The best credit cards to jump-start elite status

By DFB Guy On Jan 3, 2024

Chasing elite status with a hotel or airline can be addicting. Once you get a taste of the benefits (such as upgrades, lounge access, bonus points and enhanced customer service), it’s hard to give them up. Depending on how frequently you travel, you could easily get hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars in value from elite status each year.

However, these lucrative perks come at a cost. With many airlines requiring customers to spend at least $3,000 in a year and the major hotel chains typically requiring at least 10 nights per year to earn the lowest level of elite status, even lower-tier members may need to spend a fair amount of cash to secure their status.

Luckily, numerous credit cards can help jump-start your progress toward elite status in the coming year. In fact, if you play your cards right (pun intended), you could have top-tier elite status in a major program by the time you finish reading this guide.

The best credit cards for elite status

The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, Aviator Red, JetBlue Plus, Allegiant, Free Spirit, Frontier Airlines, Hilton Aspire, Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus, and Wyndham Business cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuers.

Why you should use a credit card to earn elite status

The higher you get in the world of elite status, the more incremental value there is in moving up to the next rung. For example, going from a general member with Marriott Bonvoy up to a Silver Elite won’t provide the most noticeable of differences. In fact, TPG values Silver status as only worth $35 per year more than having no status with Marriott Bonvoy.

However, there is a significant difference in moving from mid-tier Gold Elite status up to Platinum Elite status — a difference of nearly $1,700 per year in value in TPG’s valuations.

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Although some credit cards offer you the ability to enjoy status outright just by carrying them, many also offer the ability to earn elite-qualifying miles or elite night credits to help bump you up to the next rung — done through spending on the card. In fact, many people will benefit from using credit cards to augment their actual travel plans and bump themselves up to a higher tier.

If you don’t travel enough to earn some form of elite status on your own, you may have trouble justifying the cost associated with earning that status and may have difficulty fully utilizing the benefits that come with it.

However, several programs offer status to anyone with the right credit card. If you’re not currently loyal to a single airline or hotel chain, you can use these offers to guide your credit card strategy. For instance, this is why I recommend that anyone who travels occasionally but not frequently open the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express for automatic top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status. If you can use some of the card’s main perks and benefits, you’ll find that the annual fee is worth it.

Look into your favorite loyalty programs and their cobranded credit cards to see what types of status perks they may offer. Note that enrollment is required in advance for some credit card benefits.

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Is it worth it?

Some credit cards on this list provide automatic status as a benefit to all cardholders, while some require you to spend tens of thousands of dollars a year to earn status or boost yourself to a higher tier. A good example is the cobranded American Airlines cards, which essentially let you spend your way to status.

Not every person can spend the amount of money required responsibly, though, and you should never ever do anything to jeopardize your personal finances in pursuing elite status. Even if you can spend that amount, putting it all on one card sometimes comes with a huge opportunity cost.

It might mean you aren’t able to earn any sign-up bonuses on new cards, or it might mean you’ll miss out on valuable bonus categories from using other cards. You’ll have to analyze your own travel patterns to make sure you’d get enough value out of this new level of status to justify that opportunity cost.

Other ways to earn elite status

With all this focus on credit cards, it can be easy to forget that many people earn status simply by traveling the requisite amount. Except for a few secretive unpublished top-tier ranks, most loyalty programs spell out quite clearly what you need to do to qualify for status. With U.S. airlines, you’re looking at a mix of a spending requirement and some combination of flight miles or flight segments, while hotels will tally your yearly nights and/or stays.

Another great option is to consider a status match or challenge. The exact terms vary from program to program; generally, with a status match, you’ll send the airline or hotel proof of your current elite status with one of their competitors, and they’ll offer you an equivalent tier of elite status in their own program for a promotional period. You may be able to extend that status by completing certain flight or stay requirements. This typically requires paid activity, though — no points and miles redemptions to meet the required activities.

