How to Travel for Free Using Credit Cards

With responsible credit card use, you can earn hundreds of dollars in free travel per year.

Travel for Free Using Credit Cards

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About half of travel credit card holders redeem enough rewards in a year to pay for their next trip.

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Travel credit cards can offer upfront incentives and ongoing rewards and benefits that can help you save money on your next vacation – or even score mostly free travel. According to U.S. News research , about half of travel credit card holders earn between $351 and $1,750 in redeemable rewards in a year, which could pay for some or all of your next trip.

Learning how to travel for free using credit card rewards and perks can help you work toward your next vacation without having to actually pay for it.

How Travel Credit Card Rewards Work

Travel credit cards offer incentives for consumers to open an account and use their card regularly.

When you first sign up, you'll typically receive a welcome offer. Depending on the card, this sign-up bonus is typically worth between $200 and $1,000 in free travel, and sometimes even more. In exchange, you'll need to spend a certain amount on the card within a set period – often thousands of dollars within just a few months. Some cards may give you bonus rewards after you make just one purchase.

In addition to this upfront incentive, travel credit cards typically also offer rewards on everyday purchases you make. How much you earn per dollar can vary. Some cards offer a flat rewards rate on every purchase, while others offer bonus rewards on spending in certain categories.

With the card's sign-up bonus, ongoing rewards or both , you can earn enough rewards for free flights, hotels, car rentals and more.

How to Travel for Free With Credit Card Rewards

There are a few different types of rewards programs that travel credit cards offer, and the type you choose will determine how you can use your points or miles to get free travel.

General travel rewards. Points or miles earned in a general travel rewards program often have a set value. For example, you'll get 1 cent per mile with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card on travel redemptions, and 1.25 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card when you redeem points for travel through Chase. You can use rewards from a general travel card in one of three ways:

  • Book travel through the card issuer. Some credit card issuers have booking platforms, similar to websites like Expedia and Orbitz, allowing you to use your rewards to book travel. With some cards, you'll get additional value booking this way.
  • Book travel through third-party merchants. With some programs, you can use your credit card to book eligible travel with an airline, hotel or other merchant, then use your points or miles to get a full or partial statement credit against the travel expense. This may offer more flexibility to find the best deals.
  • Transfer to other travel programs. Some cards allow you to transfer travel rewards to a select list of partners, typically airlines and hotel brands. Sometimes, booking with airline or hotel loyalty programs can offer a higher rewards redemption value than issuer platforms.

Airline rewards. If you choose a co-branded airline credit card, you'll earn miles directly with the airline instead of a card issuer's general rewards program. Earn enough, and you can get free flights.

Unlike general travel rewards, airline rewards typically have a dynamic pricing structure, so the value of your airline miles will vary. While this means you may get less value on some redemptions than others, you have the chance to strategize and maximize the value you get every time you use your rewards.

For example, let's say you're trying to figure out how to fly for free on your next trip and have a little flexibility with your dates. Here's how you might compare two flights a week apart:

  • Flight A. You can book using 50,000 miles or pay a cash price of $739. With this award ticket, your miles are worth roughly 1.5 cents apiece.
  • Flight B. You can book using 35,000 miles or pay a cash price of $550. With this option, you'll get about 1.6 cents per mile.

By choosing Flight B, you're not only squeezing a little more value out of each mile, but you're also spending fewer miles in total, allowing you to reserve some for your next trip.

Be wise about how you use your points. In some cases, an award flight may make sense, but for others, you could be better off saving your miles for a more valuable redemption.

"Sometimes if I can find a good deal, I don't want to waste my valuable points on a flight that I can buy pretty cheaply," says Jacquie Whitt, founder and U.S. director of Adios Adventure Travel, a tour agency. "But when I fly at night, and it's a long flight, I look for business class seats, and I'm always willing to use my points for that."

