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The 10 best airline miles programs, ranked

Air Canada Aeroplan is the best airline miles program for most people in the United States in 2026. Aeroplan pairs a printed partner award chart with no fuel surcharges. Four of the five big US bank currencies transfer in, and Chase issues an Aeroplan card. Business class to Europe on Lufthansa, SWISS or Austrian starts at 60,000 points one way, and the cash on top is taxes and a CA$39 booking fee. No other program scores as well on both price and ease of earning.

We scored 19 programs on the six things that decide what a mile is worth to a US member: what awards cost, the cash on top, how easy the miles are to earn, where they fly, how flexible the tickets are and whether an idle balance survives. Every fact below comes from the airline's or the card issuer's own pages, or from Biirdee's published guides, never from points blogs.

Written and reviewed by the Points Plug team. Last reviewed .

The ranking at a glance

RankProgramBest forScore
1Air Canada AeroplanStar Alliancebusiness class to Europe and Asia with no fuel surcharges4.6
2Alaska Atmos Rewardsoneworldoneworld business class at published prices, with points that never expire4.1
3Virgin Atlantic Flying ClubSkyTeamANA business and first class to Japan4.0
4American Airlines AAdvantageoneworldQatar Airways and Japan Airlines business class3.9
5United MileagePlusStar Allianceeasy Star Alliance bookings with no surcharges and free changes3.8
6Air France KLM Flying BlueSkyTeammonthly Promo Rewards to Europe with any US bank currency3.7
7Qatar Airways Privilege CluboneworldQsuite business class, with Avios every US bank currency reaches3.7
8ANA Mileage ClubStar Alliancethe lowest partner business class prices, for Amex points3.4
9British Airways Cluboneworldshort flights and Avios you can move to Qatar3.4
10Singapore Airlines KrisFlyerStar AllianceSingapore Airlines Suites, First and business class3.2

How we ranked the programs

Each program gets a score from 1 to 5 on six criteria, and the total is the weighted average. Award prices carry the most weight because they decide how far a balance goes. The ranking is for someone who lives in the US and earns mostly through US credit cards; a member based in Europe or Asia would weigh earning very differently.

Two scores are calculated rather than judged. Earning counts how many of the five US bank currencies that publish their airline partners reach the program in our transfer partner table, plus one for a US co-branded card. Expiry grades the rule in our expiry table. The other four are our editors' scores against the scales below, and each one comes with its reason.

We did not score programs on the cents-per-mile figures published by points blogs. Those figures mix different redemptions and change monthly; they are collected on our value pages for reference.

Award prices · 30% of the score
How many miles do the trips people actually want cost, above all business class from the US to Europe and Asia?
  • 5: A published partner chart with business class from the US to Europe at 60,000 miles or less one way, or to Asia at 70,000 or less.
  • 3: Reasonable prices on some routes, but premium cabins mostly cost 80,000 miles or more one way, or pricing is dynamic.
  • 1: Dynamic pricing throughout with premium cabins rarely below cash-fare levels.
Cash on top · 20% of the score
How much cash does an award cost on top of the miles: fuel surcharges, carrier charges and booking fees?
  • 5: No fuel surcharges on any award, own flights or partners, and a small booking fee at most.
  • 3: Carrier charges on some flights, or a modest fixed charge on every award.
  • 1: Surcharges of several hundred dollars on most long-haul awards.
Earning in the US · 20% of the score · calculated
How easy is the currency to earn for someone with US credit cards?
  • 5: All five US bank currencies that publish their airline partners (Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi and Bilt) reach it, or four plus a US co-branded card.
  • 3: Three bank currencies, or two plus a US co-branded card.
  • 1: No more than one route in, and no US co-branded card.
Partner reach · 10% of the score
Where can the miles take you, and can the partner seats be booked online?
  • 5: A full alliance plus several airlines outside it, most bookable online.
  • 3: An alliance with gaps, or a short partner list, or many bookings by phone.
  • 1: Mostly the airline's own flights.
Flexibility · 10% of the score
What do changes and cancellations cost, and are one-way awards and stopovers allowed?
  • 5: Free changes and cancellations, one-way awards, and a stopover or open jaw allowed.
  • 3: Change or cancellation fees of roughly $50 to $150, one-way awards allowed.
  • 1: Round trips only, or awards that cannot be changed.
Expiry · 10% of the score · calculated
How safe is a balance you are not using?
  • 5: Miles never expire.
  • 4: Expire only after 24 months or more without activity, or after ten years.
  • 3: Expire after 18 months without activity.
  • 2: Expire after 12 months without activity, or three years after they are earned whatever you do.
  • 1: Expire less than three years after they are earned.

