We also recommend inputting your personal spending habits in our Mile Credit Card Value Comparison wizard to see which cards rank high for you, as mix of dining/travel/gas other spend can make a big difference in a mile credit card’s value.

Best Overall Mile Credit Card

Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express

• Smarter Travel Magazine Editor’s Choice Award for “Best Travel Awards Card for Domestic Use.”
• Transfer points 1:1 to over 30 airline miles programs
• Redeem for free nights, cash and point, and upgrades at Westin, Sheraton, W, Le Meridien, Aloft, Four Points, and St. Regis hotels worldwide

What is Starwood Preferred Guest?

Starwood Preferred Guest is the points program from Starwood Hotels, which includes Sheraton, Westin, W, Four Points, Le Meridien, and St. Regis hotels. You don’t need to stay at one of their hotels to join or earn points, and you are automatically enrolled when you sign up for the credit card.

We like the program because it lets you transfer your points into miles in over 30 top airline programs, giving you incredible flexibility with one card. In addition, you can use your points for free nights at their hotels, for merchandise, or gift cards.

Top three reasons to choose

1. Compatible with most airline mile programs. You can transfer your Starwood points almost always at 1:1 to over 30 top airline miles programs (United and Continental are diluted 2:1), making it the most flexible card. Click here to learn more about airline transfer and to see a list of participating airlines.
2. Easy hotel rewards. If a standard room is available for sale, you can book it with your Starwood points. Hotel rewards are much easier to use for family vacations than trying to find flight awards for a family of 4.
3. Generous 10,000 point signon is worth up to 3 free nights at many Shreaton, Westin, W, St. Regis, Four Points, and Le Meridien hotels, 10,000 airline miles, or a $100 gift card.

Click here to apply for the card at American Express’ secure site.

This is the best all-around reward card for many travelers. It’s great for people who fly just about every major airline, light hotel guests, and anyone who wants to stay at a Starwood hotel (Sheraton, Westin, W, Four Points, St. Regis, Le Meridien). This card offers better earning power for airline awards than most airline cards, and allows direct transfer to your airline accounts for redemption.

It’s also excellent for people who don’t travel frequently but want to earn points toward valuable hotel nights Hotels are much easier to redeem for vacations and the dollar value you get for each point you use is often better than for for airline tickets. You also need fewer points for free hotel nights than for most free flights. And, with Starwood If there’s a standard room for sale, it’s available for points.

How it works

Don’t worry about whether you want to use points for airlines or hotels. Decide when you plan your trip. You earn 1 Starwood point for every dollar spent…and can transfer those points online to your account with nearly every major airline …most 1 for 1…with quick turnaround. Moreover, you get a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 20,000 points you transfer to airline miles, effecitvely earning 1.25 miles per dollars spent when you transfer in 20,000 point increments.

Points are also good at all Sheraton, Westin, W, Sheraton, St. Regis, Le Meridien, and Four Points hotels with no capacity restrictions. If there’s a room to buy, you can book it with points. For many travelers, hotel stays are a better use of points than domestic airline tickets in any program. They are notale because you don’t need many points for great values:

• 3,000 points = 1 free night at “Category 1″ hotels (midpriced, suburban locations)
• 4,000 points = 1 free night at “Category 2″ hotels (metropolitan and many resorts)
• 7,000 points = 1 free night at “Category 3″ hotels (large cities, premium resorts)
• 10,000 points = 1 free night at “Category 4″ hotels (high demand areas, luxury resorts)
• 20,000 points = free roundtrip U.S. plane ticket when transferred to an airline mile program for redemption

In addition, Starwood’s ‘Cash and Points‘ reward offers you even greater value for your points — with around 3000 points and $45 you can stay at a hotel valued in many cases at $150 or more. You also have many other redemption options, including a $100 gift card at Amazon, Nordstrom, Starbucks, and other retailers for 9,500 points.

Click here to apply for the card at American Express’ secure site.

Convenience

This card lets you earn in a universal format (Starwood points) and convert the points into the airline miles of your choice. Just find out which airline has the availability you want, and transfer points to your airline account for redemption…usually without dilution. That way you can also add to your existing airline mile balances.

Starwood will enhance your points by offering 5,000 bonus miles for every 20,000 points you transfer to your airline program. You in effect earn 1.25 miles per dollar spent versus 1 for most airline cards. You can see how it stacks up versus other cards by using our Mile Credit Card Value Calculator.

Moreover, you can transfer points online and not deal with telephone operators . Starwood hotel redemptions also have no capacity controls. If there’s a room available to purchase at one of their hotels, you can use your points to buy it online or over the telephone! This is often the best use of your points.

Click here to apply for the card at American Express’ secure site.

Annual Fee

No fee the first year, only $65 thereafter. The low fee makes this road warrior proven card great for even light travelers looking to earn points just through purchases.