Hotel rewards. Like airline credit cards, co-branded hotel credit cards allow you to rack up points with your favorite hotel brand. Once you've earned enough for a free stay, you can use your points to book it directly with the hotel.

As with frequent flyer programs, hotel points programs have a dynamic pricing structure, so it's important to compare different dates and properties in your destination city to find out which redemption will give you the most value.

Also, note that some hotel credit cards offer free anniversary nights when you pay your annual fee or when you meet a certain spending threshold. This award night is typically good for one night at certain properties in the hotel's portfolio. You can either use it for a one-night stay or attach it to a longer trip.

Some Cards Add Value With Other Travel Freebies

Some travel credit cards don't just offer a way to earn free travel through points and miles. They also have added perks.

For example, some cards offer automatic statement credits against certain travel-related purchases. Others might offer complimentary access to airport lounges , elite status with a hotel rewards program, free checked bags and more.

"One thing that I think is really important is travel protections," says Dustin Waller, author of Waller's Wallet, a website and YouTube channel that help people maximize their credit card rewards. "So many things can go wrong while we're traveling that we can't control, and utilizing those travel protections can be a huge money saver."

As you compare travel credit cards, consider more than just the potential for free travel but also the overall experience. While you may not otherwise pay to get into an airport lounge, for instance, that free benefit can elevate your travel experience and make it even more memorable.

Airport lounges "have free Wi-Fi and access to food and restrooms and sometimes showers," says Whitt. "So I enjoy that when I'm traveling."

Free Travel Isn't Totally Free

Learning how to travel for free with credit card rewards can help you save money, but don't expect to go on a trip without ever having to pull out your wallet. Here are some costs you'll still need to budget for:

Airline taxes and fees. Airlines typically charge fees even on award tickets, although they're usually nominal. For example, Southwest Airlines charges just $5.60 each way. On international flights, however, some airlines assess fuel surcharges and other fees, which can run in the hundreds of dollars.

Hotel fees. Some hotel properties may charge a daily parking or resort fee, and they may not allow you to use points to cover it.

Meals. While it's possible to find ways to eat for less, there aren't any direct ways you can use travel rewards to pay for your meals. To help with this expense, which can add up quickly, Waller redeems statement credits on his cash back credit cards.

Activities. If you have specific excursions or other activities you want to do on your trip, you may or may not be able to use your travel rewards to pay for them. If you have a general travel rewards program, you may be able to use your card issuer's platform to book excursions.

Or if your card allows you to get a statement credit against travel purchases, you may be able to make it work by booking the activity or buying the tickets through a travel agency. Otherwise, you may need to include these costs in your trip budget.

How to Maximize Your Rewards for Free Travel

You may need more than one credit card to earn enough travel rewards for a full trip or to travel regularly using rewards exclusively. If you get more than one travel credit card, you'll not only increase the number of points or miles you can earn through sign-up bonuses, but you'll also be able to diversify your rewards to cover more areas of your trip.

For example, you can use an airline credit card to book your flight, a hotel credit card to cover your stay and a general travel credit card to pay for your rental car.

Managing multiple credit cards like this requires discipline and organization. The last thing you want is to rack up unnecessary debt or miss a payment and get slapped with interest charges, which can offset the value of the travel rewards you redeem. After all, a free trip isn't really free if you had to pay a late fee or interest charges to get there.

"Treat your credit cards like cash," says Waller. "If you are not able to pay for it with cash, you shouldn't be using your credit cards." Also, consider setting them up on automatic payments to avoid forgetting.

Using credit cards to earn free travel may not be the best idea if you've had issues with credit card debt in the past or the temptation to overspend is too strong. But if you can use credit cards responsibly and pay your balance in full each month, you could get hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars' worth of free travel every year.

Tags: credit cards , Travel , Travel Credit Cards

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How to Travel for Free With Credit Card Rewards

how to travel for free credit card

  • Get a Great Travel Rewards Credit Card
  • Charge Everything on Your Credit Cards

Always Pay Your Balance in Full

Avoid transactions like balance transfers and cash advances, earn the sign-up bonus.

