How Loyalty Credit Cards Work — From Spend to Miles
Loyalty-linked credit cards let your everyday spending earn points or miles in airline or hotel loyalty systems. This guide shows you how those rewards are generated, redeemed — and what to check before you pick one.
Compare loyalty-linked cardsWhat Is a Loyalty or Frequent-Flyer Credit Card?
Loyalty credit cards tie your spending to a specific travel program — typically an airline or a global alliance — so you earn points instead of generic cashback. These points can then be redeemed for flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays or travel perks.
They deliver most value when you travel often and stick to one airline ecosystem.
How You Earn Miles or Points
You earn miles or points for every purchase — often with bonus multipliers for travel, dining or airline charges. Some cards offer elite-status boosts, companion tickets or extra miles when booking flights.
The strongest value comes when your spending aligns with the loyalty program’s bonus categories.
Redeeming Points — What to Know
Points typically redeem for flights, hotel nights or upgrades. Value varies depending on demand, routes, season and award charts.
Premium cabins and last-minute bookings often give the highest value per point — but surcharges and limited availability can reduce real value.
Explore Related Airline & Loyalty Topics
SkyMiles.Creditcard
Airline miles earning structures & elite tiers.
MileagePlus.Creditcard
Alliance-based mileage programs & redemption logic.
AAdvantage.Creditcard
Companion tickets, elite boosts & co-branded structures.
FlyingBlue.Creditcard
KLM/Air France joint program & partner redemptions.
TravelRewards.Creditcard
General travel cards that compete with loyalty programs.
Part of The CreditCard Collection
EuroBonus.Creditcard is a loyalty-focused educational minisite in The CreditCard Collection by ronarn AS.
Ready to Explore Loyalty Cards?
After learning the mechanics, compare live loyalty-linked card offers on the main hub.
Go to Choose.Creditcard