Point bonuses

10,000 points with first purchase.

5,000 mile bonus for every 20,000 points you transfer to an airline. This makes this card better than most standard airline cards for earning points on your favorite airline…and is why it’s the choice of some of the most seasoned travelers.

Dollars spent before your first reward

$1. With a 10,000 point bonus for your first purchase, you’ve earned two nights at any Category 1 or 2 Starwood hotel…with no restriction…or a $100 gift card from many top retailers.

Click here to apply for the card at American Express’ secure site.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.

You can apply via the secure links to the bank’s sites below, but urge you to remember the following:

• Most mile credit cards require Good or in many cases Excellent credit…which often means a FICO score of 700 or more. Consider that before applying, as multiple applications can temporarily dent your credit score. Learn more about your credit score and bonus mile offers here.
• Offers usually only target people who are first time users of the card. If you’ve held it before, you may be denied the offer.
• We don’t recommend using a mile credit card for ongoing spending if you plan to carry a balance each month…as interest rates tend to be higher than standard cards.
• Other than that…have fun. Bonus mile intro offers are often a great way to earn free travel fast!

Chase Sapphire Preferred: 50,000 points (also good as United / Continental / Southwest miles)

> Requirement: $3,000 in purchases within 3 months. No first year fee.

> Value: Limited time offer! 50,000 points is good for $625 in travel credit, 2 free domestic tickets on United / Continental, Southwest (as of 1/5/12), British Airways, and partners via point transfer, or 2+ free nights at any Hyatt via point transfer.

> Valid on: Any airline/hotel (points as dollars), or use 1:1 instant point transfer (transfer to anyone’s United/Continental/British Airways/Southwest (as of 1/5/12)/Amtrak/Korean Airlines/Hyatt/Marriott account 1:1 and using the miles to book with them or partners).

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

United Mileage Plus Explorer: Earn up to 40,000 miles (60,000 possible if elite)

> Requirement: 25,000 after 1st purchase, 5,000 with additional cardmember. 10,000 more miles if you spend $25,000 within one year. No annual fee first year. Bonus for new United card holders.

> Value: Enough for 1 domestic roundtrip ticket

> Valid on: United Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, and more.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Note: you can earn 80,000+ United bonus miles by applying for both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and United Mileage Plus Explorer one month or more apart.

If you are an elite / Premier member of United (fly 25,000+ miles per year), log in to your Mileage Plus account, then try following this link to see if you are offered a 60,000 mile bonus that is targeted to some Premier members.

Ink Bold for Business from Chase: 50,000 points ($625 in travel credit)

> Requirement: 50,000 Bonus Points after your spend $5,000 in the first 3 months your account
is open.

> Value: 50,000 points is good for $625 in travel credit, a 2 free domestic tickets on Continental/United and partners via point transfer, or 2+ free nights at any Hyatt via point transfer. [THIS IS THE BUSINESS CARD EQUIVALENT OF THE CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED]

> Valid on: Any airline/hotel (points as dollars), or use 1:1 instant point transfer (transfer to anyone’s United/Continental/British Airways/Southwest (as of 1/5/12)/Amtrak/Korean Airlines/Hyatt/Marriott account 1:1 and using the miles to book with them or partners).

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Continental Airlines OnePass Plus: Earn up to 40,000 miles

> Requirement: 25,000 after 1st purchase, 5,000 with additional cardmember. 10,000 more miles if you spend $25,000 within one year. No annual fee first year.

> Value: Enough for 1 domestic roundtrip ticket

> Valid on: Continental Airlines, United, US Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, and more.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Continental Presidential Plus: Free United Club / Presidents Club for one year

> Requirement: None — $395 annual fee waived first year (NOTE THIS IS TARGETED AND MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TO YOU)– card offers access to all United Clubs and former Presidents Clubs.

> Value: $395

> Valid on: Continental Airlines, United, US Airways.

Click here to learn more about the offer (note this is an unpublicized offer and may not be valid for all).

Hyatt Gold Passport: 2 Free Nights at any Hyatt hotel

> Requirement: 1 night Posts after first purchase. 2nd night after $1,000 in card spending within 3 months of opening. $75 first year fee.

> Value: 2 free nights at any Hyatt hotel — no capacity controls. If a standard room is available you can book it — even the $800/night Park Hyatt in Tokyo.

> Valid on: Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Summerfield Suites, Andaz.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Marriott Premier Visa: 50,000 points + one free night (70,000 points possible)

> Requirement: Posts after first purchase. $85 annual fee, none first year.

> Value: 1 free night at any Category 1-4 hotel from free night certificate. 50,000 bonus points good for a free night at any Marriott related hotel, or 2 nights at a Category 1-5.

