Travel expenses can add up quickly, but those who take advantage of the leading loyalty and rewards programs can find ample chances to earn free or discounted flights and hotel stays by simply spending on everyday items like gas, groceries, and more.

To identify the best options, YSL News 10Best brought together a panel of experts focused on travel, miles, and points. They contributed their insights on the top credit cards, frequent flyer programs, and hotel loyalty schemes, evaluating them based on earning potential, flexibility, bonus features, and ease of redeeming rewards. Our readers then voted for their favorites to crown the winners.

Top Airline Credit Card: Allways Rewards Visa Card

The Allways Rewards Visa Card offers 3 points for every dollar spent on Allegiant services (this includes flights, accommodations, and car rentals), 2 points per dollar on eligible dining, and 1 point for all other purchases. Additional benefits include a 25,000-point sign-up bonus (after qualifying expenses), BOGO airfare on qualifying holiday packages, priority boarding, and a complimentary beverage with every Allegiant flight.

Top Frequent Flyer Program: Allegiant Air Allways Rewards

Allways Rewards by Allegiant Air allows you to earn a variety of rewards through numerous methods while providing access to exclusive member promotions. Joining is free, and your points remain valid for 24 months as long as there’s activity. You can earn 1 point for each dollar spent at Allegiant.com or 2 points per dollar for bookings exceeding $500.

Points can be redeemed with no minimum required, granting you exceptional rewards flexibility.

Top Hotel Loyalty Program: Wyndham Rewards

The Wyndham Rewards program recognizes stays at over 50,000 participating hotels, vacation clubs, and resorts globally, which includes well-known brands like Wyndham, La Quinta, Days Inn, Super 8, and Ramada. Points can also be exchanged for gift cards, tours, sports events, and beyond.

Top Rewards Credit Card: Citi Strata Premier Card

The Citi Strata Premier card awards cardholders with a $100 hotel credit annually and provides 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, dining, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations. Additionally, it grants 10 points per dollar for reservations made for hotel stays, car rentals, and experiences through CitiTravel.com. Points can be switched to partners like TrueBlue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Top Travel & Hotel Credit Card: Wyndham Rewards Earner Card

For enthusiasts of the Wyndham chain, holding a Wyndham Rewards Earner Card provides excellent

This card offers a generous sign-up bonus of 75,000 points (after meeting certain purchase criteria), along with the ability to earn points on everyday transactions. These points can be exchanged for complimentary hotel nights, gift cards, and more.

In addition, cardholders receive automatic Wyndham Rewards Gold status, which includes benefits such as preferred room selection and late check-out options. There is no annual fee associated with this card as well.