  • Join the Brand Loyalty Programs

Transfer Points Between Programs

Redeem your rewards right away.

  • Always Pay on Time
  • Pay Attention to Program Changes

Credit cards come with lots of great perks . If you choose the right credit card and use it the right way, you can earn rewards that you can use for free travel. Even if you can’t travel for completely free, you can use your travel rewards to travel at a significant discount.

Get a Great Travel Rewards Credit Card—or Two

You generally need to have excellent credit to qualify for the best travel rewards credit cards. If you don’t have excellent credit right now, work on improving your credit by taking care of past due balances and building up a positive payment history.

There are generally two types of travel rewards credit cards : general purpose credit cards that pay higher rewards on all travel purchases and brand-specific credit cards that pay higher rewards on purchases with a specific airline or hotel.

If you’re loyal to a certain airline or hotel, you may want to choose a branded credit card. On the other hand, if you make lots of travel purchases across brands, the generic card will be better for you.

You Don’t Have to Stick to Just One Credit Card

Having more than one travel rewards credit card in your wallet gives you the opportunity to earn more rewards. You may, for example, have one credit card that pays higher rewards on gas purchases and another credit card that pays higher rewards on travel purchases.

You Also Don’t Have to Stick to a Travel Rewards Credit Card

A cash back credit card can also be used to help you pay for travel. But, there are some things to watch out for. First, make sure there are no caps on the amount of cash you can earn on the card. Second, choose a card that pays more cash back in the areas that you spend the most.

Pay Close Attention to Fees, Perks, and Restrictions

Pick a credit card that doesn’t have a cap on the rewards you earn.and that doesn’t have a short expiration period. Look for other perks like no foreign transaction fees, complimentary companion tickets, waived checked baggage fees, and the ability to earn bonus rewards by booking with travel partners.

You’ll probably have to pay an annual fee on the best travel rewards credit cards. Many cards waive the annual fee in the first year but starting in year two; you’ll have to pay the fee. If you can earn enough rewards for a free flight or hotel, you’ll barely notice that you’ve paid the annual fee.

Make sure you pay the annual fee right away, so you don’t pay any interest on the fee.

Charge Everything on Your Credit Cards, Especially Travel-Related Purchases

To get free travel with your credit card rewards, you have to earn enough rewards to make a redemption. The more you use your credit card, the more rewards you can earn . Knowing your rewards program inside out will help you learn the best way to use your credit card to maximize your rewards. For example, if your card pays more rewards on gas purchases, then you always want to use your credit card for gas.

It is one of the most important rules to follow when you’re using any rewards credit card, especially a travel rewards credit card. Paying your balance in full each month will help you maintain excellent credit which will allow you to qualify for better credit card offers. Having a good credit score is important, but that’s not the only reason to pay your balance in full each month.

You have to pay finance charges whenever you carry a balance on your credit card beyond the grace period. Finance charges negate the rewards you receive on your credit card. To truly use your credit card for free, you have to pay off all your charges every month so that you avoid interest .

Speaking of avoiding extra charges on your credit card, balance transfers , and cash advances almost always means paying a fee. Even if your credit card has a 0% promotional rate on balance transfers, the balance transfer fee could be hundreds of dollars depending on the amount of the balance you transfer.

Fees aren’t the only reason you should avoid balance transfers and cash advances. These transactions don’t earn you any rewards. And, they take up room on your credit card, leaving you with less available credit for purchases that will let you earn travel rewards.

Lots of travel rewards credit cards offer very lucrative signup bonuses. Some of the bonuses are so big that you earn a free flight right away. To earn a signup bonus, you typically have to spend a certain amount on your card within the first three months of opening your account.

Adding an authorized user who can help you earn the signup bonus faster. Just make sure you can afford to pay off the purchases the authorized user makes on the credit card.