Meanwhile, a status challenge allows anyone to start from scratch and leapfrog up to a higher status tier by completing a designated amount of travel during a promotional period, often about three months.

Airline elite status

Although no credit card currently available to new applicants provides elite status automatically with any of the major U.S. airlines (some cards will give you status on foreign carriers), many allow cardholders to earn incremental credits toward status. They might just be the boost you need to jump into the elite ranks or reach a higher tier.

Depending on how much you spend on your card, you may be able to earn status without ever setting foot on a plane. Below, we look at airline credit cards that fall into this camp.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Annual fee: $595

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 miles after you spend $7,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Elite status: For every mile you earn on a cobranded American Airlines credit card, such as this one, you’ll earn 1 elite-qualifying Loyalty Point. This means that you can essentially spend your way to status and to Elite Choice Rewards. Remember that sign-up bonuses and category multipliers are excluded from earning Loyalty Points.

Unfortunately, credit card sign-up bonuses and category multipliers are excluded from earning Loyalty Points. Cardholders earn a bonus of 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year. They will receive another bonus of 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year.

Other benefits: You’ll get a full Admirals Club membership (while your authorized users enjoy club access when flying American) with a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight, your first checked bag free and priority privileges at check-in, airport screening and boarding. Additional benefits include a 25% savings on eligible inflight purchases and an up-to-$100 reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

For more details, see our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.

Analysis: Having this card is much like having elite status — without the first-class upgrades. You get free checked bags, priority access on the ground and lounge access. Plus, any spending on the card will help you earn Loyalty Points toward earning actual elite status.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee, then $99

Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Elite status: For every dollar you spend on this card, you’ll earn 1 Loyalty Point. Remember that sign-up bonuses and category multipliers are excluded from earning Loyalty Points.

American Airlines Boeing 777-200 aircraft seen flying on final approach, while landing at London Heathrow International Airport. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Other benefits: Earn 2 miles per dollar on restaurants, gas stations and eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. You and up to four companions will get your first bag checked free on domestic American Airlines itineraries, as well as preferred boarding. You’ll also get a 25% discount on eligible inflight purchases and a $125 flight discount when you spend $20,000 or more on your card during your membership year and renew the card.

For more details, see our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard.

Analysis: This card is ideal for casual American Airlines flyers who want a cobranded credit card that will help them earn Loyalty Points and free checked bags but don’t want to pay a high annual fee.

AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard

Annual fee: $99

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you make a purchase and pay the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of card opening.

Elite status: As with the other cobranded American Airlines credit cards, you’ll earn 1 Loyalty Point for every dollar spent on the card.

Other benefits: Earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. Additional benefits include up to $25 in statement credits per year for inflight Wi-Fi purchases, an annual $99 companion ticket after you spend $20,000 in purchases on the card in an account year, waived checked bag fees for the cardholder and up to four companions on the American Airlines reservation, preferred boarding and a 25% statement credit for eligible inflight purchases.

For more details, see our full review of the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard.

Analysis: This card is ideal for those who want a cobranded American Airlines card offering a big sign-up bonus with a minimal spending requirement plus ancillary perks to make their trips better.

The information for the Barclays Aviator Red card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Annual fee: $550 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

Elite status: Delta has overhauled how its credit cards help cardmembers earn elite status with one metric: Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). Delta Reserve Amex cardmembers now earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent with no limit on how many MQDs can be earned through credit card spending. Beginning in February 2024, they’ll also receive an MQD boost of $2,500 MQDs each year.

Other benefits: Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. In addition to Sky Club access, you’ll get a pair of one-time guest passes for the lounge, your first bag checked free and priority boarding on Delta flights, no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), an up to $100 Global Entry fee credit every 4 years or up to $85 TSA PreCheck fee credit every 4.5 years, an annual companion certificate (valid for Main Cabin, Comfort+ or first class), access to complimentary upgrades and complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta with a ticket purchased on the card. Note that enrollment is required in advance for select benefits.

