Unlocking Points: How you can travel for nearly free!

Traveling is one of life's greatest joys. Whether you are exploring a new city, relaxing on a beach, or hiking in the mountains, the experiences you gain are priceless. However, travel can also be expensive. This is where travel credit cards come into play. They offer a variety of benefits that can help you save money and enhance your travel experience. In this post, we will explore the top travel credit card benefits that can unlock points and make your trips more enjoyable.

Truly a Pinch Me Moment

Understanding Travel Credit Cards

The number one question I get all the time is “what credit card do you use to travel for free so much?”

And I WISH it was that easy, but then it would just be too good to be true. The answer is not just one credit card that I have that gives me all these points, the answer is MULTIPLE credit cards. Yes, that is right, I sign up for a new credit card about every 3-4 months to obtain their sign up bonuses. To most people this sounds crazy, and I get that, but I love to travel and I want to do it for as cheaply as I can.

I have been travel hacking like this for almost a decade and I started off with one new card a year to get myself used to the points game. What started with only wanting one trip a year covered, turned into multiple trips and even business class seats that I never thought would be possible.

Starting off slow is what helped me open my eyes to what could come with all these points. I learned throughout the years by following countless blogs and social media accounts. The points world changes all the time but the essentials stay the same: sign up for new cards get the points bonus, use the points, and move on to the next one.  

On our way to Peru! Economy class paid for thanks to Delta Points!

Earning Points

One of the most appealing aspects of travel credit cards is the ability to earn points. Here are some ways you can maximize your point earnings:

• Sign-Up Bonuses: Many travel credit cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses. For example, you might earn 50,000 points after spending a certain amount within the first three months. This can be enough for a few free flights or hotel stays. This is where the majority of your points will come from and where you should focus the most energy!

  
  

• Everyday Spending: Use your travel credit card for everyday purchases. Many cards offer bonus points for specific categories, such as groceries, gas, or dining out.

  
  

• Referral Bonuses: Some credit cards provide points for referring friends or family. If someone you refer gets approved, you both earn points. Anytime someone asks me about traveling on credit card points I make sure to always send them my referral code! They might not use it but hey what if they do! More points in your pocket!

  
  

• Special Promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions. Credit card companies often run limited-time offers that allow you to earn extra points on certain purchases. I make sure to follow points accounts on all my social media platforms, that way if there is a new fancy bonus, I will know about it!

  

  

Redeeming Points

Earning points is just the first step. Knowing how to redeem them effectively is crucial. Here are some tips for maximizing your rewards:

1. Transfer Points: This is what makes these points so valuable! Many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs. This can often yield a higher value for your points. I make sure to check my favorite website: pointsyeah.com to search for my flight using points, then I transfer my points to that airline and redeem!

   
   

2. Book Flights and Hotels: Use your points to book flights and hotels directly through the credit card's travel portal. This often provides better value than redeeming points for cash back. I rarely use the portals, but they can be helpful sometimes when trying to redeem a card benefit.

   
   

3. Use for Upgrades: Consider using points for upgrades. For example, you might use points to upgrade to first class on a flight or to a suite in a hotel.

   
   

Travel Perks

Beyond earning and redeeming points, travel credit cards often come with additional perks that can enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the most valuable benefits:

• Travel Insurance: Many travel credit cards offer travel insurance, which can cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. This can provide peace of mind while traveling.

  
  

• Car Insurance: I never get the rental car insurance at check out because I know which credit cards offer primary car insurance coverage on rental cars. This saves me a ton of money when renting cars.

  
  

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: If you travel internationally, look for a card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. This can save you money on every purchase made abroad.

  
  

• Airport Lounge Access: Some premium travel credit cards provide access to airport lounges. This can make your travel experience more comfortable, especially during long layovers. My FAVORITE perk! But better perks mean higher annual fee, keep that in mind.

  
  

• Concierge Services: Certain cards offer concierge services that can help you with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, and more. This can save you time and effort while planning your trip.

  

Choosing the Right Card

With so many travel credit cards available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider:

• Annual Fees: Some travel credit cards come with high annual fees. Make sure the benefits you receive outweigh the cost. These are important to consider. I suggest starting out with a card that has either no annual fee (there are few) or an annual fee of less than $100. This is where the NEARLY comes in when we talk about nearly free travel. Don't let some accounts fool you, they still pay lots of money to have some of these cards with all the perks.

  
  

• Rewards Structure: Look for a card that aligns with your spending habits. If you dine out frequently, choose a card that offers bonus points for dining.

  
  

• Redemption Options: Ensure the card offers flexible redemption options that suit your travel preferences. If you are looking at a trip that you can only fly Alaskan Airlines one make sure you know which cards transfer to that airline to make sure the card you get is not wasted!

Tips for Maximizing Benefits

To get the most out of your travel credit card, consider these tips:

• Stay Informed: Keep up with your credit card's rewards program. Changes can happen, and staying informed will help you maximize your benefits.

  
  

• Plan Your Spending: Use your card strategically. For example, if you know you will be making a large purchase, consider timing it to coincide with a bonus points promotion. I try and never make a big purchase without opening a new card first. I even put my masters tuition on a credit card!

  
  

• Combine Rewards: If you have multiple travel credit cards, consider combining rewards. This can help you reach your travel goals faster. I always take my husbands points and transfer them to my account so I can use them to book us both!

  
  

• Review Your Statements: Regularly review your credit card statements to ensure you are earning points as expected. If you notice discrepancies, contact customer service. This travel isn't free if you are paying interest on what you spend!!

  
  

Final Thoughts

Travel credit cards can be a powerful tool for enhancing your travel experience. By understanding the benefits and how to maximize them, you can unlock points that lead to unforgettable adventures.

Whether you are a frequent traveler or planning a family vacation, the right travel credit card can help you save money and enjoy your trips more.

So, start exploring your options today and get ready to unlock the full potential of your travel credit card. Happy travels!