Airmiles Credit Cards: Top Picks for 2010

Loyalty and airmile reward programs are a great way to earn discounts on travel or even free flights. Frequent travelers should have at least one airmiles credit card to take advantage of additional benefits. As the travel season nears, we have complied a list of the best airmile credit cards for 2010.

#1 Capital One Miles Plus Platinum

Free is good, which is why we chose the Capital One Miles Plus Platinum for the best airmiles credit card. You will earn 25,000 bonus miles on your first purchase which is enough points to earn a free flight up to $150. Of course, using the card to earn more miles is easy - for every $1 spent, you will earn 2 miles. At 35,000 miles you can get a free ticket up to $350 in value. However, the card does have a $99 annual fee.

Update 6/14/2010 - The Miles Plus Platinum card has been discontinued. Check out the Aspire™ World MasterCard® instead.

#2 MBNA Worldpoints MasterCard

The Worldpoints MasterCard from MBNA offers a simple rewards program with no annual fee. You will earn 1,000 bonus points with your first purchase on this card and each year thereafter. WorldPoints travel redemption's can include any type of travel reservation that can be booked through the MBNA WorldPoints Redemption Centre. For example, all-inclusive adventures, round-trip tickets, cruises, hotel reservations, and car rentals.

#3 American Express Air Miles Platinum

The AIR MILES Reward Program is a great way to enjoy travel rewards, entertainment, and a wide variety of valuable merchandise. AIR MILES can be earned from all types of Canadian companies, and the American Express card can help accelerate your rewards. Additional benefits include car rental theft and damage insurance, accident insurance, and a purchase protection plan.

#4 British Airways Visa Platinum

For world travelers, the British Airways Visa Platinum offers exciting flight benefits on BA, including a ticket for a companion every time you purchase a full fare, round-trip ticket on select flights. The British Airways Executive Club has three tier levels which have different benefits. You'll get bonus miles on approval and additional bonus miles every year. However, the annual fee of $165 may deter some from getting this card.

#5 Capital One Miles Platinum

The Miles Platinum from Capital One is a good general purpose credit card which offers miles rewards with no annual fee. You won't earn as many miles per dollar spent than other cards, but there is a 5,000 mile bonus with the first use of the card.

Update 6/14/2010 - The Miles Platinum card has been discontinued. Check out the Aspire™ Gold MasterCard® instead.