Choose a Credit Card With a Sign-up Bonus That’s Easy to Earn

The minimum spending threshold should be low enough that you can afford to pay off your balance in full each month. For example, a $3,000 spending threshold means you’ll need to charge and pay off about $1,000 each month. If that’s out of your budget, look for a travel rewards credit card with a lower spending bonus.

Try to Meet the Spending Threshold as Quickly as Possible

With many credit cards, it will take about four to six weeks after you’ve earned the bonus for it to be credited to your account. Be patient that means it could be about five months from your account opening before you receive your spending bonus.

Don’t Try to Earn the Spending Bonus on More Than One Credit Card at a Time

Also, keep in mind that many credit card issuers only allow you to earn one spending bonus every two to four years. Or, with some credit card issuers, you may only be able to earn one spending bonus in the lifetime of that credit card issuer. Read the fine print to find out whether you can earn another spending bonus from a credit card issuer and the time period you may have to wait between earning bonuses.

Join the Hotel and Airline Loyalty Programs

Your credit card will pay rewards on your purchases. Most hotels and airlines have loyalty programs that will also pay rewards for your stays and flights. Signing up for these programs and free and you can boost your rewards when you provide your loyalty rewards number during booking.

Let’s say, for example, you’re booking a flight on Delta Airlines and staying in a Marriott hotel. Use your SkyMiles number and your Marriott rewards numbers when you’re booking to earn rewards with those programs. Plus, earn rewards on your credit card for the purchases.

Stick to the same hotel and airline brands as much as you can. The more you use the same brands, the more points you can earn. You’ll also move up in status levels which give you additional perks plus bonus points on your flights and hotel stays.

Once you’ve accumulated points in different programs, you may be able to combine them into a single program and redeem for a trip. Ideally, you want to transfer points with a 1:1 ratio so that you keep all the points you’ve worked so hard to earn.

Before you make the transfer, read the rules to learn how you can transfer points and whether you’ll lose any points in the transfer.

Depending on the credit card, you can either use your rewards to book travel via the card’s online booking tool, or you can redeem your rewards for a statement credit. If you choose the statement credit route, you’ll have to charge the travel to your credit card then use your rewards to credit the account for the amount of the travel. If you don’t want to end up paying off the balance, redeem your rewards right away . Otherwise, you might have to pay at least the minimum payment to keep your account in good standing while you wait for the statement credit to post to your account.

Always Pay on Time to Avoid Forfeiting Your Rewards

The fine print of your rewards credit card will include the things that can make you lose your credit card rewards. Most commonly, late payments will cost you all the points you’ve accumulated.   Set a reminder a few days before your due date so you won’t forget to make your credit card payment. Or, set up an automatic payment just in case you forget your payment.

Pay Attention to Rewards Program Changes

Credit card issuers can and do change terms of rewards program terms frequently. Don’t assume you’re grandfathered into a program. Pay attention to inserts that come with your credit card statement that explain any changes that have been made to your credit card rewards program . You’ll need to alter your spending habits to continue maximizing the rewards you’re earning.

American Express. " Why Were Membership Rewards® Points Forfeited and How Can I Reinstate Them? "

  • Nearly free travel is possible

Identify your travel goals

How to earn credit card points, how to redeem travel rewards, when to use rewards vs. cash.

  • What you should know

How to Redeem Credit Card Points for Travel: A Beginner's Guide

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The general consensus is that credit card rewards are convoluted and hard to use.

That's not true. Credit card rewards are nearly effortless to use. It's easy to get free hotel stays, rental cars, and airfare. The only convoluted part is finding ways to squeeze every last drop of value from them. 

In this guide, we'll give you a crash course on how to quickly earn rewards from the best credit cards and book free travel. We'll also share the knowledge you need to find amazing deals for yourself. We'll even cover some jaw-dropping sweet spots which, while not always the easiest to book, exhibit the power of credit card points and miles. You'll be booking flights worth $20,000 before you know it.