> Valid on: Marriott, Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Edition, Autograph, Courtyard, Fairfield, Springhill Suites, Residence Inn, Towne Place, and ExecuStay.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply. (there is an unpublicized 70,000 point offer being reported — you can learn about it here, but consider unplublicized offers at your own risk)

Ritz Carlton Rewards: 50,000 points (also good at Marriott) + Gold Elite status for 1 year

> Requirement: Posts after first purchase. $395 annual fee.

> Value: 1 free night at nearly all Ritz Carlton hotels (category 1-3), or use for Marriott hotels — good for 3 nights at a mid-tier Marriott.

> Valid on: Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, JW Marriott, Renaissance, EDITION, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: 50,000 points (good for 2 free flights)

> Requirement: Posts after first purchase. $69 annual fee.

> Value: $250 toward any Southwest flight, $400+ toward flights with ‘Wanna Get Away’ fare availability.

> Valid on: Southwest Airlines.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Alaska Airlines Visa: 40,000 miles

> Requirement: Awarded after first purchase.

> Value: 40,000 miles.

> Valid on: Alaska, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Cathay Pacific, Air France, KLM, Qantas.

This deal has expired.

American Airlines: Citi® Platinum Select® AAdvantage® Visa Signature®: 50,000 miles

> Requirement: Spend $3,000 within 4 months, no first year fee.

> Value: Also receive $150 statement credit when you make an American Airlines purchase in first 12 months. 2 Admirals Club day passes. 50,000 miles enough for 2 domestic roundtrip tickets (subject to capacity), or 1 international roundtrip

> Valid on: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Alaska, Qantas, Hawaiian, and more.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Also: Read here for tips on getting the most out of the 50,000 American Airlines miles

British Airways Visa:  50,000 miles (or 100,000 miles if you buy a ticket)

> Requirement: 25,000 awarded after first purchase, another 25,000 after spending $2,500 within 3 months.

> Value: 50,000 miles.

> Valid on: British Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Air Lines, LAN, Finnair, Iberia, and more.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply. (Click here to learn about the 100,000 mile offer – it requires you to buy a ticket on British Airways)

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express: 30,000 miles

> Requirement: $500 in spending within 3 months.

> Value: 30,000 miles (domestic round trip tickets start at 30,000 miles)

> Valid on: Delta, Alaska, Air France, KLM, Alitalia, Korean, Aeroflot, others.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Gold Rewards Card for Business from American Express OPEN: 50,000 points

> Requirement: Awarded after $10,000 in purchases within 5 months of membership.

> Value: 50,000 points — transfer 1:1 to several airlines, or use as up to $500 toward travel purchases or gift cards. THIS OFFER HAS EXPIRED AS OF 11/29/11

> Valid on: Delta, Air Canada, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue, Air France / KLM, AeroMexico, AirTran, ANA, ElAl, Hawaiian, Iberia, and Singapore Airlines. Hotels include Priority Club (Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza), Hilton, and Best Western.

THIS OFFER HAS EXPIRED

Platinum Card from American Express (Mercedes edition): 50,000 points

> Requirement: 50,000 after $1,000 in purchases within 3 months. $475 annual fee

> Value: Transfer 1:1 to many airline mile programs, or up to $500 in gift cards.

> Valid on: Delta, Air Canada, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue, Air France / KLM, AeroMexico, AirTran, ANA, ElAl, Hawaiian, Iberia, and Singapore Airlines. Hotels include Priority Club (Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza), Hilton, and Best Western.
Click here to learn more about the offer and apply (note the annual fee on this Mercedes Benz version which offers 50,000 points is $25 higher than the standard Platinum Card)

Starwood American Express: 25,000 points 

> Requirement: 10,000 after first purchase, 15,000 after $5,000 in purchases within 6 months. $65 annual fee, none first year.

> Value: Up to 6 free nights at Category 1 hotels, 2 free nights at many Sheraton/Westin properties.

> Valid on: Sheraton, Westin, W, Four Points, Le Meridien, St. Regis hotels. Or, transfer 1:1 or better to over 20 airlines.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

US Airways Premier World MasterCard:  40,000 miles

> Requirement: Awarded after first purchase.

> Value: 40,000 points — additional 10,000 points for balance transfer, and another 10,000 preferred qualifying miles.

> Valid on: US Airways, United, Continental, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Swiss, Scandanavian, Singapore, ANA Japan, TAM Brazil, LOT Polish, and more.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Virgin Atlantic American Express:  65,000 miles

> Requirement: 20,000 miles after first purchase, 25,000 miles after $2,500 in purchases, 15,000 miles after one year anniversary, 5,000 miles for adding an authorized user. $90 annual fee.

> Value: Up to 65,000 points

> Valid on: Virgin Atlantic, Air China, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Air New Zealand, BMI, Hawaiian Airlines, Malalysian Airlines, US Airways, Virgin America, V Australia, Virgin Australia.

Click here to learn more about the offer and apply.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.

American Express Membership Rewards

Why is that helpful?