Number 1 · Star Alliance

1. Air Canada Aeroplan

Best for business class to Europe and Asia with no fuel surcharges. Score 4.6 out of 5.

Aeroplan pairs a printed partner award chart with no fuel surcharges. Four of the five big US bank currencies transfer in, and Chase issues an Aeroplan card. Business class to Europe on Lufthansa, SWISS or Austrian starts at 60,000 points one way, and the cash on top is taxes and a CA$39 booking fee. No other program scores as well on both price and ease of earning.

Award prices 5/5
Partner business class from North America to Europe is 60,000 points one way up to 4,000 miles on Aeroplan's published chart, and 75,000 up to 6,000 miles.
Cash on top 5/5
No fuel surcharges on Air Canada or partner awards; partner bookings add a CA$39 fee per ticket.
Earning in the US 5/5
Chase, Amex, Capital One and Bilt transfer in, and there is a US co-branded card.
Partner reach 5/5
Star Alliance plus partners outside it, more than 45 airlines in all.
Flexibility 3/5
One-way awards and 5,000-point stopovers, but cancelling costs CA$150 online or CA$175 by phone.
Expiry 3/5
Aeroplan points expire after 18 months with no earning, redemption or transfer activity, with a six-month window to recover them. Air Canada paused expiry and resumes it on November 30, 2026.

Where the miles shine

  • Business class from North America to Europe on Star Alliance partners: 60,000 points one way up to 4,000 miles, which covers the East Coast to western Europe, and 75,000 up to 6,000 miles.
  • Business class to Asia: 55,000 points one way for trips under 5,000 miles, such as Vancouver or Seattle to Tokyo.
  • Short flights within North America: 6,000 points one way in economy under 500 miles.
  • A stopover on an international award for 5,000 points.

Watch out for

  • Air Canada's own flights and a set of "select partners" are priced dynamically, and Aeroplan's chart shows median prices far above the starting ones. The fixed partner half of the chart is where the value is.
  • Partner bookings add a CA$39 fee per ticket, and cancelling costs CA$150 online.
  • Air Canada has paused points expiry until November 30, 2026. After that, points expire after 18 months without activity; Elite members and primary holders of Canadian TD, American Express and CIBC Aeroplan cards are exempt, and Air Canada's page does not name the US Chase card.

Number 2 · oneworld

2. Alaska Atmos Rewards

Best for oneworld business class at published prices, with points that never expire. Score 4.1 out of 5.

Alaska kept published partner prices while most US programs went dynamic, its points never expire, and changes and cancellations are free. It trails Aeroplan on earning: Bilt is the one bank currency that transfers in, so most balances come from the Bank of America Atmos cards or from flying.

Award prices 5/5
Partner awards are priced from published charts; Japan Airlines business class from the US to Tokyo runs about 60,000 to 75,000 points one way.
Cash on top 4/5
A US$20 partner booking fee per person each way since July 1, 2026, which is not refunded if you cancel.
Earning in the US 2/5
Bilt transfers in, and there is a US co-branded card.
Partner reach 4/5
oneworld, including Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
Flexibility 5/5
No change or cancellation fees, and a stopover is allowed even on a one-way award.
Expiry 5/5
Atmos Rewards points do not expire.

Where the miles shine

  • Japan Airlines business class from the US to Tokyo: about 60,000 to 75,000 points one way, and first class about 75,000 to 110,000.
  • Cathay Pacific business class: about 50,000 to 85,000 points one way, depending on the route.
  • A stopover on a one-way award, for example four days in Tokyo on the way to Bangkok.

Watch out for

  • Every partner booking carries a US$20 fee per person each way, not refunded on cancellation.
  • Bilt is the only bank currency that transfers in; Marriott points also convert, at 3:1.

Number 3 · SkyTeam

3. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Best for ANA business and first class to Japan. Score 4.0 out of 5.

Virgin Points never expire, all five major US bank currencies reach them, and Virgin's chart prices ANA business and first class to Japan below most programs. The catch is cash: taxes and carrier charges come on top of every partner award.