Nearly free travel is possible with credit card rewards

My first award flight was to the Philippines in 2014. I paid 40,000 United Airlines miles and $5.60 in taxes and fees. That's right — I paid more for gas to drive to the airport than I paid for my flight.

After my trip, all I wanted to talk about was how I flew to Asia for $5.60. I had proved to myself a new travel strategy that could take me anywhere I wanted to go for practically free. I told friends and family how I did it — how easy it was to earn the rewards just by achieving a single credit card welcome bonus.

I could not keep anyone's interest for long. The prospect of free travel is one of those things that most people totally ignore because it sounds fishy.

To all my friends and family that are suspicious of free travel, thank you. If everyone in the world expertly utilized credit card rewards to travel for free, there wouldn't be such amazing travel opportunities out there. The fact that 99% of travelers are apprehensive to jump into the world of free travel benefits those of us who have learned the tricks of the trade.

I estimate that I get about $30,000 in free travel per year — and that's just from taking three or four trips annually. I've used them for lie-flat business class seats and five-star hotels in places like Barbados, Dubai, Ireland, Maui, the Maldives, Peru, South Africa, St. Lucia, Switzerland, and many more.

I also frequently use points for roadside hotels when road-tripping and for quick flights to visit family. You can do it, too.

Before you begin collecting credit card rewards, you should first identify your travel goals. Not all credit card rewards can accomplish the same thing, after all. For example:

  • If you want free airfare, you should collect airline miles
  • If you want free hotel stays, you should collect hotel points
  • If you want free food, you should collect cash back
  • If you have mixed goals, you should collect flexible or transferable points (we'll get into these in a minute)

The fastest way to accumulate rewards is by earning credit card welcome bonuses. Most rewards credit cards come with a chunk of either points, miles, or cash that will deposit into your account after you meet minimum spending requirements .

There are dozens and dozens (and dozens) of credit card sign-up bonuses out there — quite literally millions of points and miles to be earned — if you're willing to open credit cards and earn their bonuses.

Many rewards credit cards also provide bonus points when spending in certain categories. You'll earn points for your everyday purchases exponentially faster  if you take the time to find a handful of credit cards that offer bonus categories for your spending habits.

Opening multiple credit cards

You've probably been conditioned to believe that opening multiple credit cards is bad for your financial health. It's not — at least, there's nothing intrinsically irresponsible about it. As long as you don't spend beyond your means and pay off your card in full every month, credit cards are a valuable financial (and travel) tool.

If you use your credit responsibly, your credit score will actually increase after opening credit cards . You can read our guide on how to get an excellent credit score if you're really concerned.

Many of us that are deeply entrenched in the world of credit card rewards (myself included) have well over 20 active credit cards. That sounds totally wild to most people — but they've earned me millions of rewards totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel.

For example:

  • I have seven hotel credit cards  because they come with things like annual free night certificates, anniversary points bonuses, automatic elite status, and more (one of which saved me $8,000 on a hotel stay in the Maldives)
  • I have credit cards with travel insurance that have saved me many thousands of dollars over the years that I specifically use to book airfare and rental cars 
  • I have credit cards with airport lounge access of different kinds
  • I have multiple American Express cards which come with different Amex Offers ** that I'm able to use to save hundreds of dollars each year on my everyday spending

As long as you're getting more back than you're paying in annual fees , the cards are worth keeping (provided you can afford those annual fees!).

Don't overspend to earn rewards

If you don't have the best track record with credit, or if you simply don't think you're responsible enough to open lots of credit cards, don't do it. Rewards credit cards come with outlandish interest rates . In other words, unless you're able to pay your credit card in full each month, you'll pay out the nose in fees. And accruing debt on a rewards credit card isn't easy to overcome.

It's also a good rule of thumb to keep from jumping into credit card rewards until you have a credit score of at least 700. This will give you the best chance of being approved for pretty much any card you want.

