The best credit cards to reach elite status

If you travel often, elite status can quickly go from a nice-to-have perk to something you never want to travel without. Free checked bags, room upgrades, lounge access, late checkout and bonus points can make trips noticeably smoother. And depending on how often you travel, they can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.The catch? Earning airline or hotel status the traditional way usually requires a lot of travel and spending. Many airline programs require thousands of dollars in annual spending, while hotel programs often expect dozens of nights per year before you unlock meaningful perks.Fortunately, the right travel credit card can help fast-track your path to elite status. Some cards offer automatic status just for being a cardholder, while others let you earn elite-qualifying points or nights through everyday spending. This can greatly reduce the time, expense and effort needed to reach elite status.These are the best credit cards for earning airline and hotel elite status.The best credit cards for airline elite statusAirline credit cardsElite status benefits and earningsAtmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit cardEarn 1 status point per $2...