What tO lOOK fOr

Your Points, Perks and Bonuses Strategy: There are three main attributes to seek out in a travel-rewards card, according to Gary Leff, a cofounder of Milepoint.com, a website for frequent fliers, and the writer behind the miles-and-points blog View From the Wing.

The sign-up bonus:

Sometimes it’s worth getting a card for the sign-up bonus, which can be thousands of miles or points. You may not even want to keep the card past the first year, Leff said. Some of the best bonuses are targeted offers — a good reason to check your snail mail. For instance, earlier this year, some travelers were offered 100,000 rewards points as a sign-up bonus for the American Express Platinum Card after spending $3,000 in the first three months of card membership.

The perks:

Airline credit cards aren’t always the best way to earn miles, but they are often worth having for the perks alone, such as priority boarding, free checked bags and airport lounge access. So explore a card’s benefits and, if they’re worth paying the fee, sign up — just don’t make many purchases on the card.

The most valuable points are those that can be transferred to a variety of airline mileage programs, Leff said. So look for cards that allow you to do that while also earning points quickly. The best cards, he said, combine elements of all of the above.

The points:

credit (which you can use toward expenses such as baggage fees); perks at Fine Hotels and Resorts, such as upgrades and breakfast; a statement credit to cover the enrollment cost for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck; unlimited free Boingo Internet access; and a discounted ticket for a companion when purchasing an international business- or first-class ticket for yourself on one of more than two dozenairlines.Cost:$450.Details: Americanexpress.com.