Effective 2/1/25, Reserve cardmembers will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

For more details, see our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.

Analysis: This card is excellent for Delta flyers, as it offers access to the most valuable perks of elite status — such as complimentary upgrades, lounge access and priority boarding — right off the bat.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

Annual fee: $250 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

Elite status: Delta Platinum Amex cardholders earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent with no limit on how many MQDs can be earned through credit card spending. Beginning in February 2024, they’ll also receive an MQD boost of $2,500 MQDs each year.

Other benefits: Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and hotels booked directly, 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets and earn 1 mile per dollar on everything else. In addition to your first bag checked free and priority boarding on Delta flights along with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), this card offers reimbursement for your application fee to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and a domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your card.

For more details, see our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card.

Analysis: With the current welcome offer, you won’t be able to earn status purely through spending with this card, but you’ll definitely get a nice boost and enjoy elitelike benefits, such as a free checked bag and priority boarding, before earning any elite status tier.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

United Explorer Card

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee the first year, then $95

Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

Elite status: Earn 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) after spending $12,000 on the card each calendar year, plus an additional 500 PQPs with an additional $12,000 in spending, for a potential grand total of 1,000 PQPs per year (note that these bonus PQPs only count toward status up to Premier Platinum).

Other benefits: Earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases and at restaurants and hotels, plus earn 1 mile per dollar on everything else. Get your first checked bag free for you and a companion on the same reservation (you must include your MileagePlus number in your reservation and pay for the flight with the Explorer Card to receive this benefit), priority boarding and a 25% rebate on inflight purchases.

You’ll also get two one-time United Club passes deposited into your MileagePlus account each year of card membership, expanded award availability and an up-to-$100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee credit.

For more details, see our full review of the United Explorer Card.

Analysis: Despite being an entry-level card, it offers a generous PQP boost and is jam-packed with premium travel perks, including annual lounge visits.

Apply here: United Explorer Card

United Quest Card

Annual fee: $250

Sign-up bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

Elite status: Earn 500 PQPs toward elite status for every $12,000 you spend on purchases with your card — up to 6,000 PQPs each calendar year (which requires $144,000 in total credit card spending). This is enough to get to United Silver status (which requires 3,500 PQP if you don’t meet the Premier Qualifying Flights — PQFs — requirement) just with your card spending, and these PQPs can be applied to qualification up to Premier 1K. You’ll also be close to Premier Gold status, which requires earning 16 PQFs and 6,000 PQPs or earning 7,000 PQPs.

Other benefits: Earn 3 miles per dollar on United purchases (immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit), 2 miles per dollar on all other travel purchases, 2 miles per dollar on select streaming services and at restaurants and earn 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else.

Key benefits of the card include a $125 annual United purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles back each year. With this benefit, you’ll automatically get 5,000 miles back into your account after the first two United award flights you take per anniversary year. You’ll also get a free first and second checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation (you must pay with this card to receive the benefit), an up-to-$100 application fee reimbursement for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus every four years, priority boarding, trip protection, expanded award availability and lower average award prices.

Analysis: This card is great for big spenders chasing United elite status. The card also isn’t expensive, considering the $125 annual United credit effectively drops the annual fee to $125. Another unique perk is that it makes United elite members eligible for space-available upgrades when flying on United.

Apply here: United Quest Card

United Club Infinite Card

Annual fee: $525

Sign-up bonus: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Elite status: Cardholders can earn up to 8,000 PQPs per calendar year in 500-point increments for each $12,000 spent on the card.

Other benefits: Earn 4 miles per dollar on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel and dining purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else. The standout benefit of this card is the complimentary United Club membership, including access for two guests or one adult and dependent children under the age of 21.

It also offers the first and second checked bag free for the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation on United-operated flights (as long as the flights are purchased with the card). Other perks include reimbursement for your TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Nexus application, 25% back as a statement credit for inflight purchases, Premier Access travel services, expanded award availability and up to 10% lower award prices.

