Credit Card Review Blog

The 2009 Freddie Awards

Did you know that credit cards can receive prestigious awards, just like celebrities can win an Oscar? These awards are called The Freddie Awards.

For the past 21 years, frequent travelers have voted on which credit cards provide the best travel programs, member service, etc. After the votes are tallied, a huge gala event is hosted and the awards are given.

For 2009, the awards are as follows:

Industry Impact Award
Continental OnePass
United Mileage Plus

Best Elite-Level Program
Americas Airline: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Europe/Middle East/Africa Airline: Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
Europe/Middle East/Africa Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Airline: Jet Airways JetPrivilege
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest

Best Affinity Credit Card
Americas: Starwood Preferred Guest American Express
Europe/Middle East/Africa: Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Card
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia: Virgin Blue Velocity NAB Gold Card American Express/Visa

Best Award Redemption
Americas Airline: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
Americas Hotel: Hilton HHonors
Europe/Middle East/Africa Airline: Etihad Airways Etihad Guest
Europe/Middle East/Africa Hotel: Hilton HHonors
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Airline: Virgin Blue Velocity
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest

Best Customer Service
Americas Airline: Midwest Airlines Midwest Miles
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Europe/Middle East/Africa Airline: Virgin Atlantic Airways Flying Club
Europe/Middle East/Africa Hotel: Hilton HHonors
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Airline: Kingfisher Airlines King Club
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Hotel: Hilton HHonors

Best Award
Americas Airline: British Airways Executive Club
Americas Hotel: InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards
Europe/Middle East/Africa Airline: Virgin Atlantic Airways Flying Club
Europe/Middle East/Africa Hotel: Hilton HHonors
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Airline: Virgin Blue Velocity
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest

Best Web Site
Americas Airline: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Europe/Middle East/Africa Airline: Etihad Airways Etihad Guest
Europe/Middle East/Africa Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Airline: Virgin Blue Velocity
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Hotel: Marriott Rewards

Best Bonus Promotion
Americas Airline: American Airlines AAdvantage
Americas Hotel: InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards
Europe/Middle East/Africa Airline: Etihad Airways Etihad Guest
Europe/Middle East/Africa Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Airline: Kingfisher Airlines King Club
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Hotel: Hilton HHonors

Best Member Communications
Americas Airline: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Americas Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Europe/Middle East/Africa Airline: Etihad Airways Etihad Guest
Europe/Middle East/Africa Hotel: Marriott Rewards
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Airline: Virgin Blue Velocity
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest

Program of the Year
Americas Airline: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Americas Hotel: Marriot Rewards
Europe/Middle East/Africa Airline: Virgin Atlantic Airways Flying Club
Europe/Middle East/Africa Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Airline: Virgin Blue Velocity
Japan/Pacific/Asia/Australia Hotel: Starwood Preferred Guest

As you can see, the same credit cards won awards over and over again. If you have been considering a travel reward credit card, it would do you some good to check out these cards. Frequent travelers from around the world have voted that these travel reward credit cards are the best of the best. It’s also nice that each award is broken down into different categories. You can choose the best travel reward credit card for your individual needs. When in doubt, the Marriot Rewards credit card and the Starwood American Express credit card are good options for anyone looking to travel a bit more for free or with major discounts.