Travel rewards programs are a powerful way to save money on flights, hotels, and more.

Two of the most popular are Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards. Both offer strong earning potential and great redemption value, but they shine in different areas.

Here is what you need to know to choose the right fit for your travel style.

How You Earn Points

Both programs reward you for spending on specific cards and bonus categories.

Chase offers points through cards like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred. Many of these come with large welcome bonuses and strong everyday earning options.

American Express also offers cards with generous bonuses and great earning categories, including dining, groceries, and flights.

Your choice of card affects how fast you earn points, so it helps to match your spending habits with the right program.

How You Redeem Points

The real value of both programs comes from transferring points to airline and hotel partners.

This is where you unlock the best deals.

Cashback and portal bookings rarely stretch your points as far.

Chase partners with programs like United, Southwest, Air Canada, and Hyatt. Hyatt redemptions in particular are some of the highest value in the travel world.

American Express partners with a larger number of airlines, including Delta, ANA, Air Canada, and Virgin Atlantic. This gives you excellent flexibility, especially for international flights.

Both programs offer strong value, but the partners they work with can make one program more ideal depending on your travel destination.

Which Program Fits You Best

If you want simple redemptions and strong domestic travel options, Chase is often the easier path.

If you want maximum flexibility, more transfer partners, and premium international travel potential, Amex is a great fit.

Many people use both so they can pick the best program for each individual trip.

If you want help figuring out which one matches your travel goals, I can walk you through it.

Talk soon,

Your Maestro Concierge

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are only the author’s and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity.