How many credit card points do I need to fly to Tokyo for free?

A round-trip economy flight to Tokyo costs approximately 70,000 points via Virgin Atlantic Miles, which transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards. The best route books ANA flights — one of the highest-value redemptions available. Business class to Tokyo requires about 160,000 points round-trip.

What credit card gives the most points for travel?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve earn the most transferable points for travel. The Sapphire Preferred offers a 60,000-point signup bonus after $4,000 in spending, which is enough for a round-trip economy flight to Paris. The Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X are also top travel cards with large signup bonuses of 80,000–100,000+ points.

How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?

Most people can earn enough points for a domestic free flight within 3–6 months using one credit card signup bonus. For international travel, combining 2–3 travel credit card signup bonuses typically earns enough points within 6–12 months. For example, getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred (60K bonus) and Amex Gold (60K bonus) in the same year gives 120,000 points — enough for round-trip economy to Europe or Asia.

What is the cheapest destination to visit for free with credit card points?

Domestic US travel is the cheapest — as low as 15,000 points for a one-way flight on Southwest. For international, Cancun is one of the best values at 20,000 points round-trip via Southwest. Caribbean flights start around 25,000 points. European destinations like London and Dublin start at 40,000 points round-trip.

Can I travel for free if I have a fair or low credit score?

Yes, but your options are more limited. With a fair credit score (580–669), you can qualify for starter travel cards like the Capital One VentureOne, Discover it Miles, or secured travel cards. These still earn points toward free travel, just with smaller signup bonuses. Building your credit score to 670+ opens up the best travel cards with 60,000–100,000 point signup bonuses.

How does the Travel for Free Roadmap tool work?

The Travel for Free Roadmap is a free 5-step tool from StackEasy. You pick a destination (31 options including Tokyo, Paris, Maldives, and more), enter your credit score range and current cards, input your monthly spending by category, and set your preferences. The tool calculates exactly which credit cards to get, in what order, and shows you the total points you'll earn plus when you'll hit your goal — with no signup required.

What are transfer partners and why do they matter for free travel?

Transfer partners are airlines and hotels that let you convert credit card points into their miles or rewards at a 1:1 ratio (or better). Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to United, Hyatt, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France Flying Blue, and more. Amex Membership Rewards transfers to Delta, Air France, Singapore Airlines, and others. Transferring to the right partner can double or triple the value of your points — for example, transferring Chase points to Virgin Atlantic to book ANA business class to Japan is worth 5–10 cents per point vs. 1 cent for cash back.

Is it worth getting travel credit cards with annual fees?

Often yes. The Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/year) more than pays for itself with 5x points on travel, 3x on dining, and travel protections worth hundreds of dollars. The Amex Platinum ($695/year) offers $200 airline credit, $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry, and Priority Pass lounge access — offsetting the fee for frequent travelers. The key is matching the card's benefits to your actual spending patterns.

HOTEL REWARDS COMPARISON

Marriott vs Hyatt vs Hilton vs IHG:
Which Program Wins in 2026?

Side-by-side comparison of every major hotel loyalty program — points value, destination coverage, transfer partners, and best cards. Updated May 2026.

★ Overall Winner: World of Hyatt

Best points value (2.0-2.3¢/pt), 24 destinations, 1:1 transfers from Chase. Most flexible-currency holders should transfer to Hyatt first.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Hyatt ★	Marriott	Hilton	IHG
Points value	2-2.3¢	0.7-1¢	0.5-0.7¢	0.5-0.7¢
Destinations covered	33 destinations	18 destinations	2 destinations	1 destinations
Chase UR transfer	1:1 ✓	1:1 ✓	—	—
Amex MR transfer	—	1:1 ✓	1:2 ✓	—
Best card to earn	Chase Sapphire Preferred	Chase Sapphire Preferred	Amex Platinum	IHG One Rewards Premier Card
Verdict	Best overall value	Best global coverage	Best Amex pairing	Best boutique hotels

Deep Dive: Each Program

World of HyattBEST VALUE

Best overall value

2-2.3¢

per point

The highest-value hotel loyalty program. Hyatt points consistently deliver 2.0–2.3¢ each — nearly double Hilton and Marriott. With 24 redemption destinations and low category pricing, it's the top choice for Chase and Amex cardholders.

Top picks: Tokyo · Osaka & Kyoto · Seoul +30 more

See all Hyattdestinations →

Marriott Bonvoy

Best global coverage

0.7-1¢

per point

The world's largest hotel network with 30+ brands. Points are worth less per-point than Hyatt, but Marriott properties are everywhere — including Santorini, Iceland, Croatia, and Turks & Caicos.

Top picks: Santorini · Reykjavik · Dubrovnik +15 more

See all Marriottdestinations →

Hilton Honors

Best Amex pairing

0.5-0.7¢

per point

Hilton Honors points require more per night but Hilton's footprint is massive. Best used for all-inclusive Fiji resorts or as a fallback when Hyatt/Marriott don't cover your destination.

Top picks: Fiji · Istanbul

See all Hiltondestinations →

IHG One Rewards

Best boutique hotels

0.5-0.7¢

per point

IHG One Rewards covers Kimpton, InterContinental, and Hotel Indigo. Best used for Kimpton boutique properties in cities like Edinburgh, where other programs have no coverage.

Top picks: Edinburgh

See all IHGdestinations →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hotel rewards program has the best points value?

World of Hyatt delivers the best points value at 2.0-2.3 cents per point — nearly double Marriott Bonvoy (0.7-1.0 cents) and Hilton Honors (0.5-0.7 cents). Hyatt's lower point requirements mean your Chase Ultimate Rewards points go much further.

Should I transfer Chase points to Hyatt or Marriott?

Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt. The 1:1 transfer ratio gives you 2.0 cents+ per point at Hyatt vs 0.7 cents at Marriott — nearly 3x more value. Hyatt also has better award availability and no dynamic pricing on most properties.

What is the best hotel credit card for rewards?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/yr) is the best hotel card because it transfers 1:1 to World of Hyatt — the highest-value hotel program. The 60,000-point bonus equals 3-7 free nights at top global properties.

How do hotel points programs compare across major chains?

Hyatt wins on value (2.0 cents/pt), Marriott wins on coverage (30+ brands globally), Hilton wins on Amex pairing (1:2 transfer), IHG wins on boutique/Kimpton properties. For most travelers with Chase or Amex cards, Hyatt offers the best free nights.

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Marriott vs Hyatt vs Hilton vs IHG:Which Program Wins in 2026?

Side-by-Side Comparison

Deep Dive: Each Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Marriott vs Hyatt vs Hilton vs IHG:
Which Program Wins in 2026?