For more details, see our full review of the United Club Infinite Card.

Analysis: This card offers many elitelike perks, including Premier Access travel services and United Club access at the airport. That said, you can also use it to shortcut your way to actual elite status through spending.

Apply here: United Club Infinite Card

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

Annual fee: $149

Sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Elite status: You can earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for each $10,000 spent (drops to every $5,000 spent from Jan. 1, 2024) on purchases annually, and there’s no limit to how many TQPs you can earn. This can help you get to A-List status with Southwest. All points earned with this card, including the sign-up bonus, count toward Companion Pass eligibility, too.

Other benefits: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases, 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting (including ride-hailing services), 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services and 1 point per dollar on everything else. You’ll get a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi purchases. Cardholders also receive 7,500 bonus points on each account anniversary.

For more details, see our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card.

Analysis: This card is great for Southwest flyers, as it gives you a shortcut to both A-List status and the Companion Pass. The $99-per-year Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers the same sign-up bonus and TQP-earning benefit but falls short of the Priority card because it lacks valuable benefits like the $75 annual Southwest travel credit, plus it only offers 6,000 anniversary points.

Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

JetBlue Plus Card

Annual fee: $99

Sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 and pay the annual fee in full within the first 90 days of account opening.

Elite status: You can qualify for the four tiers of JetBlue Mosaic elite status purely through credit card spending — from $50,000 for Level 1 to $250,000 in for Level 4, both based on calendar-year spending.

Other benefits: Earn 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per dollar at restaurants and grocery stores and 1 point per dollar on everything else. You’ll also get an annual $100 statement credit toward purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package, 5,000 bonus anniversary points, a 10% rebate on award flights, a free first checked bag and 50% off inflight food and drink purchases.

For more details, see our full review of the JetBlue Plus Card.

Analysis: While it’s nice to earn Mosaic status purely through spending with this card, it’s an expensive option. Mosaic Level 1 status can be achieved by earning 50 Tiles, which requires $5,000 of spending with JetBlue, $50,000 of JetBlue credit card spending or a combination of the two. Read here for more information about the recent changes to Mosaic status.

The information for the JetBlue Plus has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Allegiant World Mastercard

Annual fee: $59

Sign-up bonus: Earn 15,000 bonus points after making $1,000 or more in purchases on your card within 90 days of account opening.

Elite status: Allegiant doesn’t offer elite status; however, you can receive similar perks with this card. These include priority boarding and a free beverage whenever you fly with Allegiant.

Other benefits: When purchasing a vacation package from Allegiant, you can “buy one, get one free” on airfare if you pay with the Allegiant card and your package includes four or more hotel nights or seven or more rental car days.

The welcome bonus is worth $150 off a future Allegiant trip, and you can earn 3 points per dollar on Allegiant purchases — including flights, hotels, car rentals and attractions. You’ll also earn 2 points per dollar on dining and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

For more details, see our full review of the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard.

Analysis: For those who regularly fly with Allegiant and want to board early or receive an inflight drink, this card makes sense. However, you should note that there are no perks for free checked bags.

The information for the Allegiant World Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee, then $79

Sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points plus a $100 companion flight voucher after making at least $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of account opening.

Elite status: You cannot earn Free Spirit status through this credit card, but you can enjoy similar perks. Those include Zone 2 shortcut boarding and a 25% rebate on inflight food and beverage purchases when paying with your Free Spirit Travel More card.

Other benefits: You can earn a $100 companion flight voucher on each cardmember anniversary when making at least $5,000 in purchases on your card during the previous year. You’ll also receive a 25% rebate when using your card to pay for inflight food and beverage purchases. Plus, cardholders are exempt from points expiration with Free Spirit.

When making purchases, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar on Spirit Airlines purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining and grocery store purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

For more details, see our full review of the Free Spirit Travel More card.