Well, Air France / KLM miles can be used to book travel on Air France, KLM, DELTA, Alitalia, Czech Airlines, Korean Airlines and more.

But what makes this timing so intriguing is the fact that Flying Blue is offering business class tickets to/from Europe on Air France and KLM flights for 50,000 miles roundtrip, half the normal price, and economy class tickets for 25,000 miles roundtrip. One way fares are half that, and taxes on business class tickets work out to about $600 roundtrip, coach about $300.

So, with the 25% transfer bonus it only takes 40,000 American Express Membership Rewards points to earn a roundtrip business class ticket on Air France / KLM, and only 20,000 points for a roundtrip economy class ticket.

The catch?

You must originate in one of Air France / KLM’s selected gateways for the promotion — the choices vary by season, and you can see a fresh, complete list here. Remember the deal works in either direction for the listed cities.

But all in, this can be a great value for the points you’ve earned via your Membership Rewards eligible cards — like  the Platinum Card from American Express, Premier Rewards Gold.

The point to mile transfer is instant and free.

For the latest top bonus mile credit card offers click here.

> Apply Here

Secure Citibank link.

Features

• Earn 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $750 in purchases within the first 4 months of cardmembership – more than enough for a round-trip domestic flight award
• Earn an additional 10,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases during the first 6 months of cardmembership
• Receive a one-time $100 statement credit for the first eligible American Airlines purchase you make within the first 12 months of membership
• $85 annual fee waived for the first 12 months

Foreign Exchange Transaction Fee: 3%
Miles can be used for travel with: American Airilnes, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, LAN, Iberia, Finnair, Mexicana, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and others.

Our review: Getting the job done longer than any other program

American Airlines invented the concept of the frequent flyer miles program in 1981.  Its program and mile credit card are straightforward. You earn one mile per dollar spent on the card and your miles can be used on American’s many flights and with several partners.

One special feature of American’s program is the ability to change dates on your award reservation with no fee — as long as you keep your destination and origin the same. This compares to a charge of $100 or more on other airlines and offers you peace of mind and flexibility with your vacation plans. Availability of awards is generally decent — a recent study found awards on desired dates about 57% of the time..

You can earn American miles with a credit card that has a lower fee though. The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express has a lower fee than the American AAdvantage MasterCard, and allows you to transfer the points you earn directly to American airlines miles at an even exchange or better.

• Free Internet access for the duration of your stay (this typically costs $12+ per night)
• 250 Starwood bonus points, or
• A free drink at the hotel bar, up to $15

We think the free Internet is a great addition to solve a frustrating charge, especially when you’re traveling on vacation and your company isn’t picking up the expenses.

If you are a Platinum Card from American Express card member, you are entitled to complimentary Gold Preferred status with Starwood, so you can enjoy these benefits.

Without the card you would need to spend 25 nights or 10 stays at Starwood hotels, or spend $30,000 on a Starwood Preferred Guest American Express each year.

Other existing benefits of Gold status include

• 4pm late check-out at most hotels
• Express check-in desk lines
• 50% point bonus on points earned during your stay
• Enhanced room upgrades: you’re entitled to an automatic room upgrade at check-in when one is available. An enhanced room includes rooms on higher floors, corner rooms, newly renovated rooms, or rooms with preferred views

Just note that enrollment in the Gold program isn’t automatic — you need to first call the Platinum Card customer service hotline on the back of your card for a special promotion code, then call Starwood at 1-888-625-4990 to tell them the code and verify you are a Platinum Card holder. They will then upgrade your Starwood status.It’s good for as long as you hold the Platinum Card, though some have noted it can stick around even if you cancel the card.

If you are already a Starwood Gold member, the new benefits will kick in automatically.

Here are some more resources regarding benefits of the Platinum Card from American Express:

• Platinum Card full benefits guide
• Hertz 4 hour grace period with Platinum Card
• Platinum Card airport lounge access details
• National Car Rental Executive membership via Platinum Card from American Express

No forex fees, points for flights, but high annual fee

The ThankYou Premier does offer the benefit of no foreign exchange transaction fees, helpful when you travel. It also lets you earn points for every mile you fly when you purchase airline tickets with the card. So, if you buy a ticket from Los Angeles to New York (5000 miles roundtrip) you’ll earn 5000 bonus ThankYou points.

But the card carries a $125 annual fee beginning in your second year and unless you are a very heavy flyer who plans to purchase all your tickets with the card it’s hard to match the earning power of other cards. The  Capital One Venture Rewards which carries no forex fees while the Chase Sapphire Preferred which offers airline mile transfer options. Citi also offers a no annual fee Citi ThankYou Preferred, but we find the earning power to be unremarkable as well and it doesn’t earn bonus points for flights.