Award prices 5/5
ANA business class between Japan and the western US is 52,500 points one way on Virgin's chart, and 60,000 to the central and eastern US.
Cash on top 2/5
Partner prices exclude taxes, fees, charges and surcharges, which are paid in cash on top of the points.
Earning in the US 5/5
Chase, Amex, Capital One (through Virgin Red), Citi and Bilt transfer in.
Partner reach 3/5
Delta and other partner airlines, plus ANA outside SkyTeam.
Flexibility 3/5
Changing or cancelling an award booked from the US costs US$100.
Expiry 5/5
Virgin Points do not expire.

Where the miles shine

  • ANA first class between Japan and the western US: 72,500 points one way, or 85,000 to the central and eastern US.
  • ANA business class: 52,500 points one way to the western US and 60,000 to the central and eastern US.
  • Delta flights, priced from a Virgin chart by season and region rather than Delta's own dynamic prices.

Watch out for

  • Taxes, fees and carrier surcharges are paid in cash on top of partner awards.
  • Capital One miles reach Flying Club through Virgin Red rather than directly.

Number 4 · oneworld

4. American Airlines AAdvantage

Best for Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines business class. Score 3.9 out of 5.

AAdvantage is the main way into oneworld business class for Americans: the partner chart survived when American made its own flights dynamic, and changes are free. Earning is narrow, though. Citi is the only bank currency that transfers in, and from 2026 it is the only US issuer of AAdvantage cards.

Award prices 5/5
Partner awards still follow a published chart: Qatar Airways business class to the Middle East or India has long been about 70,000 miles one way, and Japan Airlines business from the US 60,000 to 75,000.
Cash on top 4/5
American names British Airways and Iberia as partners that add carrier charges to awards, so the value is on its other partners.
Earning in the US 2/5
Citi transfers in, and there is a US co-branded card.
Partner reach 4/5
oneworld, including Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
Flexibility 4/5
No change fees on awards, and miles are reinstated free if you cancel before the first flight.
Expiry 4/5
AAdvantage miles expire after 24 months with no earning or redemption activity; any qualifying activity resets the period.

Where the miles shine

  • Qatar Airways business class, including Qsuite, to the Middle East or India: about 70,000 miles one way.
  • Japan Airlines business class from the US: about 60,000 to 75,000 miles one way.
  • American's own flights from 7,500 miles each way.

Watch out for

  • American prices its own flights dynamically, so the miles required vary by date and flight.
  • British Airways and Iberia awards carry carrier charges.
  • Miles expire after 24 months without earning or redemption activity.

Number 5 · Star Alliance

5. United MileagePlus

Best for easy Star Alliance bookings with no surcharges and free changes. Score 3.8 out of 5.

MileagePlus is the easiest program here to use well: miles never expire, awards carry no surcharges, changes are free, and Chase and Bilt points transfer in. It loses ground on price because United publishes no award chart, so what an award costs depends on the day you search.

Award prices 3/5
United prices awards on its own flights dynamically and publishes no award chart, so prices depend on the day.
Cash on top 5/5
No carrier-imposed surcharge on any award, including partners.
Earning in the US 3/5
Chase and Bilt transfer in, and there is a US co-branded card.
Partner reach 4/5
The whole Star Alliance, with deep partner award availability.
Flexibility 4/5
No change fee and free redeposit if you cancel; a US$125 fee applies only after a no-show.
Expiry 5/5
MileagePlus miles do not expire for inactivity; they are forfeited only if the account is closed.

Where the miles shine

  • Star Alliance partner business class, booked with no carrier-imposed surcharges.
  • Free changes: if the price of your flight drops, rebooking it returns the difference in miles.

Watch out for

  • Prices on United's own flights are dynamic, so check the award calendar before transferring points.
  • A no-show costs US$125 to get the miles back.

Number 6 · SkyTeam

6. Air France KLM Flying Blue

Best for monthly Promo Rewards to Europe with any US bank currency. Score 3.7 out of 5.

Flying Blue is the easiest SkyTeam currency to fill: all five major US bank currencies transfer in, and monthly Promo Rewards discount selected routes to Europe. Cash charges on Air France and KLM awards hold it back.

