because the Green Card already stands out in the mid-tier card space with its ability to earn points on everyday spending and benefits like a statement credit for CLEAR Plus. Now, there's a pathway to potentially get more out of your points if you're looking for Asian destinations. While the Green Card doesn't aim to offer luxurious travel on its own, it smartly fits into an overall strategy for folks who want to use rewards strategically for travel.

EVA Air has been steadily building its route network, so this card partnership potentially unlocks more possibilities for travel within Asia and beyond, depending on the destinations and availability of EVA Air and its partner airlines. While it's important to carefully consider how many points it takes for specific flights, this new addition to the Green Card definitely improves its position in the crowded world of travel credit cards.

American Express's Green Card has recently formed a partnership with EVA Air, opening up new possibilities for those wanting to explore destinations in Asia. EVA Air, with its network spanning over 60 international routes, could make it easier for cardholders to reach a broader range of Asian destinations.

One interesting aspect of this collaboration is the link to the Star Alliance. Because EVA Air is a member of this airline group, the American Express Green Card now allows access to a wider selection of airline partners for point transfers. This added flexibility could be a significant benefit for those who travel frequently and require access to diverse route networks.

For travelers interested in visiting Taiwan, EVA Air offers a unique culinary twist on some of its flights. They've teamed up with Taiwanese chefs to create unique menu items, suggesting they're investing in the in-flight dining experience. While some might consider this a gimmick, it's a sign that EVA Air is trying to differentiate itself from the growing number of Asian airlines.

The American Express Green Card now provides increased rewards on travel expenses, which can potentially result in better value when redeeming for EVA Air flights, particularly for those who travel frequently to Asia. If you're a frequent traveler who spends a considerable amount of money on travel, this card could offer a path to leveraging those travel expenses into greater travel rewards.

One of EVA Air's quirky marketing tactics has been to introduce a fleet of "Hello Kitty" branded planes. While this strategy may not be everyone's cup of tea, it clearly targets a particular segment of the travel market, namely families. Whether it's a successful strategy is up for debate, but it's a definite attempt to stand out in a highly competitive market.

EVA Air has also incorporated advanced technology into its fleet, including entertainment systems that cater to a wide range of preferences. This focus on technology might be an appealing feature for the modern traveler, particularly those who typically spend a lot of time traveling in business class or who are accustomed to highly interactive technology in their daily lives.

The partnership with EVA Air further strengthens the Green Card's standing as a travel rewards card. Cardholders who use it for travel purchases earn three points per dollar, potentially accelerating the accumulation of points for future trips. How this strategy affects the cost-benefit for the cardholder depends heavily on their personal travel habits and the price elasticity of their travel choices.

While not quite a "premium" card like some that provide lie-flat seats in the back of the plane, EVA Air's Premium Economy seating is often considered a better option than basic economy when compared to cost, and comfort. It's an interesting alternative for those who want a bit more space on long-haul flights, without paying business class prices.

EVA Air’s route network is strategically placed, connecting Taipei to various key destinations in Asia and providing convenient connections to North America and Europe. This makes them a solid option for those who like to travel to multiple destinations on a single trip. If your travel style includes complex itineraries with multiple cities or continents, this could be something to consider.

Perhaps the most reassuring aspect of EVA Air is its strong safety record and consistently high ratings in industry surveys. In today's world, many travelers are sensitive to safety and security while traveling. EVA Air clearly seems to prioritize this, which may be a major selling point for many.

7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - US Bank Altitude Connect Card Opens Japan Airlines First Class Awards

The US Bank Altitude Connect card has recently opened up access to Japan Airlines first-class awards, which is a nice addition for those who value luxury travel. Japan Airlines is known for having a very high level of service and amenities, especially in its first-class cabins, and this card makes it easier to get there. The card also has a decent sign-up bonus of 20,000 points and, along with that, gives rewards for hotel and travel bookings. For people who want to maximize their miles, they offer 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and other travel-related bookings. The fact that the Altitude Connect has no annual fee and perks like lounge access is making it a strong contender against other travel cards that are also no-annual fee. For those wanting a premium travel experience, the Altitude Connect card in combination with Japan Airlines is worth exploring. It's interesting that a no-annual-fee card can get you into some pretty elite travel options.

Here's a revised version of the text, focusing on Japan Airlines and the US Bank Altitude Connect Card in a similar style and length as the original:


The US Bank Altitude Connect card presents a compelling case for travel enthusiasts seeking to unlock Japan Airlines' First Class awards, particularly given its straightforward earning structure and ability to transfer points to a diverse range of airline partners. Let's explore some fascinating aspects that make this combination particularly appealing.


First, while Japan Airlines is part of the oneworld alliance, the card can provide surprisingly smooth access to premium cabins. It's often easier to snag those sought-after seats using Altitude Connect points compared to using other alliance currencies, removing some of the usual hurdles associated with booking premium awards.

