Why "Ecosystem" Matters
Each bank offers multiple cards that work together. Points earned on different cards from the same issuer can be combined. This creates an ecosystem where your earning potential grows as you add cards strategically.
Let's examine each in detail.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Best For
Beginners, domestic travel, flexibility
Key Transfer Partners
- United: Good for domestic and Star Alliance
- Southwest: Great for domestic, especially with Companion Pass
- Hyatt: Consistently excellent hotel value
- British Airways: Short-haul awards on AA and partners
- Air France/KLM: Good for SkyTeam awards
Key Cards
- Sapphire Preferred ($95): Best starter card, 3x dining/travel
- Sapphire Reserve ($550): Premium version, 3x on travel/dining, $300 travel credit
- Freedom Flex ($0): 5% rotating categories, 3% dining/drugstores
- Freedom Unlimited ($0): 1.5% on everything
Strengths
- Hyatt partnership is arguably the best hotel transfer value
- Cards are relatively easy to get approved for
- Solid domestic options with United and Southwest
- Points worth 25-50% more when booking through Chase portal
Weaknesses
- Fewer international airline partners than Amex
- 5/24 rule limits card acquisition
- No direct transfer to Delta or American
Amex Membership Rewards
Best For
Premium travelers, international flights, dining enthusiasts
Key Transfer Partners
- ANA: Excellent for Star Alliance premium cabins
- Singapore: Great for Asia travel
- Delta: Direct partner (only Amex transfers to Delta)
- British Airways: Short-haul on AA
- Air France/KLM: SkyTeam awards
- Marriott: Hotel option (usually not best value)
Key Cards
- Gold Card ($250): 4x dining/groceries, $120 dining credits, $120 Uber credits
- Platinum ($695): Premium travel card, lounge access, multiple credits
- Green ($150): 3x travel/transit/dining
- Blue Business Plus ($0): 2x on everything up to $50k/year
Strengths
- Most transfer partners (20+)
- Best for premium international flights
- Gold Card is exceptional for food spending
- Frequent transfer bonuses (20-30% extra)
Weaknesses
- Once-per-lifetime bonus rule
- Amex acceptance slightly lower than Visa/MC
- Premium cards have high annual fees
- No direct Hyatt or United transfer
Capital One Miles
Best For
Simplicity lovers, international travel, those over 5/24
Key Transfer Partners
- Air Canada: Good Star Alliance option
- British Airways: Short-haul awards
- Emirates: Middle East and connections
- Turkish: Star Alliance sweet spots
- Avianca: Star Alliance value
Key Cards
- Venture X ($395): 10x hotels/cars via portal, 2x everything, $300 travel credit, lounge access
- Venture ($95): 2x everything, simple
- SavorOne ($0): 3% dining/groceries/entertainment
Strengths
- Simple flat-rate earning (2x on everything)
- Good international airline partners
- No 5/24 equivalent rule
- Venture X effectively costs $95 after travel credit
Weaknesses
- Fewer transfer partners overall
- No domestic US airline partner
- No Hyatt equivalent for hotels
- Transfer ratios vary (not always 1:1)
Citi ThankYou Points
Best For
Specific sweet spots, diversification
Key Transfer Partners
- Turkish Miles & Smiles: Incredible Star Alliance sweet spots
- Singapore: Premium cabin awards
- Air France/KLM: SkyTeam
- Virgin Atlantic: Partner awards on Delta, ANA
- Avianca: Star Alliance value
Key Cards
- Strata Premier ($95): 3x travel/dining/groceries/gas
- Double Cash ($0): 2% on everything, converts to TYP with Strata
- Custom Cash ($0): 5% on top category each month
Strengths
- Turkish partnership is uniquely valuable
- Double Cash provides easy 2x earning
- Less restrictive bonus rules
- Good value cards with reasonable fees
Weaknesses
- Fewer transfer partners than Chase/Amex
- Need Premier card to transfer Double Cash earnings
- Program has been neglected compared to competitors
- No premium lounge-access card
Which Should You Choose?
Our Recommendation
Start with Chase if you're under 5/24. The ecosystem is beginner-friendly, Hyatt transfers are exceptional, and you can always add Amex or Capital One later. If you're over 5/24, Capital One Venture X offers great simplicity and value.
Key Takeaways
- Each program has different strengths—there's no universally "best" one
- Chase is most beginner-friendly with strong domestic options
- Amex has the most partners and best for international premium travel
- Capital One offers simplicity and good international partners
- Citi has specific sweet spots, especially Turkish Airlines
- You can (and likely will) eventually use multiple programs