Award prices 4/5
Prices move with demand, but monthly Promo Rewards cut the miles needed on selected routes, including to Europe.
Cash on top 2/5
Taxes and carrier charges are paid separately, in cash, when you book.
Earning in the US 5/5
Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi and Bilt transfer in.
Partner reach 4/5
SkyTeam, led by Air France, KLM and Delta.
Flexibility 3/5
Light awards cannot be refunded, Standard awards cost €70 to cancel, Flex awards are free.
Expiry 4/5
Explorer members aged 18 and over keep Miles for 24 months from their last earn activity, and every earn activity (anything that earns Miles or XP) extends the whole balance by another 24 months, under article 1.2.9 of the Flying Blue terms in force since 4 May 2026.

Where the miles shine

  • Promo Rewards, published monthly, which lower the miles needed on selected routes.
  • Every major US bank currency transfers in, so a balance can be topped up the day a Promo Reward appears.

Watch out for

  • Carrier charges on Air France and KLM awards are paid in cash.
  • Light awards are non-refundable; check the fare type before booking.

Number 7 · oneworld

7. Qatar Airways Privilege Club

Best for Qsuite business class, with Avios every US bank currency reaches. Score 3.7 out of 5.

Qatar's Avios book Qsuite, and every major US bank currency reaches them, directly or by moving Avios from British Airways. Fees to change are low. It loses points because Qatar publishes no price table, so you cannot plan a redemption before you search.

Award prices 3/5
Avios book Qatar Airways business class, including Qsuite, one way or return, but Qatar shows prices only in its calculator rather than a published table.
Cash on top 3/5
Taxes and carrier-imposed fees start from US$30 per award and vary with the route and cabin.
Earning in the US 5/5
Chase (through British Airways Avios), Amex, Capital One, Citi and Bilt transfer in.
Partner reach 4/5
oneworld, and Avios move instantly between Qatar and British Airways at no cost.
Flexibility 4/5
Changes and cancellations cost US$25 more than 24 hours before departure, and are free for Gold and Platinum members.
Expiry 4/5
Privilege Club Avios expire after 36 consecutive months with no earning or redemption activity.

Where the miles shine

  • Qatar Airways business class, including Qsuite, one way or return.
  • Link Privilege Club to the British Airways Club and move Avios between them as often as you like, so Chase points reach Qatar through British Airways.

Watch out for

  • The change and cancellation fee rises to US$100 inside 24 hours of departure, and within three hours the Avios are not returned.
  • Award prices appear only in Qatar's calculator and booking search.

Number 8 · Star Alliance

8. ANA Mileage Club

Best for the lowest partner business class prices, for Amex points. Score 3.4 out of 5.

ANA has some of the lowest partner prices anywhere, 50,000 miles one way to Europe in business, and since June 2025 it no longer requires a round trip. What holds it back is earning: Amex is the only US bank currency that transfers in, and miles expire three years after they are earned.

Award prices 5/5
Partner business class from North America to Europe is 50,000 miles one way and to Japan 55,000 on ANA's zone chart, with no seasons on partner awards.
Cash on top 3/5
ANA's own international awards carry taxes, fees and fuel surcharges of at least US$70.
Earning in the US 1/5
Amex transfers in.
Partner reach 5/5
The Star Alliance airlines plus nine other partners, including Etihad, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia.
Flexibility 4/5
Dates and flights can be changed up to 96 hours before departure, cancelling costs 3,000 miles, and one-way partner awards have been allowed since June 24, 2025.
Expiry 2/5
ANA miles are valid until the end of the 36th month counting from the month the flight or service was used, and account activity does not extend them.

Where the miles shine

  • Partner business class from North America to Europe: 50,000 miles one way, 100,000 round trip.
  • Partner business class from North America to Japan: 55,000 miles one way.
  • ANA's own business class between Japan and North America: 50,000 miles one way in low season and 52,500 in regular season.
  • One stopover on a round-trip award, besides the destination.

Watch out for

  • Amex Membership Rewards is the only US bank currency that transfers in (1:1, cards issued in the US, two to four business days).
  • Changes cannot switch the airline, route or cabin, and miles expire 36 months after they are earned.

Number 9 · oneworld

9. British Airways Club

Best for short flights and Avios you can move to Qatar. Score 3.4 out of 5.

Every major US bank currency reaches the British Airways Club, and its Avios move freely to Qatar and five other airlines. Distance-based prices and cash charges on British Airways' own long-haul flights hold it back.

