What are the best rewards credit cards and travel loyalty programs?

Travel can be expensive, but those availing themselves of the best loyalty and rewards programs are offered plenty of opportunities to earn free or discounted travel and hotel rooms through everyday spending on gas, groceries, and other purchases.
To find the best options, USA TODAY 10Best invited a panel of travel and miles-and-points experts to share their favorite programs for American travelers — the credit cards, frequent flyer programs, and hotel loyalty programs with the best earning potential, flexibility, extra perks and ease of redemption.
Now, it’s your turn to vote for your favorites and help us name the 10 best of 2024 in each of five categories. Voting ends on Monday, July 29 at noon ET, and you can vote once per day, per category.
Click on each category below to vote:
Free flights, priority boarding, upgrades, and no luggage fees — these are just some of the rewards and perks you receive when you start making purchases with a good airline credit card.
Learn more: Best credit cards of 2023
USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with a panel of miles-and-points experts to nominate the best airline credit cards available. Now, we need you to help select a winner. Which airline credit card do you favor?
Vote: Best Airline Credit Card »
Savvy frequent travelers know that loyalty to a specific airline can translate to big savings on flights, as well as the chance to receive upgrades. But not all loyalty programs work the same or have equal benefits.
So, we asked miles-and-points experts to nominate the most worthwhile programs — those with plenty of ways to earn and redeem miles, great coverage, and an abundance of flight options when it comes time to book that free trip.
Which frequent flyer program do you think is the best?
Vote: Best Frequent Flyer Program »
Just about every hotel brand offers some sort of loyalty program for their guests, rewarding frequent stays with discounted or free nights, in addition to other perks such as upgrades, free Wi-Fi, or late check-out. With so many programs to choose from, how do you pick the right one to save big bucks on travel?
We asked miles-and-points experts to nominate their favorites, and now we need you to crown a winner. Which hotel loyalty program is tops?
Vote: Best Hotel Loyalty Program »
A good rewards credit card offers users greater flexibility on how they earn and redeem points, with no need to fly the same airline, stay in the same hotel chain, or rent from the same car company on every trip.
We asked a panel of miles-and-points experts to tell us their favorite general rewards credit cards, and we need you to help us pick a winner. Vote for your favorite card once per day.
Vote: Best Rewards Credit Card »
Free upgrades, early check-in, and award nights — these are just a few of the perks for spending on a good hotel or travel credit card. To find the best of the bunch, USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with a panel of miles-and-points experts to nominate the top options on the market for American travelers, based on perks, redemption rates, and other benefits.
Which credit card is your favorite?
Vote: Best Travel & Hotel Credit Card »
Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on Aug. 7.