{"id":220613,"date":"2025-09-28T16:00:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T16:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=220613\/"},"modified":"2025-09-30T12:32:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T12:32:38","slug":"credit-card-travel-portal-when-to-book","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/travel\/when-to-book-through-travel-portal\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Portals vs. Booking Direct: When It\u2019s Worth It (and When It\u2019s Not)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Nowadays, almost every <a href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-credit-card-for-travel\/\">travel rewards credit card<\/a> offers bonus points for bookings made through the issuer's travel portal. In essence, these are simply third-party booking platforms like Expedia or Booking.com. There are several reasons why someone might <strong>not<\/strong> want to use these third-party platforms, but card issuers and travel portals have added generous benefits to incentivize you to use them anyway.<\/p>\n<p>In this post, we will compare a few different booking scenarios to see how costs fluctuate across travel portals.\u00a0Here's everything you need to know.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Flight_Travel_Portal_Comparisons\">Flight Travel Portal Comparisons<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"Domestic_flights_through_the_portals\">Domestic flights through the portals<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) is one of the busiest domestic routes in the U.S. To maintain consistency, I selected April 15, 2026, as the departure date for a one-way trip. Let's find out the costs associated with booking directly with the airline or through <a href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-travel\/\">American Express Travel<\/a>, <a href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-travel-portal\/\">Capital One Travel<\/a>, <a href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/\">Chase Travel<\/a>, or <a href=\"\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-travel-portal\/\">Citi Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4>Google Flights<\/h4>\n<p>As you can see, there are three main options for a nonstop flight, all fairly close in price.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>JetBlue: $179<\/li>\n<li>American: $179<\/li>\n<li>Delta: $204<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_220624\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/441\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-220624 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.26.51.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing three flight options from JFK to LAX operated by JetBlue, American, and Delta\" width=\"750\" height=\"441\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.26.51.png 2188w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.26.51-300x176.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.26.51-1024x602.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.26.51-768x451.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.26.51-1536x903.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.26.51-2048x1204.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Google Flights<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>American Express Travel<\/h4>\n<p>American Express Travel charges a comparable price for the JetBlue flight, but charges more for the American Airlines flight and the Delta flight. This is interesting considering the partnership between American Express and Delta.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>JetBlue: $178<\/li>\n<li>American: $227<\/li>\n<li>Delta: $249<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_220626\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/499\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-220626 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.35.45-e1754073424182.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing two flight options from JFK to LAX on American and Delta\" width=\"750\" height=\"499\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.35.45-e1754073424182.png 1104w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.35.45-e1754073424182-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.35.45-e1754073424182-1024x681.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.35.45-e1754073424182-768x511.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of American Express Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>Capital One Travel<\/h4>\n<p>Capital One Travel offered the same fares as booking directly with the airlines &#8212; with the note that &#8220;you should wait for a better price.&#8221;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>JetBlue: $178<\/li>\n<li>American: $178<\/li>\n<li>Delta: $203<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_220628\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/249\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-220628 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.43.58-scaled.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a search on Capital One Travel for a flight from JFK to LAX\" width=\"750\" height=\"249\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.43.58-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.43.58-300x99.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.43.58-1024x339.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.43.58-768x255.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.43.58-1536x509.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.43.58-2048x679.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Capital One Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>Chase Travel<\/h4>\n<p>Chase Travel also offered the same fares as booking directly with the airlines.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>JetBlue: $179<\/li>\n<li>American: $179<\/li>\n<li>Delta: $204<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_220629\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/202\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-220629 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.46.24-scaled.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a JetBlue flight from JFK to LAX through Chase Travel\" width=\"750\" height=\"202\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.46.24-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.46.24-300x81.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.46.24-1024x275.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.46.24-768x206.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.46.24-1536x413.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-01-at-14.46.24-2048x550.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Chase Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>Citi Travel<\/h4>\n<p>Finally, Citi Travel charged the same as booking directly with the airlines.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>JetBlue: $179<\/li>\n<li>American: $179<\/li>\n<li>Delta: $204<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Conclusion:\u00a0<\/strong>In this example, the price is the same whether you\u00a0book your flight directly with your favorite airline or book through Citi Travel, Chase Travel, or Capital One Travel. If you book through Amex Travel, you'll pay a bit more. The choice comes down to your earning rates and card perks.