Award prices 3/5
Avios prices rise with distance: short-haul flights start at 10,000 Avios plus £1 each way, while a Club World return starts at 154,000 Avios plus £250.
Cash on top 2/5
Awards to London start from US$300 plus Avios, and partner awards add variable taxes, fees and carrier charges.
Earning in the US 5/5
Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi (through Qatar Airways Avios) and Bilt transfer in.
Partner reach 4/5
oneworld, and Avios move to and from Qatar Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Finnair, Vueling and Loganair.
Flexibility 3/5
Cancelling returns the Avios in full for a US$55 fee per person.
Expiry 4/5
Avios expire after 36 consecutive months with no collecting, spending, buying or sharing activity.

Where the miles shine

  • Reward Flight Saver on short British Airways flights: from 10,000 Avios plus £1 each way.
  • Moving Avios to Qatar Airways to book Qsuite, at no cost.

Watch out for

  • Reward Flight Saver does not apply to partner flights.
  • Booking by phone costs US$25; online booking is free.

Number 10 · Star Alliance

10. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Best for Singapore Airlines Suites, First and business class. Score 3.2 out of 5.

KrisFlyer books Singapore Airlines' own Saver awards, including Suites and First, and Chase, Amex, Capital One and Citi all transfer in. Long-haul prices are high and miles expire three years after they are earned, so it is a program to transfer into for a planned trip rather than to hold.

Award prices 3/5
Saver business class from the US to Singapore is 112,500 miles one way from the West Coast and 117,000 from New York.
Cash on top 3/5
Taxes, charges and fees are added to every award.
Earning in the US 4/5
Chase, Amex, Capital One and Citi transfer in.
Partner reach 4/5
Singapore Airlines and the rest of Star Alliance.
Flexibility 3/5
Cancelling costs US$75 on a Saver award and US$50 on an Advantage award.
Expiry 2/5
KrisFlyer miles expire three years after they are earned, on the last day of that month, regardless of account activity.

Where the miles shine

  • Suites or First Class between New York and Singapore: 156,000 miles one way at Saver level.
  • Business class from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Singapore: 112,500 miles one way at Saver level.

Watch out for

  • Miles expire three years after they are earned regardless of activity, unless you are in PPS Club.

The programs that missed the top ten

Every program below has a redemption worth knowing, but each loses too many points on cost, earning or expiry for a US member to hold as a main currency.

11. Cathay Pacific Asia Miles · 3.1 · oneworld

Amex, Capital One, Citi and Bilt all transfer to Asia Miles, but fuel surcharges on Cathay's own long-haul flights and a US$120 cancellation fee hold it back.

Award prices 3 · Cash on top 2 · Earning in the US 4 · Partner reach 4 · Flexibility 3 · Expiry 3

Award chart and sweet spots · What the miles are worth · Program guide and cash quote

12. Delta SkyMiles · 3.1 · SkyTeam

SkyMiles never expire and Delta charges no change or redeposit fees for US and Canada members, but every award is priced dynamically and Amex is the only bank currency that transfers in.

Award prices 2 · Cash on top 4 · Earning in the US 2 · Partner reach 4 · Flexibility 4 · Expiry 5

Award chart and sweet spots · What the miles are worth · Program guide and cash quote

13. Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles · 3.0 · Star Alliance

Turkish now charges 85,000 miles one way for partner business class from North America to western Europe, adds fuel surcharges on its own long-haul flights, and its miles expire three years after they are earned.

Award prices 3 · Cash on top 3 · Earning in the US 3 · Partner reach 4 · Flexibility 3 · Expiry 2

Award chart and sweet spots · What the miles are worth · Program guide and cash quote

14. JAL Mileage Bank · 2.7 · oneworld

JAL adds fuel surcharges to its own international awards, those awards cannot be changed, and miles expire 36 months after they are earned whatever you do.

Award prices 3 · Cash on top 2 · Earning in the US 3 · Partner reach 4 · Flexibility 2 · Expiry 2

Award chart and sweet spots · What the miles are worth · Program guide and cash quote

15. Qantas Frequent Flyer · 2.7 · oneworld

Qantas points are easy to earn from Amex, Capital One and Citi, but the cash on top of most partner awards is among the highest of any program.

Award prices 3 · Cash on top 1 · Earning in the US 3 · Partner reach 4 · Flexibility 3 · Expiry 3

Award chart and sweet spots · What the miles are worth · Program guide and cash quote

16. Etihad Guest · 2.6 · No alliance

Etihad Guest prices some American Airlines flights well, without fuel surcharges, but most miles expire 18 months after they are earned and the partner list is short.