Citi ThankYou^SM Premier Card – enough for $300 in Gift Cards

• Earn 30,000 bonus ThankYou(r) Points after $2,000 in purchases within 3 months of account opening – enough for $300 in gift cards
• 1 ThankYou point for every dollar you spend on purchases
• Earn points for the miles you fly when you purchase a ticket with your Citi ThankYou Premier Card.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Annual complimentary domestic companion ticket within the continental USA, when booked through our travel benefits provider, Spirit Incentives
• No points cap and no expiration of points

Calculate the value for you

Use the basic calculator below to find out how much the card can be worth to you. Input the number of miles you think you’ll fly each year to see if it’s a big enough benefit for you. Use our full featured Mile Credit Card Calculator to compare it against a full suite of reward credit cards.

5x points in first year on select categories worth consideration

The ThankYou Preferred does offer you a special bonus of 5x points per dollar on all gas station, supermarket, and drug store purchases for the first year you use the card. This makes it a solid no annual fee choice for the first year, but afterward we have trouble recommending it above more powerful choices like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture Rewards. Citi also offers a higher end Citi ThankYou Premier, but we find the earning power to be unremarkable as well.

Features

• $150 gift card – When you redeem the 15,000 bonus ThankYou® Points received after $1,000 in purchases within 3 months of account opening.
• Earn 5 ThankYou^® Points for every $1 you spend on gas station, supermarket, and drug store purchases during the first 12 months; 1 point for every $1 you spend thereafter
• No annual fee
• Bonus of 1-3% of your annual earned points each anniversary of your card membership

This is a guide to the lowest cost base price in miles for various regions for trips originating in the United States.

All miles aren’t created equal. While most U.S. based frequent flyer programs have pretty similar mile prices for flights to various regions, the programs of their foreign counterparts can have wide variations (often lower) for the very same flights. You can take advantage of that and really maximize the power of the right mile credit cards by understanding two facts:

1. Most airline mile programs have ‘partner airlines’ which means you can use the miles from one airline’s account to book travel on the other partner airlines. For example, one of United’s partners is US Airways, so you can use United miles for US Airways flights
2. Several credit cards offer transfer to multiple airline mile programs. These include the American Express Membership Rewards enabled cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred,  and Starwood Preferred Guest American Express. That means you can take advantage of miles values in programs without ever flying them.

Milez.biz is a new site that will calculate which programs have the lowest cost in miles to the destination you want. Just type in your origin and destination and it will show the mile prices across dozens of programs.

A few notes — it doesn’ t check real time inventory, it just uses the published award charts, and it misses a few nuances like Korean Airlines’ unique partner award charts. But overall it’s a neat tool, and we used it to help compile this list of best airline award values via mile credit cards.

There are some really intriguing values if you transfer miles to foreign based programs like

• 35,000 miles for a roundtrip first/business class ticket in the U.S. (vs 50,000 miles typical) using Lufthansa miles on partners United, US Airways, or Continental (the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express is a 1:1 mile transfer partner).
• 30,000 miles for a roundtrip ticket to Hawaii (vs 40,000 typical) using Air France / KLM’s Flying Blue program for travel on partner Delta (American Express Membership Rewards cards and the Starwood American Express are mile transfer partners), or Korean Skypass for a ticket on Hawaiian Airlines (Chase Sapphire Preferred lets you transfer to Korean). First class is just 60,000 miles on both vs 80,000 in U.S. programs.
• 50,000 miles for a roundtrip ticket to Israel (vs 80,000 typical) using AirFrance / KLM Flying Blue or Alitalia’s program – both let you travel on all the SkyTeam airlines to get there (Delta, Air France, KLM, Alitalia, etc). You can use both American Express Membership Rewards and the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express to earn points for Flying Blue.

Just note the following caveats…

• We limited the search to airlines that offer mile transfer into their programs from U.S. based credit cards. There may be lower values in other programs, but if a U.S. based flyer can’t transfer credit card miles in, it’s less relevant to us.
• Be aware that many foreign based frequent flyer programs tend to charge more in taxes and fuel fees on award tickets than U.S. programs. For overseas travel it can be $400-$500 for economy tickets, and up to $800-$900 for business class. For domestic travel, it’s about $25-$100.
• On the flip side, foreign programs tend to have lower or no fees for changing your award ticket

Now, onto the guide of values for travel originating in the United States, and let us know if there are other mile values you’d like to see included…this is a work in progress…

Continental U.S.