Earning flexible points

There are four real powerhouse points currencies in the flexible rewards space. These are the most popular points among travelers for two reasons:

  • They are extremely easy to earn. Each flexible points currency can be earned on at least five different credit cards (and some can be earned on 10+ cards).
  • They can each be transferred to more than a dozen different valuable airline and hotel partners. This is helpful if you've got multiple travel goals that you want to achieve, and you don't want to collect a single airline or hotel currency. For example, if you want to stay at both Hilton and Marriott for free, you could collect Amex Membership Rewards points, which transfer to both programs.

So, you've earned a stash of points, miles, and/or cash back. Now, what are you going to do with them?

The world of miles and points can be a bit complex. Let's look at a quick explainer of how to use each type of reward. Once you understand how they work, you'll understand how to find good deals.

Airline miles

Let's get a misconception out of the way first: Each airline mile you collect does not give you the ability to travel on a plane for 5,280 feet. In other words, just because you've collected 24,901 miles doesn't mean you can circumnavigate the Earth. Perhaps it's less confusing to just think of them as airline rewards.

Airlines have different ways of pricing award flights:

  • Some price award seats according to the distance you fly (British Airways does this)
  • Some price them according to the country you're flying  from and the country you're flying  to  (Air Canada Aeroplan does this)
  • Some price them according to the cash rate of the ticket you want to book (Southwest does this)
  • Some price them according to a secret algorithm that makes seemingly no sense to the naked eye (American Airlines does this)

Because of this, you'll be able to predict the price you'll pay with some airlines better than others.

Most airlines have a large network of airline partners. This is important because you can usually use your miles to book flights on partner airlines, as well. For example, if you collect American Airlines miles, you can use them to book (nearly) free flights on American Airlines — as well as the following partners:

  • Air Tahiti Nui
  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Fiji Airways
  • GOL Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Japan Airlines
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qantas Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Royal Jordanian Airlines
  • Silver Airways
  • SriLankan Airlines

In other words, you can get just about anywhere in the world with American Airlines miles.

Hotel points

Hotel points work similarly to airline miles:

  • Some hotels charge a points price that fluctuates according to the cash price of the room (Hilton does this)
  • Some hotel programs place each property into a "category" with a fixed price, regardless of the cash price of the room (Hyatt does this)

For example, Hyatt charges between 17,000 and 23,000 points per night for a "Category 5" Hyatt hotel. the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach is a Category 5 hotel. That means even if the hotel costs $1,000 per night, you'll  never pay more than 23,000 points for a standard room.

Flexible rewards

Flexible rewards, as the name intimates, can be used in a variety of ways. Let's take a look at the three most popular redemption options.

Redeem for cash: Depending on the type of points you have, you can redeem them for cash at varying rates:

  • Amex Membership Rewards points — 0.6 cents per point
  • Capital One miles — 0.5 cents per point
  • Chase Ultimate Rewards points — 1 cent per point
  • Citi ThankYou points — 0.5 cents per point (1 cent if you've got select cards)

In nearly every single scenario, cash back is not a good redemption option with these points. If you're interested in cash back, you should be using cash-back credit cards instead of travel credit cards .

"Buy" travel through a portal: All flexible rewards can be used to reserve things like airfare, hotel stays, rental cars, and more through a proprietary bank portal at a fixed rate, though the rate can depend on the credit card you have.

  • Amex Membership Rewards points — 0.7 to 1 cent per point through the Amex Travel Portal
  • Bilt Rewards — 1.25 cents each through the Bilt Travel Portal
  • Capital One miles — 1 cent per point through Capital One Travel
  • Chase Ultimate Rewards points — Between 1 cent and 1.5 cents per point (depending on which card you have) through the Chase Travel Portal
  • Citi ThankYou points — 1 cent per point through the Citi Travel Portal

Transfer to valuable travel partners: Converting your points into airline miles and hotel points gives them the most potential. Each flexible points currency offers its own unique transfer partners. Here's a quick rundown of each program with its transfer partners. All transfer ratios are 1:1 unless otherwise specified.

