Travel Hacking 101: Maximize Your Adventures with Credit Card Points

ByJoseph Burtoni

Traveling the world doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategy, you can turn your everyday spending into free or discounted flights, hotel stays, and more. Welcome to the world of travel hacking, where credit card points become your passport to exciting adventures. In this guide, we’ll explore the key principles of travel hacking using credit card points and how you can make the most of this strategy. Let’s get started!

Choose the Right Credit Card:

  • To embark on your travel hacking journey, start by selecting the right credit card. Look for cards with generous sign-up bonuses and rewards tailored to travel expenses.

Sign-Up Bonuses:

  • One of the quickest ways to amass a substantial number of points is by capitalizing on sign-up bonuses. These bonuses are awarded after you spend a specific amount within a certain timeframe. By meeting these requirements, you’ll earn a significant boost to your points balance, bringing you closer to your dream destination.
  • As of May 2023 there are many credit cards that have sign-up bonuses in the 75,000 to 125,000 points once a certain threshold has been spent. Consider annual fees, interest rates, and rewards structures to find the card that aligns with your travel goals.

Points Accumulation:

  • Everyday spending can contribute to your travel fund. Opt for credit cards that offer bonus categories for common expenses like dining, groceries, or gas. These bonus points can add up quickly, accelerating your progress towards free travel. Be mindful of any spending thresholds that trigger additional rewards.
  • If you can plan ahead (something we are not specifically great at) you can spend a year (or more) building up a bank of points to spend on an upcoming or yet to be planned adventure.

Transfer Partners:

  • Flexibility is key in maximizing your points’ value. Look for credit card rewards programs that allow you to transfer points to partner airlines or hotel chains. This feature opens up a world of redemption possibilities and can yield higher value for your points. Research transfer ratios and partner networks to identify the best options for your travel plans.

Travel Redemption Options:

  • Once you’ve accumulated a substantial amount of points, it’s time to redeem them for unforgettable experiences. Credit card points can be used to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. Explore the credit card’s travel portal for direct bookings, or consider transferring points to airline or hotel loyalty programs for enhanced redemption rates.

Travel Insurance and Perks:

  • Premium travel credit cards often come with additional benefits that enhance your travel experience. These perks may include travel insurance, airport lounge access, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more. Evaluate these extras to ensure they align with your travel needs and provide added value.

Keep Track of Expiration and Rules:

  • Points don’t last forever, so it’s essential to stay informed about expiration dates and redemption rules. Don’t let your hard-earned rewards go to waste. Additionally, be aware of blackout dates or limited availability for booking rewards, allowing you to plan accordingly and secure your desired travel experiences.

Responsible Credit Card Use:

  • While travel hacking can be rewarding, it’s vital to practice responsible credit card use. Avoid carrying a balance and pay off your card in full each month to avoid interest charges. Remember that the goal is to strategically and responsibly leverage credit card rewards, not to accumulate unnecessary debt.

Credit Card Options Worth Looking At:

If you’re ready to take your travel hacking game to the next level, consider these credit cards tailored for globetrotters:

Capital One Venture X

  • Sign-Up Bonus and Unlimited Earnings:
    • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months, equivalent to $750 in travel.
    • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, allowing you to accumulate rewards quickly.
  • Travel Benefits:
    • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account, and there’s no limit to how many you can earn.
    • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® for smoother travel experiences.
    • Access two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network.
    • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, offering competitive prices on thousands of options.
    • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase or redeem them by booking a trip through Capital One Travel.
    • Transfer your miles to a selection of 15+ travel loyalty programs for greater flexibility.

Chase Business Preferred

Don’t let the name fool you, anyone can apply for this credit card. Key benefits include:

  • Generous Bonus Points and Flexible Redemption:
    • Earn 100k bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first 3 months, equivalent to $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
    • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more, with the flexibility to choose the option that suits you best.
    • Points don’t expire as long as your account is open, allowing you to accumulate and redeem them at your convenience.
  • Reward Earnings and Protection:
    • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year.
    • Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases, ensuring you earn rewards on everyday spending.
    • Benefit from round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases to safeguard against fraud.
    • Enjoy Zero Liability, meaning you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
    • Purchase Protection covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, with coverage up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Enhanced Travel Redemption and Account Benefits:
    • Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, increasing the value of your rewards.
    • Alongside travel, you have the option to redeem points for other rewards like cash back and gift cards.
    • Take advantage of the convenience and peace of mind provided by the purchase protection and zero liability benefits.

In Conclusion:

Travel hacking through credit card points opens up a world of possibilities for the avid adventurer. By choosing the right credit card, maximizing sign-up bonuses, accumulating points through everyday spending, and understanding the redemption options, you can unlock incredible travel experiences without breaking your budget. Remember to stay organized, responsible, and flexible to make the most of your travel hacking endeavors. Bon voyage!

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Joseph Burtoni is the Co-Owner of Katie And Joe On The Go, a blog that shares their love of unique destinations, travel experiences, US National Parks, Van Life, and more.

After 10+ years in the advertising industry as a Director of Social Media, bouncing around the globe working for some pretty cool companies like Mercedes-Benz, Ram Trucks, NIKON, and more; he realized he wanted more out of life.

So he made the leap into full-time travel with his partner Kathryn and are now educating others how to do the same thing.