Economy Class

Lowest: 20-22,000 miles, ANA (use on United, US Air, Continental); 9,000 – 20,000 miles, British Airways Avios (nonstop flights on American or Alaska less than 2,000 miles each way)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer: 1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (ANA, British Airways), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (ANA, British Airways), 3) via Ultimate Rewards — Chase Sapphire Preferred (British Airways)

Typical: 25,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 35,000 miles, Lufthansa Miles and More (use on United, Continental, US Airways)

Credit card with 1:1 mile transfer: via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Lufthansa)

Typical: 50,000 miles

Hawaii

Economy Class

Lowest: 30,000 miles, AirFrance/KLM Flying Blue (use on Delta), Alitalia MilleMigla (use on Delta), Korean SkyPass (use on Hawaiian Airlines); 25,000 miles, British Airways Avios (using nonstop flights from West Coast on Alaska Airlines — no connections, or miles price will be higher)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer: 1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia, British Airways), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia, British Airways), 3) via Ultimate Rewards –  Chase Sapphire Preferred (Korean, British Airways)

Typical: 40,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 60,000 miles, AirFrance/KLM Flying Blue (use on Delta), Alitalia MilleMigla (use on Delta), Korean SkyPass (use on Hawaiian Airlines)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer: 1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia), 3) via Ultimate Rewards -  Chase Sapphire Preferred (Korean)

Typical: 80,000 miles

Europe

Economy Class

Lowest: 50,000 miles, AirFrance/KLM Flying Blue, Alitalia MilleMigla, AeroMexico Premier (all can be used on Delta, Air France, KLM, Alitalia, Czech)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer: 1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia, AeroMexico), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia)

Typical: 60,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 80,000 miles, AirFrance/KLM Flying Blue (use on Delta, KLM, Air France, Alitalia, Czech); 63,000 – 90,000 miles, ANA (distance based; East Coast 63,000 miles, West Coast 90,000; can be used on United, US Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss, Continental, Austrian, SAS, Virgin Atlantic)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer: 1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Flying Blue, ANA), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Flying Blue, ANA)

Typical: 100,000 miles

Australia

Economy Class

Lowest: 70,000 miles, JAL (can be used on Qantas)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (JAL)

Typical: 80,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 110,000 miles, JAL (can be used on Qantas)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer: via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (JAL)

Typical: 135,000 miles

Israel

Economy Class

Lowest: 50,000 miles, Air France / KLM Flying Blue (can be used on Air France, KLM, Alitalia, Delta), Alitalia MilleMigla (can be used on Air France, KLM, Alitalia, Delta)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia), via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia)

Typical: 80,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 80,000 miles, Alitalia MilleMigla (can be used on Air France, KLM, Alitalia, Delta)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer: via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia), via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Flying Blue, Alitalia)

Typical: 100,000 miles

Caribbean

Economy Class

Lowest: 30,000 miles, Air France / KLM Flying Blue (can be used on Delta)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Flying Blue), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Flying Blue)

Typical: 35,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 60,000 miles, most airlines

South America – Deep (Brazil, Argentina, etc)

Economy Class

Lowest: 50,000 miles, Alitalia, Korean, Alaska (can be used on Delta)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Alitalia), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Alitalia)

Typical: 60,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 75,000 miles, JAL (use on LAN only, distance must be 12,000 miles or less roundtrip); 90,000 miles, Korean, Alaska (can be used on Delta)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  1) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Alaska, JAL), via Ultimate Rewards — Chase Sapphire Preferred (Korean)

South America – North (Peru, Colombia, etc)

Economy Class

Lowest: 35,000 miles, American (can be used on American, LAN), Aeromexico (can be used on Delta, Aeromexico), Alitalia (can be used on Delta, Aeromexico)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Alitalia), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Alitalia, American)

Typical: 40,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 60,000 miles, American (can be used on American, LAN), Aeromexico (can be used on Delta, Aeromexico), Alitalia (can be used on Delta, Aeromexico)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Alitalia), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Alitalia, American)

Typical:  70,000 miles

Africa

Economy Class

Lowest: 70,000 miles, US Airways (can be used on Lufthansa, Swiss, South African, United, Continental, Ethiopian, Egyptair)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (US Airways)

Typical: 85,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 110,000 miles, US Airways (can be used on Lufthansa, Swiss, South African, United, Continental, Ethiopian, Egyptair)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (US Airways)

Typical:  150,000 miles

Thailand

Economy Class

Lowest: 65,000 miles, United Mileage Plus (can be used on Lufthansa, Swiss, ANA, South African, United, Continental, more)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Ultimate Rewards — Chase Sapphire Preferred (United)

Typical: 85,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 95,000 miles, Alitalia (can be used on Korean, Delta)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (Alitalia), via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (Aeromexico, Alitalia, American)

Typical:  125,000 miles

Tahiti

Economy Class

Lowest: 60,000 miles, Korean Airlines SkyPass (can be used on Air France via its LAX-PPT route)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Ultimate Rewards — Chase Sapphire Preferred (Korean)

Typical: 100,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 90,000 miles, Korean Airlines SkyPass (can be used on Air France via its LAX-PPT route)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Ultimate Rewards — Chase Sapphire Preferred (Korean)

Typical:  150,000 miles

Japan

Economy Class

Lowest: 55,000 miles, ANA (use on ANA)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  1) via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (ANA), 2) via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (ANA)