Just because you can book a free flight or hotel stay with credit card rewards doesn't mean you should . Believe it or not, "free" isn't always a good deal. Sometimes it's wiser to pay with cash.

Most points and miles currencies don't have a firm value. Depending on the way you redeem them, you can get wildly different return rates for your rewards. Do you know how to tell when you should use rewards and when you should use cash?

It's a simple question to answer, and just takes a few seconds of low-level algebra.

The magic formula

Whenever you're looking to reserve free travel with credit card rewards, you should know exactly how much value you're getting for your points. There's an easy way to figure this out:

(cash price of travel - taxes and fees of award price) / number of points = value per point

For example, a round-trip coach flight between Chicago and Venice costs $958 in late October 2023. The award price for this trip is 60,000 United Airlines miles and $65.

Using the above formula, we will:

  • Subtract the $65 in taxes you'll pay with your award flight from the cash price of the ticket ($958 - $65 = $893).
  • Divide this new figure by the number of miles you'll pay ($893 / 60,000 = $0.014).

As you can see, booking this award ticket will give you a value of 1.4 cents per United Airlines mile.

How much are points and miles worth to you?

Because the value you can receive from credit card rewards varies, so much, you'll have to decide for yourself what a "good" value is for your points and miles. Insider has its own points and miles valuations , which have been created by experts who use credit card rewards constantly. You can use that as a guide.

For example, Insider estimates that Hyatt points are worth an average of 1.5 cents each — but I am personally reluctant to use Hyatt points unless I'm getting at least 2 cents in value. Here are some ways I've used Hyatt points recently, along with the value per Hyatt point I received:

  • Thompson Nashville —4.4 cents per point
  • Alila Ventana Big Sur — 6.66 cents per point
  • Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, Maui —1.7 cents per point
  • Andaz Maui — 4 cents per point
  • Hana-Maui Resort — 2 cents per point
  • Park Hyatt Beaver Creek — 4.56 cents per point

All this to say, I'd (usually) rather pay cash for my Hyatt hotel if I'll get less than 2 cents per point and save my rewards for better value later.

What you should know about traveling with credit card rewards

In truth, free travel is too good to be true. But it's true anyway.

Credit card rewards will continue to be a powerful tool for free travel for one simple reason — very few people are going to take the time to read this guide in full. If you dedicate a bit of time to learning the ins and outs of traveling on points, there's practically nowhere in the world that you can't go for pennies on the dollar.

how to travel for free credit card

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There are many reasons why paying for your day-to-day transactions with credit cards can be a good idea. Credit cards offer robust fraud protection and the ability to build credit without going into debt if you pay your monthly bill on time. Yet the potential to earn rewards in exchange for purchases I need to make anyway is one of my favorite credit card perks.

As someone who loves to travel, my favorite rewards credit cards are the ones that help me and my family see the world for free. Here are seven of my preferred credit card picks that could help you earn free travel too.

Best Travel Credit Cards

suitcase

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

how to travel for free credit card

Secure application on issuer’s website

  • Our Rating 5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
  • APR 21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee $95

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent : $1,380 (60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * 0.023 base)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the gold standards for earning travel rewards. It has a generous sign-up bonus and you can earn points on travel and dining expenses. The card does have an annual fee, but you can continue earning points through bonus categories and an anniversary points boost.

  • Pros & Cons

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is pretty flexible as it lets you transfer rewards points into miles or points several airlines and hotel programs. You can take advantage of strong transfer partners such as United, Southwest, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Hyatt. Similarly, you can book any reservation you want through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal. Although the card might not be ideal for the most frequent travelers, it has a built-in upgrade path, so when it’s time to level up your travel rewards game, you won’t have to start from scratch.