The information for the Free Spirit Travel More card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard

Annual fee: $89

Sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $500 in the first 90 days of account opening.

Elite status: All miles you earn with this card are both award miles and elite-qualifying miles, so you can earn any level of Frontier status simply based on spending. Frontier offers three tiers of elite status: Elite 20k, Elite 50k and Elite 100k.

Other benefits: Earn 5 miles per dollar spent on purchases on Frontier’s website, 3 miles per dollar spent at restaurants and 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else. Enjoy no foreign transaction fees, Priority Zone 2 boarding, family mileage pooling, no points expiration when you make a purchase at least every 12 months and a $100 flight voucher every account anniversary after spending $2,500 or more during the preceding year on your card. Plus, you’ll get an award redemption fee waiver when you use your card to pay for the taxes and fees on Frontier awards.

For more details, see our full review of the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard.

Analysis: Frontier may not offer the most valuable elite status out there, but earning any level of status simply based on spending with your credit card makes life simple.

The information for the Frontier Airlines card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Hotel elite status

Hotel chains are a lot more generous than airlines when it comes to giving away elite status. You can get automatic elite status with Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG without staying at any of their properties or putting any spending on your card.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Annual fee: $95

Sign-up bonus: Earn three free night awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first three months of card membership.

Elite status: Receive automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, plus 15 elite night credits each calendar year toward reaching a higher status. Reach Gold Elite status by spending $35,000 or more on purchases with your card in a calendar year. You can also earn one elite night credit toward elite status for every $5,000 you spend.

Other benefits: Earn 6 Bonvoy points per dollar spent at over 8,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas stations, grocery stores and dining and earn 2 points per dollar on other purchases. Receive a free night award every year on your account anniversary when you renew your card, worth up to 35,000 points, and free premium in-room Wi-Fi during stays at Marriott Bonvoy properties.

For more details, see our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card.

Analysis: Automatic Silver status is better than no status at all, but don’t expect benefits like suite upgrades or free breakfast. Silver status offers a 10% points bonus, late checkout (subject to availability) and access to an elite member reservation line.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Annual fee: $250 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: Earn 85,000 bonus points after you make $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Elite status: Automatic mid-tier Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status provides benefits like late checkout, a welcome gift (typically points or a snack) and preferred room upgrades.

Other benefits: You can earn a free night award (worth up to 50,000 points) after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year and will receive 1,000 bonus points on each paid stay with a Marriott Bonvoy-participating hotel or resort. You’ll also receive 15 elite night credits automatically in your Bonvoy account each year to help you earn higher levels of status.

Cardholders earn 6 points per dollar at hotels and resorts participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4 points per dollar at restaurants (including restaurants worldwide plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets and 2 points per dollar on other purchases. Note that you only earn 4 points per dollar on the first $15,000 of combined purchases in those categories per year, then 2 points per dollar thereafter.

For more details, see our full review of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express

Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: Earn 95,000 bonus points after you make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Elite status: Enjoy complimentary Platinum Elite status, which provides benefits like upgrades at check-in (including suites, when available), late checkout and a welcome amenity for each stay. Each calendar year, you also receive credit for 25 nights to help you reach the next level of Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Other benefits: Earn 6 points per dollar at properties participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 3 points per dollar at worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with the airline, plus earn 2 points per dollar on everything else. Each year after your card renewal month, you’ll receive a free night award worth up to 85,000 points.

Cardholders also receive up to $300 in annual statement credits for dining purchases, available as up to $25 per month. You will also enjoy up to $100 in credits for on-property charges when booking eligible stays of two nights or more at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties. Other benefits include Priority Pass Select lounge access and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit. Enrollment is required for select benefits and terms apply.

For more details, see our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Annual fee: $125 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: Earn three free night awards worth up to 50,000 points a piece after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card in your first six months. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Elite status: Cardmembers receive complimentary Gold Elite status. This can offer preferred room upgrades and early check-in/late checkout privileges when available. Cardmembers also receive 15 elite night credits automatically each year, helping them reach the next level of elite status.

