Which is more likely to get your loyalty bonus: redeeming rewards directly through airline booking websites or using credit cards?

When it comes to maximizing reward points, frequent travelers should know that strategic redemption is key to unlocking loyalty benefits and free-night awards. But which route yields the biggest bonus? Here's what you need to know about the top ways credit card issuers tie up you

• Option 1: Airline booking websites are the way to go
• Option 2: Credit cards pay out big time if redeemed right