Many travelers wonder whether it’s worth it to sign up for hotel or airline rewards programs, but studies show that you can earn rewards even if you don’t travel often. Some rewards programs are better than others, and U.S. News has revealed its list of the best hotel and airline rewards programs for 2025.
While travel rewards programs vary greatly, U.S. News analyzed each of the two categories of programs—airline and hotel—with a methodology that factors in membership benefits, network coverage, ease of earning and redeeming points or miles, hotel property diversity and airline quality, plus expert and editor analysis. Because the airline industry has been plagued by disruptions of all kinds, U.S. News added reliability—based on on-time arrival scores—when assessing airline rewards program quality.
"With the pandemic slump behind us, we're seeing record-setting travel days in the U.S. Since travelers can feel lost in the shuffle, airline and hotel programs that offer extra luxuries are all the more attractive," said Elizabeth Von Tersch, U.S. News' senior travel editor. "Travelers continue to be focused on saving money. Top loyalty programs make it easy to earn and redeem points for free nights and flights, and offer a range of choices."
After assessing the 14 most prominent hotel loyalty programs, U.S. News has determined that Wyndham Rewards is the best hotel rewards program. The program offers its members the easiest access to free nights, with more than 9,000 eligible properties catering to a wide range of budgets. Following Wyndham Rewards are Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt, both of which offer benefits that allow members to enhance their stay and save money.
Of the 10 leading airlines’ rewards programs, the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan comes in at number one for the 10th year in a row. Members earn points based on the miles they fly, a straightforward plan that lets them reach elite status regardless of how much they spend. Elite status grants perks like upgrades, free checked bags and same-day confirmed flight changes. American Airlines AAdvantage and Southwest Rapid Rewards follow in the number two and three spots.
Find the full list of the best hotel rewards programs here and the best airline rewards programs here.