Award prices 3 · Cash on top 3 · Earning in the US 3 · Partner reach 2 · Flexibility 2 · Expiry 1

Award chart and sweet spots · What the miles are worth · Program guide and cash quote

17. Korean Air SKYPASS · 2.4 · SkyTeam

SKYPASS miles last ten years, but no US bank currency transfers in and every award carries taxes and fuel surcharges.

Award prices 3 · Cash on top 2 · Earning in the US 1 · Partner reach 3 · Flexibility 2 · Expiry 4

Award chart and sweet spots · What the miles are worth · Program guide and cash quote

18. Lufthansa Miles & More · 2.2 · Star Alliance

Miles & More charges carrier surcharges in full on Lufthansa Group awards, and no US bank currency transfers in.

Award prices 3 · Cash on top 1 · Earning in the US 1 · Partner reach 4 · Flexibility 3 · Expiry 2

Award chart and sweet spots · What the miles are worth · Program guide and cash quote

19. Emirates Skywards · 2.2 · No alliance

Four US bank currencies transfer to Skywards, but there is no published award chart, awards carry carrier-imposed surcharges in cash, and miles expire three years after they are earned.

Award prices 2 · Cash on top 1 · Earning in the US 4 · Partner reach 2 · Flexibility 2 · Expiry 2

Award chart and sweet spots · What the miles are worth · Program guide and cash quote

Not scored yet: Avianca LifeMiles, Virgin Australia Velocity, JetBlue TrueBlue. We score a program only once its award prices, fees and rules are checked on its own pages, and these are in progress.

The best program for your goal

Business class to Europe
Air Canada Aeroplan, from 60,000 points one way on Star Alliance partners with no fuel surcharges. With Amex points, ANA charges 50,000 miles one way on partners, plus taxes.
Business or first class to Japan
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club on ANA: 52,500 points one way in business and 72,500 in first to the western US. Alaska Atmos Rewards and American AAdvantage book Japan Airlines business class for about 60,000 to 75,000.
Using Chase Ultimate Rewards
Aeroplan for published partner prices, or United for free changes and no surcharges. See the transfer partner table for every option.
Using Amex Membership Rewards
Aeroplan first, then Virgin Atlantic for ANA to Japan, or ANA itself for the lowest partner prices.
Using Capital One or Citi points
Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic and Qatar Airways take both. Capital One also reaches Aeroplan, and Citi is the only bank currency that transfers to American AAdvantage.
Using Bilt points
Alaska Atmos Rewards, which no other bank currency reaches, or Aeroplan.
A balance you will not touch for years
Alaska, United, Delta or Virgin Atlantic, whose miles do not expire. Check the expiry rules for the rest.

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Best miles program FAQ

What is the best airline miles program in 2026?
For most people in the US it is Air Canada Aeroplan. It still prices partner awards from a printed chart (business class to Europe from 60,000 points one way), adds no fuel surcharges, and takes transfers from Chase, Amex, Capital One and Bilt as well as its own Chase card. Alaska Atmos Rewards, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, American AAdvantage and United MileagePlus complete our top five.
Which airline miles program is best if I only have a co-branded card?
Collect the miles of the airline whose card you hold, and use them on its partners. Alaska Atmos Rewards (Bank of America cards) and American AAdvantage (Citi cards) both keep published partner prices, and United MileagePlus (Chase cards) never expires and adds no surcharges to awards.
Which airline miles never expire?
Among the programs we ranked, Alaska Atmos Rewards, United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles do not expire. Most others expire after 18 to 36 months without activity; KrisFlyer, JAL, ANA, Turkish, Lufthansa, Emirates and Etihad miles expire a fixed time after they are earned, and Korean Air miles last ten years.
Which programs charge no fuel surcharges on awards?
Air Canada Aeroplan adds no fuel surcharges on Air Canada or partner awards, and United adds no carrier-imposed surcharge to any award. Most other programs pass on some carrier charges, including Air France, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa and Emirates on their own flights.
Does this ranking use cents-per-mile valuations?
No. Those figures blend very different redemptions and change monthly, so we scored what each program publishes: its prices, fees, partners, rules and transfer partners. The published valuations are collected on our value pages for reference.

Sources for the earning scores

Transfer partners come from each bank's own partner page; each program's section above lists the pages its other scores were checked against.

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