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you have the <a data-ccid=\"4048084\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphireReserve\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>, the choice is clear: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-travel-portal\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Book through Chase Travel\u2120<\/strong><\/a>. You'll pay the same price but earn 8X points on the flight compared with just 4X points if you book directly with the airline.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4048084\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/565192b2-c5cc-4edc-89ae-b8bba7a63750.png\" width=\"150\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae' data-ccid=\"4048084\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphireReserve\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048084\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1975477.10005148&type=3&subid=0b46d432d0052ba1da640c84fd8c96993&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$795<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a class=\"active\" href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 125,000 bonus points bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/li><li>Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.<\/li><li>Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel&#x2120;, including The Edit&#x2120; and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases<\/li><li>$300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.<\/li><li>Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass&#x2122; Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge&#xAE; by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck&#xAE; every 4 years<\/li><li>Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.<\/li><li>Count on Trip Cancellation\/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.<\/li><li>Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6\/22\/27 - a value of $250 annually<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er active\"><ul>\r\n<li>8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel\u2120<\/li>\r\n<li>4x points on flights and hotels booked directly<\/li>\r\n<li>3x points on dining worldwide<\/li>\r\n<li>1x points on all other purchases<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/SapphireReserve\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-69271f2c6#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<p>Alternatively, if you have the <a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>, skip the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-travel\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Amex Travel portal<\/a> and book directly with the airline. The price is slightly cheaper, plus the earning rate is the same: 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year).<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4028089\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/e6901d88-1a35-4373-b3e1-9a2a445490a0.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express Platinum Card\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express Platinum Card\u00ae' data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/platinum-card\/91101-10-0#offer-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$895<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a class=\"active\" href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Cardholders can access more than 1,550 airport lounges worldwide, take advantage of up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $209 in CLEAR+ credits, and TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or Global Entry fee credits. The card also includes an annual hotel credit worth up to $600 on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or The Hotel Collection bookings (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay), Hilton Honors\u2122 and Marriott Bonvoy<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Elite status, and a suite of benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>. Additional perks include $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership credit (with applicable sales taxes and Plus Ups not include), up to $300 in annual digital entertainment credits, up to $300 Equinox credits, and up to $200 annual Uber Cash and $120 Uber One Credit. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards&#xAE; points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount - all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.<\/li><li>Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards&#xAE; points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel&#xAE;, including Fine Hotels + Resorts&#xAE; and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel&#xAE; on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.<\/li><li>With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection&#xAE;, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club&#xAE; visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07\/2025.<\/li><li>$200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card&#xAE; you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card&#xAE; to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card&#xAE; to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.<\/li><li>$300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card&#xAE; for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.<\/li><li>$600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts&#xAE; or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel&#xAE; using the Platinum Card&#xAE;. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.<\/li><li>$400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card&#xAE; to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card&#xAE;. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.<\/li><li>$209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card&#xAE;. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.<\/li><li>$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card&#xAE; Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.<\/li><li>Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts&#xAE; through American Express Travel&#xAE;, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.<\/li><li>$300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card&#xAE; for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.<\/li><li>$155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card&#xAE;. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.<\/li><li>Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24\/7.<\/li><li>$895 annual fee.<\/li><li>Terms Apply.<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er active\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn  5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> and The Hotel Collection bookings.