Typical: 65,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 85,000 miles, ANA (use on ANA)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Membership Rewards — Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Green Card®, Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN, and Platinum Card® from American Express (ANA), via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (ANA)

Typical:  120,000 miles

Hong Kong / China

Economy Class

Lowest: 55,000 miles, JAL (use on JAL)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Expresss (JAL)

Typical: 65,000 miles

Business/First Class

Lowest: 90,000 miles, JAL (use on JAL)

Credit cards with 1:1 mile transfer:  via Starwood points — Starwood Preferred Guest American Express (JAL)

Typical:  120,000 miles

Travel Privileges: Airline

• Airport club access (U.S. airlines): Entry for you and 2 guests (or additional children) at all American Airlines Admirals Clubs, Delta Sky Clubs, and US Airways Clubs. Continental Presidents Clubs have entry until 10/1/2011.Click here for a complete list of available clubs.
• Airport club access (worldwide): You can sign up to recieve free Priority Pass membership (usually $399 if purchased alone). This offers entry to over 600 airport clubs worldwide. Basically a club or more in every major airport, regardless of the airline you travel. Entry is for yourself, and sometimes a guest. Rules vary by  club.
• $200 annual airline credit. You designate an airline each year, and you are reimbursed for up to $200 for things like change fees, baggage fees, onboard purchases, and more. Some people have reported getting credit for airline club membership, award ticket taxes, and more.
• Global Entry fee rebate. American Express will refund the $100 cost to enroll in Global Entry , the program that lets you bypass U.S. immigration lines at U.S. airports by swiping your passport at a kiosk. It’s a magnificent time saver.
• Membership Rewards First. You have the ability to transfer your points into miles in over 20 airline and hotel programs, most 1 for 1, and many with instant transfer. Airlines include Delta, Air Canada, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue, Air France / KLM, AeroMexico, AirTran, ANA, ElAl, Hawaiian, Iberia, and Singapore Airlines. Hotels at 1:1 or better are Priority Club (Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza), Hilton, and Best Western.
• 20% discount on ‘pay with points’ travel. You can use your points toward travel at a rate of 100 points = $1 in travel value when you book online with American Express. As a Platinum Card holder, you pay 20% fewer points than the standard rate, so 100 points = $1.20 in travel.
• Toronto Pearson Airport Priority Lane. You have access to the express security screening lanes at Toronto’s airport, normally reserved for the most frequent of flyers.

Travel Privileges: Car Rental

• National Car Rental Executive status. This normally requires 12 rentals per year, but entitles you to a guaranteed premium class car at a full size price, often saving $30-$50 per day. You also have access to the airport ’Executive Selection’ at a mid size price, which often includes premium class cars and SUVs.
• Hertz 4 hour grace period. Normally Hertz offers a 30 minute grace period when you return your car. If you book using your Platinum Card code, you get a 4 hour grace period. Just make sure you call Hertz to say you are a Platinum Card member and they’ll input the code into your profile.
• Hertz #1 Club Gold Memberhip: Normally costs $60 per year, your car is ready in the stall when you arrive, and your name in lights on the board. No need to go to the counter.

Travel Privileges: Hotel

• Starwood Hotels Gold status: Offers 4pm late check out and select room upgrades at Starwood hotels (Sheraton, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Four Points, St. Regis). Normally requires 10 stays per year to qualify.
• Fine Hotels and Resorts Program: When you book using www.americanexpressfhr.com you receive 1) room upgrade with late check-out, 2) free breakfast for 2 each day, 3) a special amenity such as spa or restaurant credit, usually valued at $50 or more. Amex claims these benefits are worth $450 or more per stay. The cost of rooms booked via American Express vary — sometimes they are less than directly through the hotel, sometimes less, and often just the same — but in each case you enjoy the Platinum Card benefits only by booking through American Express.

Other Privileges

• No foreign transaction fees. All such fees are waived when you use the card while traveling overseas. Your purchases are simply converted at the exchange rate with no additional charge.
• Cruise privileges. When you book a cruise with Celebrity, Crystal, Holland America, Princess, and Seabourne cruises among others, you get a two category room upgrade or a $300 shipboard credit, along with an amenity which is often free dinner for 2 at a premium restaurant and a bottle of premium wine or champagne in your room. You generally have to book through American Express travel, though people have reported Crystal cruises offers $550 in credit for Platinum Card holders regardless of how they book, so long as a Platinum Card is used to pay.
• $100 vacation credit. If you use American Express Travel to book a cruise or vacation package of $3,000 or more you get a $100 statement credit, valid once per year.
• Staples Center Los Angeles Platinum Lounge: If you’re attending a game or event at the Staples Cener in Los Angeles you have access to the Platinum Lounge on Suite Level B — regardles of the type of ticket you hold. Access to the Platinum Lounge for non-suite/premier guests is through the Main Concourse doors to Star Plaza VIP, located next to Team LA. Reports on the lounge say it has good prices for food and drink, but the views are not outstanding, so you’re more likely to enjoy the game at your seat and reserve lounge time for pre-game and during breaks.
• Premium seats program at Madison Square Garden, Staples Center, Home Depot Center. Amex keeps special blocks of tickets available for purchase by Platinum Card holders with premium locations. For Madison Square Garden, limit 4 tickets per game and 8 games per Card member (per sport or event). Quantities are limited. Call 800-321-RSVP (7787), 8am-11pm ET, seven days a week for reservations.
• Preferred seating at Broadway shows. Shows and events at www.americanexpress.com/entertainmentaccess have limited premium seats set aside for card holders, with Platinum Card members getting access to the best when available. To redeem an American Express Preferred Seating offer,  enter the 10-digit Customer Service phone number located on the back of your Card when placing your order or look for the ‘American Express Preferred Seating’ link when booking a ticket.
• Equinox benefits. Equinox gyms offer Platinum cardholders who become members 5 free training sessions and a 50 minute massage.
• Platinum Dining Reservations. American Express holds reservations for Platinum Card members at hundreds of fine restaurants and nightclubs. Generally you need to confirm 24 hours in advance, but it can sometimes be helpful in getting reservations not otherwise available to the general public.
• Puerto Rico Dining Program. When visiting Puerto Rico and making your dining reservations through your Platinum concierge, From Monday through Thursday, you will get a second main course and dessert free of charge. From Friday through Sunday, the fourth main course and dessert are free of charge. In either case, the main entree free of charge will be the least costly among those chosen.
• 2x points on Amex travel purchases. You earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel booked at www.americanexpress.com/travel
• 10x points on Amex online shopping mall. Go to www.memershiprewards.com/earn to link to your favorite online shopping merchants and earn 10x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent.

Purchase protection

• Purchase Protection: If an item you buy with the Platinum Card is damaged, lost or stolen, Amex will reimburse within 90 days from purchase. Lost items are a unique benefit of the Platinum Card. Simply call the number provided as a member and you can file a claim. Limit: $10,000 per incident, $50000 per year.
• Buyers Assurance: Extend warranties by one year, up to five year warranty
• Best Value Guarantee: If  the price of the item drops within 60 days of purchase, Amex will pay you the difference.
• Return Protection: If a merchant doesn’t accept a return, Amex will reimburse you up to 90 days from purchase, $300 per item, $1000 per year

Travel protection

• Baggage insurance: Up to $3,000 in coverage for lost or damaged baggage beyond the airline’s coverage when you use your card to purchase your ticket.
• Travel insurance: $100,000 in coverage in the case of dismemberment or accidental death.
• Roadside assistance: Up to $50 in towing or assistance benefit for each occurrence — call the Amex hotline provided when you get your card. This is valid for both your personal car as well as rentals and borrowed vehicles.

Premium Global Assist

• 1-800-345-AMEX hotline for all travel emergency questions
• Complimentary medical evacuation (Platinum exclusive). If the Global Assist assigned physician deems it medically necessary, American Express will pay for transport for an ill or injured Cardmember or qualified family member travelling abroad back to the United States. If the physician deems this impossible, American Express will pay for transport to the nearest facility the physician deems suitable. This does not cover medical expenses incurred at the facility, only transportation.
• Complimentary repatriation of remains (Platinum exclusive). In the unfortunate, and we hope never experenced by any reader, circumstance that the Cardmember or qualified family member passes away while travelling abroad, American Express will pay for remains to be transported back to the United States.
• Lost passport assistance. Global Assist will work the necessary channels to help you travel again should you lose your passport.
• 24 hour card replacement. American Express can get you a new card within 24 hours and help you cancel all accounts, even competitors’, in the event you lose your wallet.
• Emergency hotel check-in. American Express can front the credit needed to check you into a hotel in the event you lose your cards.

Other resources to consider

Spending a $450 annual fee on a card is worth some time to consider. For many it is well worth it, but we offer the following additional resources to help understand whether it is worthwhile for you:

• American Express’ information and application sites. To review terms and conditions, as well as apply for the card. Also includes over 4,000 reviews of the card.
• Current intro bonus points offer. Available on our main Platinum Card review page, updated as the bonus offers change.
• Platinum Card ‘to-do’ list. From the frequent flyer community at FlyerTalk.com, discussion on things to sign up for and learn once you receive your card.
• Cruise benefit discussion. From the frequent flyer community at FlyerTalk.com, discussion on cruise related benefits, including up to $550 in onboard credit with Crystal Cruises for using the Platinum Card.
• Fine Hotels and Resorts discussion. From the frequent flyer community at FlyerTalk.com, reports of benefits and upgrades received from hotels booked through the Fine Hotels and Resorts program.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.