Next, it's worth noting the actual value embedded in those First Class seats. The baggage allowance alone is remarkable. On international journeys, Japan Airlines permits up to three free checked bags. This can translate into significant savings for travelers, especially those prone to bringing more than the bare minimum. Those checked baggage fees can easily mount into the hundreds of dollars on long trips, and the card neatly bypasses that aspect.

Then there's the culinary experience. Japan Airlines is known for its onboard dining in premium cabins, and their First Class offers are quite notable. A traditional kaiseki meal is often the centerpiece. This multi-course, Japanese dinner emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, many flown in from Japan to highlight regional variations and seasonal flavors. It's a showcase of the airline's commitment to a high-quality dining experience at altitude.

Beyond food, the seating itself is also noteworthy. Japan Airlines has focused on creating comfortable cabins. The seats transform into fully-flat beds with privacy partitions. Especially on long-haul flights, this capability can make a huge difference in comfort and rest, which is crucial for a satisfying travel experience.

And speaking of travel, the Japan Airlines Mileage Bank program offers a few unique aspects. When booking through certain travel partners, members can sometimes earn double miles, which can be a nice bonus. These miles can also be used to secure upgrades or special experiences that can enhance your trip, something less common with many other frequent flyer programs.

The free stopover option in Tokyo is also attractive. This can allow travelers to add a mini-trip to their itinerary at no extra airfare cost. Coupled with the flexibility of the Altitude Connect's point transfer structure, it can make it a very attractive way to explore a wider area when traveling with the airline.


It's also interesting that, unlike some airline programs that have fixed award charts, Japan Airlines has embraced dynamic award pricing. This means that the number of miles needed to redeem can fluctuate, and that sometimes during off-peak periods, you can find extremely good deals. Savvy travelers can thus maximize their points by being attuned to those fluctuations.

The card offers transfer capabilities to a broad network of over 25 airline partners. This flexibility gives you control over choosing routes and helps make Japan Airlines flights part of a larger travel strategy across Asia or even globally.


And it's not just the flight itself that stands out. Japan Airlines adds some touches that enhance the traveler experience. On some flights, they offer special sake tastings, and they are generally known for a curated selection of in-flight entertainment tailored to Japanese cultural interests.

The entertainment systems themselves are also worth noting. Japan Airlines has invested in modern, personalized entertainment that passengers control through touchscreens. It's just one of the ways they try to make the long-haul experience feel more comfortable.


These are just a few examples of how the US Bank Altitude Connect card can unlock a range of opportunities with Japan Airlines, especially for those who are interested in experiencing First Class and leveraging travel rewards in an effective manner.

7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Barclays Aviator Red Card Delivers 60,000 Mile Sign Up Bonus for Qatar Airways

The Barclays Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has recently made a splash in the travel rewards landscape with a substantial 60,000-mile sign-up bonus for American Airlines AAdvantage members. This generous offer, available after a single purchase within the initial 90 days, can be a quick way to accumulate a meaningful number of miles. It's a rather low bar to clear compared to some other cards where the entry bonus requires a few thousand dollars in spending.

The card itself comes with a $99 annual fee, which doesn't get waived for the first year, so it's not an entirely free ride. However, for frequent American Airlines flyers, the 10% return on redeemed AAdvantage miles, capped at 10,000 miles annually, can somewhat soften the blow.

It's a relatively simple proposition, perhaps even too simple for some. The card's benefits are somewhat limited, and that absence of an initial annual fee waiver might push some travelers to explore other mid-tier options which can be more flexible in terms of earning and redeeming miles or points across various travel and shopping categories.

Nonetheless, if you're a committed American Airlines traveler with a focus on maximizing AAdvantage miles, the Barclays Aviator Red Card's straightforward reward structure, and that big sign-up bonus, might be appealing. It's a solid option that gets the job done, even if it doesn't offer a slew of out-of-the-box features.

The Barclays Aviator Red card offers a substantial 60,000-mile signup bonus for new cardholders, which can be a significant boost for those interested in accumulating American Airlines AAdvantage miles. This bonus can potentially cover a round-trip economy flight to various destinations, presenting a compelling value proposition compared to other cards with similar annual fees.

Furthermore, cardholders earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, which can accelerate mile accumulation for frequent flyers. The lack of foreign transaction fees is another interesting feature for individuals who travel internationally, potentially saving on hidden fees associated with currency exchange.

The AAdvantage program, through which Aviator Red cardholders can leverage their miles, offers a wide range of redemption options. Miles can be used for a variety of purposes, such as flight upgrades, car rentals, or hotel stays, increasing the flexibility of how these rewards can be used.

American Airlines boasts a large network, spanning over 350 destinations in 50 countries, providing a significant variety for travel. It's also worth noting that the airline has been growing its route network, recently adding destinations in Africa and the Middle East, potentially opening new opportunities for exploration in emerging areas.

One of the aspects that makes American Airlines miles interesting is that they can vary in value depending on their redemption. For example, a mile can offer more value when redeemed for a premium cabin flight than for an economy class flight. This highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of how miles are valued when considering specific trips.

In addition, the AAdvantage program, like many others, experiences occasional promotions and sales where reward flights can be available for fewer miles. This implies that strategic booking timing can potentially yield greater value from these earned miles.

The AAdvantage program, specifically concerning the Aviator Red Card, is showing modernization efforts. American Airlines has incorporated technology updates in their service, which simplifies flight booking and adjustments for cardholders, potentially simplifying the travel experience. This is noteworthy as many legacy carriers have lagged in technology, and American Airlines is attempting to catch up.


While the bonus miles can be tempting and the program offers considerable flexibility, it's important to factor in the overall value proposition in comparison to other cards in the marketplace. A thorough understanding of how the AAdvantage program works and how its mile redemption varies for different destinations and travel options is key for maximizing the rewards. The Aviator Red Card provides a pathway to those rewards, but it's crucial to be an active participant in understanding how to make the most of the program for it to be truly valuable.

7 Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards That Outperform Premium Options for Miles and Points in 2024 - Bank of America Travel Rewards Card Adds Emirates Skywards Transfer Option

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has recently become a bit more interesting for those who like to fly Emirates. The addition of Emirates Skywards as a transfer partner adds a new dimension to this otherwise simple card. With no annual fee and a 1.5% return on all purchases, the card already offered a solid, no-frills approach to earning rewards. But now, it's also a gateway to one of the more notable airline loyalty programs.

The ability to shift your Bank of America points to Emirates Skywards opens up options for booking flights to destinations in the Emirates' network. This move could make this card competitive with other mid-tier travel cards, especially for those who regularly travel to places Emirates flies. You get the advantage of not having to pay a hefty annual fee for that access.

The card's versatility remains a strong point. In addition to transfers to Emirates, you can also redeem your points for travel statement credits or just get cash back. This makes the card quite adaptable to various travel and spending habits. While the Emirates transfer is a new perk, it's still important to understand if this will actually make sense for your individual needs and travel style. As travel enthusiasts continue to optimize their rewards strategies, the addition of this transfer partnership certainly makes the Bank of America Travel Rewards card worthy of a closer look.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has recently become a bit more interesting with the addition of Emirates Skywards as a transfer partner. This means cardholders can now swap their points for Skywards miles at a 1:1 ratio, which opens up access to Emirates' extensive global route network encompassing over 150 destinations. This partnership adds a new dimension to the Travel Rewards card, potentially making it more competitive with other mid-tier cards in the travel rewards space.

Emirates Skywards itself can be a good program, particularly for long-haul flights and premium cabins. For example, a business class flight to Europe might only require around 70,000 Skywards miles, which can be a lot less than you'd need with other loyalty programs. They also have their "Snooze" service, which provides a sleep package with a mattress, eye mask and other bits that can make a difference on those long flights. It's a subtle thing, but if you're considering a premium experience and booking with miles, it might be worth considering.

There is also a curious dynamic to the Skywards program in that it often has periods where you can get amazing deals on flights. In off-peak travel times, roundtrip flights to places like Asia and Europe have been observed for as little as 50,000 miles. So, if you are good at timing travel to periods when demand isn't as high, you might find a great value from your miles. There can also be promotional events or activities like the Dubai Shopping Festival where your miles can yield a greater value. That can be interesting for travelers with a fondness for shopping or trying local culinary experiences. One advantage to the program is that the miles never expire as long as you maintain a bit of activity within a three year period.

Furthermore, the Skywards program's "Skywards Anywhere" feature is handy. This allows you to use your miles to book flights on other airlines that have partnered with Emirates. So, even if Emirates doesn't fly where you need to go, you might be able to reach those destinations thanks to partnerships they have with other airlines.

Another interesting feature is the "dine-on-demand" in-flight dining for first and business class passengers. This allows you to order meals whenever you want, which is an added layer of luxury and flexibility. Also, Emirates' codeshare agreements with other carriers like American or Qantas add even more options and connections for your travel plans, opening a range of possibilities when creating your itinerary.

The Travel Rewards card also has the 1.5% cash back feature, so it's not just about flights and miles. It can be used for everyday spending that is essentially unlimited. This is very helpful for offsetting travel expenses like hotel stays or car rentals or other travel-related spending. It's a nice, flexible backup to the miles-based rewards, as the program doesn't expire for the duration of your account being open.

The introduction of Emirates Skywards to the Travel Rewards card makes it a slightly more interesting option within the space of mid-tier travel rewards cards. But ultimately, the value really depends on your travel preferences, where you want to go, and the timing of your trips. While it can potentially offer a good pathway to access Emirates flights, it is important to weigh the cost-benefits of using it compared to other available programs.