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/PlatinumCard\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-69271f2c6#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h3><span id=\"Short-haul_international_flight_through_the_portal\">Short-haul international flight through the portal<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Next, let's compare first-class round-trip airfare between Atlanta (ATL) and Cancun (CUN) on Delta Air Lines. This 2-hour 30-minute short-haul international flight is a perfect gateway to a Mexican vacation.<\/p>\n<h4>Delta Air Lines<\/h4>\n<p>If you book directly with Delta, you'll spend $990.54 on your First Classic round-trip ticket. Note that booking directly also allows you to earn toward elite status.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221592\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/213\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221592 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.00.58.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a roundtrip flight from Atlanta to Cancun when booked directly with Delta Air Lines\" width=\"750\" height=\"213\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.00.58.png 2000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.00.58-300x85.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.00.58-1024x291.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.00.58-768x218.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.00.58-1536x436.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Delta Air Lines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>American Express Travel<\/h4>\n<p>When you book your flight through American Express Travel, you'll actually pay less. The fare is just $950.54 &#8212; that's $40 cheaper than booking directly with Delta. This is a stark contrast to the domestic flight example, which charged $45 more.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221595\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/226\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221595 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.10.09.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a flight booking through American Express Travel\" width=\"750\" height=\"226\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.10.09.png 2356w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.10.09-300x90.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.10.09-1024x309.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.10.09-768x231.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.10.09-1536x463.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.10.09-2048x617.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of American Express Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>Capital One Travel<\/h4>\n<p>If you book through Capital One, you'll pay the same as booking directly with Delta.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221593\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/196\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221593 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.02.17-scaled.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a round-trip flight between Atlanta and Cancun booked through Capital One Travel\" width=\"750\" height=\"196\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.02.17-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.02.17-300x78.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.02.17-1024x268.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.02.17-768x201.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.02.17-1536x402.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.02.17-2048x536.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Capital One Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>Chase Travel<\/h4>\n<p>Just like with Capital One, if you book through Chase Travel, you'll pay $991.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221594\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/76\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221594 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.06.09.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a round-trip flight between Atlanta and Cancun booked through Chase Travel\" width=\"750\" height=\"76\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.06.09.png 2260w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.06.09-300x30.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.06.09-1024x103.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.06.09-768x77.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.06.09-1536x155.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.06.09-2048x207.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Chase Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>Citi Travel<\/h4>\n<p>Finally, the flight booked through Citi Travel costs the same as a flight booked directly with Delta.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221614\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"550\/830\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221614 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.47.38.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a flight from ATL to CUN booked through Citi Travel\" width=\"550\" height=\"830\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.47.38.png 828w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.47.38-199x300.png 199w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.47.38-678x1024.png 678w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.47.38-768x1159.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Citi Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Conclusion:\u00a0<\/strong>In this scenario, a short-haul international flight booked through a travel portal was the same price (or cheaper) as a flight booked directly with the airline.<\/p>\n<p>In this case, cardmembers of <a data-ccid=\"4028096\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessPlatinumCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/a> or the Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> would want to book directly with Amex Travel to get a better price plus earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com.<\/p>\n<p><a data-ccid=\"4028096\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-business-platinum\/\">Business Platinum Card<\/a> cardmembers who've selected Delta as their preferred airline could also use the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-pay-with-points-rebate\/\" rel=\"noopener\">35% Pay With Points rebate<\/a> to essentially redeem Membership Rewards points for more than 1.5 cents a piece for this flight.