Other benefits: Earn 6 points per dollar at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, 4 points per dollar on U.S. purchases at gas stations, wireless phone services from U.S. service providers and U.S. purchases for shipping and earn 2 points per dollar on other purchases.

Cardmembers will receive a free night award automatically on each account anniversary, worth up to 35,000 points. After spending $60,000 on the card within a calendar year, cardmembers can receive a second free night award, which is also worth up to 35,000 points.

Cardmembers receive up to a 7% discount on cash rates when booking directly with Marriott Bonvoy properties and premium internet access when staying at Bonvoy-participating properties. Plus, the 15 elite night credits offered by this card can be stacked with the elite night credits from a personal Marriott credit card, jump-starting your elite status each year.

For more details, see our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Platinum Card from American Express

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Elite status: Cardmembers can register for automatic Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.

Other benefits: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines and through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). Plus, earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel bookings through AmexTravel.com (including Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection reservations) and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Aside from complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, you can get elitelike benefits at luxury hotels worldwide by booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts.

The Amex Platinum also includes access to more airport lounges than any other card, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, up to $200 in annual airline incidental fee credits, up to $200 per calendar year in U.S. Uber credits, reimbursement for your annual membership in the Clear Plus security program, up to $100 per year in Saks Fifth Avenue shopping credits, an up-to-$200 hotel statement credit to use toward prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) or The Hotel Collection (THC) bookings via Amex Travel (two-night minimum stay required for Hotel Collection properties), an up-to-$240 digital entertainment statement credit (split into monthly up to $20 credits), an up-to-$300 Equinox statement credit (Equinox membership subject to auto-renewal), discounted premium flight tickets via the Amex International Airline Program and complimentary memberships in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive, along with numerous other benefits. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

For more details, see our full review of the Amex Platinum card.

Analysis: This is easily the best card for hotel stays across several top hotel brands. You can register for Gold elite status with both Hilton and Marriott but also enjoy highly valuable elitelike benefits on FHR stays. Every FHR stay includes perks such as complimentary room upgrades when available, check-in at noon, 4 p.m. checkout, and on-site food and beverage credits.

Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.

Elite status: As with the personal version, cardmembers can register for automatic Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status and enjoy elitelike perks through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts. These benefits also extend to authorized users.

Other benefits: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked at American Express Travel, 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases in the U.S. per calendar year) and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases. When you’re flying, you’ll enjoy up to $200 in annual airline fee statement credits on your preferred airline and access to Amex Centurion, Priority Pass, Escape Lounges, Airspace lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, some Lufthansa lounges and Delta Sky Club (when traveling on same-day Delta flights; limited to six annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025) lounges. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Additional benefits include up to $400 in annual statement credits toward U.S. Dell purchases and a 35% points rebate on flights booked through Amex Travel in first or business class on any airline or in any class on the U.S. airline of your choice each year (up to 1 million points back per calendar year). Enrollment is required for select benefits.

For more details, see our full review of the Amex Business Platinum card.

Analysis: If you need a business card to help you jump-start elite status, look no further than the Amex Business Platinum. The card offers automatic elite status with two of the largest hotel programs and offers several other elitelike benefits.

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Annual fee: $95 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: Earn 170,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 17.

Elite status: Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status and the opportunity to earn Diamond status by spending $40,000 on purchases on the card within a calendar year.

Other benefits: Earn 12 points per dollar at participating hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio; 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), 6 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases and 3 points per dollar on other purchases. You can earn a free night reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year and up to $200 back annually on eligible Hilton purchases (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter). Enrollment is required for select benefits.

For more details, see our full review of the Hilton Surpass card from American Express.

Analysis: This card is ideal for those who want midrange status with Hilton and don’t want to pay a high annual fee. Hilton Honors Gold status is among the most valuable mid-tier hotel statuses out there, getting you an 80% points bonus, no resort fees and a fifth night free during award stays, space-available upgrades, free in-room and lobby Wi-Fi, late checkout, free breakfast or food-and-beverage credits and two free bottles of water.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Annual fee: $595 (see rates and fees)

Welcome offer: Earn 180,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 17.

Elite status: Enjoy automatic top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status.

Other benefits: Earn 14 points per dollar at eligible Hilton hotels, 7 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com, 7 points per dollar on car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants and earn 3 points per dollar on everything else. Get one free night reward every year after renewal, plus additional nights at eligible properties after you spend $30,000 and $60,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year.

Enjoy up to $400 in Hilton resort statement credits each year, up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, and up to $100 in credits for qualifying charges at participating Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties on eligible two-night-minimum stays. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

For more details, see our full review of the Amex Hilton Aspire card.

Analysis: This card is a must-have for Hilton fans. Automatic Diamond status is as good as it gets, with perks like guaranteed lounge access (at properties that have them), suite upgrades, free breakfast or food-and-beverage credits and more. TPG values Hilton Diamond status at $2,880 annually, and those who can make use of the card’s benefits will see the card pay for itself year after year.

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Annual fee: $99

Sign-up bonus: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Elite status: Enjoy automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite and move up to Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the card within a calendar year.

Other benefits: Earn 10 points per dollar at IHG properties, 5 points per dollar on other travel, 5 points per dollar on dining (including takeout and delivery services) and gas stations and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.

As a cardholder, you’ll get an annual award night certificate worth up to 40,000 points, a fourth night free on award stays of four or more nights, up to $100 to reimburse your application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus, 20% off when buying IHG points and 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 and then making one more purchase on the card within the cardmember year. Cardholders also receive up to $50 in United Travel Bank credit annually after registration.

For more details, see our full review of the IHG Premier card.

Analysis: As long as you spend more than a few nights a year at IHG properties, Platinum Elite status alone can be worth the card’s $99 annual fee. Standout perks include 60% bonus points on paid stays, discounts on reward redemption rates, room upgrades, late checkout and a welcome amenity.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Annual fee: $99

Sign-up bonus: Earn 140,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Elite status: Enjoy automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and unlock Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the card within a calendar year.

Other benefits: Earn 10 points per dollar at IHG properties, 5 points per dollar on other travel, 5 points per dollar on dining and at gas stations, 5 points per dollar on social media and search engine advertising, 5 points per dollar at office supply stores and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.

For more details, see our full review of the IHG One Premier Business card.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Annual fee: $95

Sign-up bonus: Earn up to 60,000 bonus points. Receive 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point — on up to $15,000 of these purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Elite status: Automatic Hyatt Discoverist status, although you also receive five qualifying night credits toward the next level of elite status each year and the opportunity to earn two additional night credits for every $5,000 spent on the card each calendar year.

Other benefits: Earn 4 points per dollar at World of Hyatt and Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties and eligible Lindblad Expeditions, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, 2 points per dollar at restaurants, on airline tickets and on fitness club and gym memberships and earn 1 point per dollar on everything else. You’ll get one free night award valid at a Category 1-4 hotel each year after your cardmember anniversary, plus a second free night at a Category 1-4 hotel each year when you spend $15,000 on the card during a calendar year.

For more details, see our full review of the World of Hyatt card.

Analysis: Discoverist status is among the most valuable lowest-tier hotel elite status levels. It comes with a 10% points bonus when staying at Hyatt properties, space-available upgrades to preferred rooms within the same category, daily bottled water, complimentary premium internet, late checkout, access to the elite reservation line, Pearl status with MGM Rewards and bonus points on American Airlines flights. Higher levels of status are also within reach if you’re willing to put some spending on the card.

An added bonus? If you reach Hyatt Explorist elite status or higher and have linked your AAdvantage and World of Hyatt accounts, you might be offered a status match or challenge for American Airlines elite status.