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4028096\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">The Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/19ca7b53-f41c-4639-ba3b-c44c7c44ba6f.png\"  width=\"150\" alt=\"The Business Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='The Business Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express' data-ccid=\"4028096\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessPlatinumCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028096\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/business-platinum-charge-card\/42732-AJTnC-0?rwdFlag=rwd&oneXpVariant=elevatedOffer_variant#FeeTable\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Find Out Your Offer<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">The Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Find Out Your Offer<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$895<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express is a powerhouse for business travelers, offering cardholders up to $1,150 in yearly Dell Technologies credits, up to $360 with Indeed, $250 for Adobe business plans, and $120 for U.S. wireless services. The card includes extensive lounge access, a $200 airline fee credit each year, up to $209 CLEAR+ credit, Marriott Bonvoy<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> and Hilton Honors\u2122 Gold Statuses, exclusive Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> benefits, and a TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or Global Entry fee credit. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><ul><li>As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/li><li>The American Express Global Lounge Collection<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07\/2025.<\/li><li>See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.<\/li><li>Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.<\/li><li>No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.<\/li><li>Make the Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.<\/li><li>Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.<\/li><li>Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal).<\/li><li>Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel\u2122.<\/li><li>Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.<\/li><li>Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.<\/li><li>Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.<\/li><li>Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.<\/li><li>2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.<\/li><li>5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com<\/li><li>1X points on other eligible purchases<\/li><li>Terms Apply.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul><li>Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. shipping providers.<\/li>\r\n<li>2X earning rates are subject to a cap of $2 million in purchases per calendar year.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/BizPlat\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-69271f2c6#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<p>Meanwhile, those with the <a data-ccid=\"242\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CitiStrataElite?var2=ccid~242\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card<\/a> would want to book through the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-travel-portal\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi Travel Portal<\/a> to earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"242\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CardArt-CitiStrataEliteCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"242\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CitiStrataElite?var2=ccid~242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"242\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=a3pDkecFgAg&offerid=1978593.4347&type=3&subid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$595<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card is Citi's premier rewards card, delivering top-tier travel and dining rewards and standout perks like a $300 annual hotel credit and no foreign transaction fees. From Friday night dinners to weekend getaways, the elevated earnings on hotels, air travel, and CitiNights\u2120 purchases make this a powerhouse option for frequent travelers looking to maximize every dollar spent.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><ul><li>Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.<\/li><li>Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com<\/li><li>Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights\u2120 purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time<\/li><li>Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases<\/li><li>Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.<\/li><li>No Foreign Transaction Fees<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>12X \u2013 Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com.<\/li>\r\n<li>6X \u2013 Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.<\/li>\r\n<li>6X \u2013 Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights\u2120 purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.<\/li>\r\n<li>1.5X \u2013 Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/CitiStrataElite\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-69271f2c6#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h3><span id=\"Long-haul_international_flight_through_the_portal\">Long-haul international flight through the portal<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A nonstop flight from New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) is one of the longest flights in the world, clocking in at 19 hours and 15 minutes. Here's how much it'll cost depending on your booking method.<\/p>\n<h4>Singapore Airlines<\/h4>\n<p>If you book the flight directly with Singapore Airlines, you'll pay $823 for a premium economy ticket. Note that premium economy is the lowest class of service on this flight.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221609\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221609 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.35.08.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of a flight from JFK to SIN booked through Singapore Airlines\" width=\"750\" height=\"182\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.35.08.png 2268w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.35.08-300x73.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.35.08-1024x248.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.35.08-768x186.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.35.08-1536x372.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.35.08-2048x497.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Singapore Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>American Express Travel<\/h4>\n<p>The flight booked through American Express Travel costs $19 more than if it were booked directly with Singapore Airlines.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221610\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/252\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221610 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.07.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of a flight from JFK to SIN booked through American Express Travel\" width=\"750\" height=\"252\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.07.png 1308w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.07-300x101.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.07-1024x344.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.07-768x258.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of American Express Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>Capital One Travel<\/h4>\n<p>The flight booked through Capital One Travel costs the same as the flight booked through Singapore Airlines.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221611\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/113\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221611 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.56.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a flight from New York to Singapore booked through Capital One Travel\" width=\"750\" height=\"113\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.56.png 2454w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.56-300x45.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.56-1024x154.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.56-768x116.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.56-1536x232.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.41.56-2048x309.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Capital One Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>Chase Travel<\/h4>\n<p>The flight booked through Chase Travel costs just $1 more than the flight booked through Singapore Airlines.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221612\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/241\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221612 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.42.55.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a flight from New York to Singapore booked through Chase Travel\" width=\"750\" height=\"241\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.42.55.png 1882w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.42.55-300x97.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.42.55-1024x330.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.42.55-768x247.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.42.55-1536x495.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Chase Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h4>Citi Travel<\/h4>\n<p>One of the many reasons it can be difficult to book travel through a card issuer portal is a lack of availability. These portals are often glitchy, and they don't show all of your available flight options. In this case, if I wanted to book a flight from New York to Singapore using Citi Travel, I wouldn't be able to.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221615\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/276\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221615 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.48.54.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a search for a flight from New York to Singapore with no results found\" width=\"750\" height=\"276\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.48.54.png 2284w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.48.54-300x111.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.48.54-1024x377.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.48.54-768x283.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.48.54-1536x566.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-17.48.54-2048x755.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Citi Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Conclusion:\u00a0<\/strong>Subject to availability, long-haul international flights booked through travel portals tend to be close to the same price as booking directly with the airline.<\/p>\n<p>That means travelers with the <a data-ccid=\"4048272\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/venture-x\/\">Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/a> would want to book their flight through the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-travel-portal\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One Travel Portal<\/a> to earn 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel, plus utilize the card's <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/venture-x-travel-credit\/\" rel=\"noopener\">$300 annual travel credit<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4048272\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/94\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/CardArt-CapitalOneVentureXRewardsCreditCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card' href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-CapitalOneVentureXRewardsCreditCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 Miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 Miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$395<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel-focused card, stacked with benefits. Cardholders get complimentary access to Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass\u2122 lounges (after enrollment), receive up to a $300 annual travel credit for bookings via Capital One Travel and up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>. There's also an anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles, equivalent to $100 towards travel. High earning rates include 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, plus 2X on all other purchases.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n<li>5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment<\/li>\r\n<li>5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n<li>5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/VentureX\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-69271f2c6#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Hotel_Travel_Portal_Comparisons\">Hotel Travel Portal Comparisons<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To compare the costs of booking a hotel through the travel portals, I chose a four-night stay at Rosewood Mayakoba. I had the pleasure of visiting the property during Dia de los Muertos a few years ago, and I can attest that the property is phenomenal. Rosewood is known for a refined elegance, delicious food, and a heavy emphasis on the local culture.<\/p>\n<p>I stayed in the Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite, but to keep comparisons simple, I searched for a standard studio suite with a king bed. I selected May 8 to 12, 2026, as my travel dates (the same dates as the round-trip flight from Atlanta to Cancun above).<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Rosewood\">Rosewood<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When you book directly with Rosewood Mayakoba, you will pay a total of $5,580.08 for four nights. You'll also receive free cancellation up to 21 days before arrival.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221586\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"517\/750\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221586 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.35.21.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a booking of a Lagoon Studio Suite King through Rosewood Mayakoba\" width=\"517\" height=\"750\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.35.21.png 844w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.35.21-207x300.png 207w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.35.21-706x1024.png 706w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.35.21-768x1114.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 517px) 100vw, 517px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Rosewood Mayakoba<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"American_Express_Travel\">American Express Travel<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When you book through American Express Travel, you'll pay $7,033 total. Although this option offers free cancellation, you're paying an additional $1,450 for the exact same room.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221579\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/204\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221579 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.25.42.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing an Amex Travel booking for Rosewood Mayakoba\" width=\"750\" height=\"204\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.25.42.png 2498w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.25.42-300x82.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.25.42-1024x279.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.25.42-768x209.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.25.42-1536x418.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.25.42-2048x558.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of American Express Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>As an Amex premium cardholder, you'll receive the following benefits, as Rosewood Mayakoba is a member of the <a href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-fine-hotels-and-resorts\/\">Fine Hotels + Resorts program<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"flex flex-column\"><span class=\"BenefitCopy body-2\">12 pm check-in, when available <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"flex flex-column\"><span class=\"BenefitCopy body-2\">Room upgrade upon arrival, when available<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"flex flex-column\"><span class=\"BenefitCopy body-2\">Daily breakfast for two people<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"flex flex-column\"><span class=\"BenefitCopy body-2\">$100 experience credit<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"flex flex-column\"><span class=\"BenefitCopy body-2\">Complimentary WI-FI<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"flex flex-column\"><span class=\"BenefitCopy body-2\">Guaranteed 4 pm check-out<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unfortunately, I don't think these benefits add up to $1,450 in value. If you book your stay through American Express Travel, you're overpaying for your room.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Capital_One_Travel\">Capital One Travel<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you book your room through Capital One Travel, you'll pay $5,804.31.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221581\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/255\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221581 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.27.22.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a booking of Rosewood Mayakoba through Capital One Travel\" width=\"750\" height=\"255\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.27.22.png 2466w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.27.22-300x102.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.27.22-1024x349.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.27.22-768x262.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.27.22-1536x523.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.27.22-2048x698.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Capital One Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>This is a lot closer to the cost when booking directly with Rosewood, but it is only 70% refundable. If you cancel, you'll only receive a refund of $4,055.36. Even though this is a 5-star resort, it's not listed as a <a href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/premier-collection-hotels\/\">Premier Collection<\/a> property, so you won't get any additional benefits as a Capital One cardholder on arrival.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Chase_Travel\">Chase Travel<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You'll pay an additional $392.47 to book your room through Chase Travel instead of directly with Rosewood Mayakoba. Your total comes out to $5,983.49 &#8212; but this booking is fully refundable up to 21 days until arrival.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221583\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/315\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221583 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.29.11-scaled.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a booking of Rosewood Mayakoba through Chase Travel\" width=\"750\" height=\"315\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.29.11-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.29.11-300x126.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.29.11-1024x430.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.29.11-768x323.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.29.11-1536x645.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.29.11-2048x861.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Chase Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>You might be thinking, &#8220;But I'll earn way more points, which can offset the cost, right?&#8221; Possibly.<\/p>\n<p>If you are a cardholder of the <span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-sapphire-preferred\/\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a> and you book directly with the resort, you'll earn 2 points per dollar on that purchase, for a total of 11,160 Ultimate Rewards points. If you book through Chase Travel, you'll earn 5 points per dollar, for a total of 29,917 points.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>That means you'll earn 18,757 additional Chase Ultimate Rewards Points by booking through Chase Travel. <a href=\"\/point-mile-values\/chase\">AwardWallet users redeem Ultimate Rewards for an average of 2.01\u00a2 per point<\/a>. That means your additional points earnings are worth around $375. That comes close to &#8212; but doesn't quite cover &#8212; the higher price for this booking.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Citi_Travel\">Citi Travel<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Citi Travel isn't quite as expensive as American Express Travel, but it's still substantially more than booking directly. You'll pay $6,862.26 for a fully refundable reservation through Citi Travel, which is more than $1,200 over the cost of booking directly.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221584\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"554\/750\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221584 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.32.04.png\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the cost of a room at Rosewood Mayakoba when booked through Citi Travel\" width=\"554\" height=\"750\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.32.04.png 888w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.32.04-222x300.png 222w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.32.04-756x1024.png 756w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-16.32.04-768x1040.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 554px) 100vw, 554px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Citi Travel<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Conclusion:\u00a0<\/strong>In this example, there's a substantial difference in the cost of a hotel booked directly with the brand versus through a travel portal.