Apply here: World of Hyatt Credit Card

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Annual fee: $199

Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Elite status: Automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status, plus the ability to gift this status to up to five employees. Also, earn five tier-qualifying nights for each $10,000 spent on the card, helping you earn higher levels of status and Milestone Rewards.

Other benefits: Earn 4 points per dollar at World of Hyatt and Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties and eligible Lindblad Expeditions, 2 points per dollar on fitness club and gym memberships, 2 points per dollar on your top three spending categories each quarter through Dec. 31, 2024 (then your top two categories each quarter) and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Cardholders also have access to Hyatt Leverage for up to 15% off cash rates on hotel rooms, up to $100 in Hyatt spending credits per year and can unlock a 10% points rebate by spending $50,000 or more on the card in a calendar year (up to 20,000 points back maximum).

For more details, see our full review of the World of Hyatt Business card.

Analysis: This card doesn’t offer any free night awards but offers the same entry-level status as the personal World of Hyatt card. Cardmembers can earn tier-qualifying credits at a faster rate on the business card from Hyatt, and the combination of this plus the ability to earn a 10% points rebate may sway your decision. If you are able to meet the large spending requirements, numerous status perks can be unlocked with this card.

Apply here: World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card

Annual fee: $75

Sign-up bonus: Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Elite status: Cardholders receive automatic mid-tier Platinum status, which can also be used to match to Caesars Rewards Platinum status.

Other benefits: Earn 6 points per dollar at Wyndham Rewards properties, 6 points per dollar on gas, 4 points per dollar on dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Cardholders receive 7,500 bonus points on each account anniversary and a 10% points discount when booking award nights. Cardholders also have access to reduced cash prices when booking paid hotel stays.

For more details, see our full review of the Wyndham Earner Plus card.

Analysis: Wyndham’s Platinum status doesn’t offer suite upgrades, but it offers all the other perks you probably want in hotel status (early check-in and late checkout, preferred rooms, bonus points earning and free Wi-Fi). That, plus a 10% discount on points redemptions, can easily justify the card’s $75 annual fee.

The information for the Wyndham Rewards Plus card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card

Annual fee: $95

Sign-up bonus: Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.

Elite status: Cardholders receive automatic top-tier Diamond status, which can also be used to match to Caesars Rewards Diamond status.

Other benefits: Earn 8 points per dollar at Wyndham Rewards properties, 8 points per dollar on gas purchases, 5 points per dollar on eligible marketing, advertising and utility purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Cardholders receive 15,000 bonus points on their account anniversary each year, discounted cash rates on Wyndham Rewards hotel bookings and 10% points discounts on award redemptions for hotel stays.

For more details, see our full review of the Wyndham Earner Business card.

Analysis: Few cards offer top-tier status automatically, and this is one of them. The $95 annual fee provides elevated status with Wyndham and Caesars properties, and these can lead to suite upgrades on your next vacation or massive savings on a trip to Las Vegas.

The information for the Wyndham Rewards Business card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

Many credit cards offer elite-qualifying miles, dollars and night credits that make earning or elevating your elite status easier. A handful of cards even provide elite status automatically. However, you should always consider opportunity cost before putting a significant amount of spending on your credit card simply to earn status, as the spending threshold may be more trouble than it’s worth. Consider whether you’re better off spending that money on new credit cards for valuable welcome bonuses.

Many airline or hotel cobranded cards that offer status boosts typically aren’t the best for everyday spending when you consider the points they earn and the rates at which you earn them. Aside from that, spending simply to get to elite status might not be entirely logical for folks who don’t travel that much since they won’t utilize the status benefits enough to make it worthwhile. However, if you do spend a decent amount of time on the road and need help reaching elite status faster, the credit cards discussed in this guide can be extremely useful.

Already have elite status? Check to see what airline and hotel status match options are available to you. Just note that status that’s been granted or obtained through credit cards (rather than earned the traditional way) may not be enough for a match.

Related guides:

For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire, click here.

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