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"When_Should_You_Use_a_Travel_Portal\">When Should You Use a Travel Portal?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Several credit cards offer higher earning rates for bookings made through a specific travel portal. Plus, a growing number of cards have added travel credits that require you to book through a particular travel portal to utilize.<\/p>\n<p>If your credit card offers a statement credit for travel portal bookings, then you should try to use it. For instance, the <span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a data-ccid=\"4048272\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/venture-x\/\">Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/a> offers a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/venture-x-travel-credit\/\" rel=\"noopener\">$300 annual travel credit<\/a> for bookings made through Capital One Travel. That's a lot of money to leave on the table just because you don't like using a portal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Similarly, Delta co-branded cards like the <span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a data-ccid=\"4028088\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/delta-skymiles\/delta-gold-card\/\">Delta SkyMiles<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold American Express Card<\/a> offer an annual <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/delta-skymiles\/delta-stays-credit\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Delta Stays credit<\/a>. Depending on which card you have, you could earn a statement credit between $100 and $250 on prepaid Delta Stays bookings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The <span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a data-ccid=\"520083\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-strata-premier\/\">Citi Strata Premier<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a> and <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-sapphire-preferred\/\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a> both offer <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-strata-premier-hotel-benefit\/\" rel=\"noopener\">annual hotel credits<\/a> that require booking through their respective portals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you have one of these cards in your wallet, you'll need to book through a travel portal to avoid losing out on\u00a0substantial savings. Plus, if your reservation costs more than the travel credit, you're likely earning a good chunk of bonus points on the booking.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"\/credit-cards\/cards-with-travel-statement-credit\/\">Best Credit Cards With Travel Credits<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"When_Should_You_Not_Use_a_Travel_Portal\">When Should You Not Use a Travel Portal?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are several situations where you shouldn't use a travel portal. Don't use a travel portal if you have to overpay for your flight or hotel. Always check the price against what it would cost to book directly with the hotel or airline. If you see you're paying substantially more for the same ticket or night, it's not worth it.<\/p>\n<p>As we've seen in these examples, flights booked through the portal tend to be close to the price charged by the airline. Hotels can vary substantially between travel portals, so you'll want to keep a close eye on your options.<\/p>\n<p>You should also avoid booking through a travel portal if your plans aren't set in stone. This is especially true when booking a flight. It is much easier to change a flight when you've booked directly with an airline versus through a third party. More often than not, an airline won't be able to make any changes to your reservation unless you've booked directly with them.<\/p>\n<p>If you have elite status with the hotel or airline, you'll want to weigh your elite benefits against any benefits of booking through a travel portal. There's no guarantee that your elite benefits will transfer over to your reservation if you book with a third party.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"\/hotels\/how-to-get-hotel-elite-status-for-free\/\">How To Get Hotel Elite Status for Free<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ultimately, you'll need to use your best judgment to determine when to book through the travel portal or not. If you find a great deal and you can apply a statement credit, you should happily complete your travel portal booking. However, be sure to compare prices to ensure you aren't overpaying. And if you think your plans might change, consider booking directly with the provider for ease of changes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ftoc\"><div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Flight_Travel_Portal_Comparisons\">Flight Travel Portal Comparisons<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Domestic_flights_through_the_portals\">Domestic flights through the portals<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Short-haul_international_flight_through_the_portal\">Short-haul international flight through the portal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Long-haul_international_flight_through_the_portal\">Long-haul international flight through the portal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Hotel_Travel_Portal_Comparisons\">Hotel Travel Portal Comparisons<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Rosewood\">Rosewood<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#American_Express_Travel\">American Express Travel<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Capital_One_Travel\">Capital One Travel<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Chase_Travel\">Chase Travel<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Citi_Travel\">Citi Travel<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#When_Should_You_Use_a_Travel_Portal\">When Should You Use a Travel Portal?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#When_Should_You_Not_Use_a_Travel_Portal\">When Should You Not Use a Travel Portal?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Booking travel through a credit card travel portal allows you to unlock statement credits, bonus points, and other benefits. However, in some cases, booking through a portal could cost more or add restrictions to your booking. Here&#8217;s how to know when to book using a travel portal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":105,"featured_media":210897,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12067],"tags":[12790,12787,12786,12785,12669],"coauthors":[36518],"class_list":["post-220613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-booking-travel","tag-american-express","tag-capital-one","tag-chase","tag-citibank","tag-hotels"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<title>Should You Book Your Flight or Hotel Through a Travel Portal?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Card issuers added statement credits and bonus points for booking through travel portals. 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