  • Points are easily transferable to airlines and hotel partners
  • Accelerated earnings on dining, travel & household purchases
  • Excellent travel and purchase protections
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Not ideal for the highest spenders
  • $95 annual fee

The  Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card makes it easy to earn free travel, even as a beginner. When travel rewards newbies ask me to recommend the best starter rewards credit cards , the Chase Sapphire Preferred always makes my short list.

The card comes with an affordable $95 annual fee that's easily offset by perks such as the following.

  • Sign-up bonus:  60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.
  • 1x-5x points: Earn 5x points per dollar on travel booked through Ultimate Rewards, 3x points for spending on dining, 2x points on other travel and 1x point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enhanced rewards redemption rate:  Redeem the points you earn for 25% more when booking travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal or through  Chase Pay Yourself Back .
  • Travel protections:  Enjoy trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, baggage delay coverage and rental car insurance.

The sign-up bonus alone is worth up to $750 in free travel  when you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards. And you could potentially cash those points in for even more value if you transfer them to a Chase airline or hotel travel partner.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

how to travel for free credit card

  • Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
  • APR 22.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee $550

Earn 60,000 bonus points after using your card to spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent : $1,380 (60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * 0.023 base)

This card features an annual credit for travel purchases, which can offset the annual fee, plus bonus points when you sign up. You'll also get free access to tons of Priority Pass lounges and restaurant options around the world, along with access to the upcoming Chase Sapphire Lounge network.

If you’re looking to elevate your travel experience, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Reserve. When you first get approved, you’ll earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months—that’s worth at least $900 in travel-related spending booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and potentially more if you transfer your rewards to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners.

  • An array of premium travel perks including access to Priority Pass lounges
  • Easy-to-use $300 travel credit that helps offset card's annual fee
  • Generous rewards rates for spending
  • High annual fee may be a deterrent for some
  • Perks are starting to get stale relative to newer competition

The Chase Sapphire Reserve  is what I would consider the big sister of the Sapphire Preferred Card. This premium travel rewards credit card delivers a lot of value, but comes with a pricey $550 annual fee. If you can use enough of the following benefits to offset the annual fee, however, the card can be well worth the cost.

  • Sign-up bonus:  60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
  • 10x points:  Earn 10x points on hotel and rental car reservations made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
  • 5x points:  Earn 5x points on air travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
  • 3x points:  Earn 3x points on eligible travel and dining purchases. Get 1x point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enhanced rewards redemption rate:  Redeem points for 50% more when you use them to book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal or Chase Pay Yourself Back.
  • Travel credit:  Get up to $300 in statement credits each year for travel purchases.

On top of these great perks, you can enjoy all of the travel protections available through the Sapphire Preferred card. Plus, receive complimentary airport lounge access with a free Priority Pass Select membership, a Complimentary Lyft Pink membership for one year and more. The 60,000-point sign-up bonus is worth $900 in free travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards—possibly more with a travel partner  transfer.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Product Image for Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

  • Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work Read the review
  • APR 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee $0

New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 with the card during the first three months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent : $360 (20,000 Capital One Rewards Miles * 0.018 base)

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card features several standout benefits, including the ability to transfer miles to Capital One travel partners—an uncommon feature on a card with no annual fee. Plus, the ability to transfer miles to travel partners—both airlines and hotels—is arguably the most attractive feature of this travel card.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card features several standout benefits. Perhaps the most appealing feature of this travel credit card is the ability to transfer miles to Capital One travel partners—an uncommon feature on a card with no annual fee. Plus, the ability to transfer miles to travel partners—both airlines and hotels—is arguably the most attractive feature of this travel card.

  • No annual fee
  • Ability to earn transferable points to use on travel partners
  • Earning rate is lower than some of the competition
  • Not useful if you don't spend in dining, entertainment, streaming, and supermarket categories

Once upon a time,  I wasn't a fan of annual-fee credit cards . If you prefer to avoid annual fees, the  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card  offers you a chance to earn travel rewards without this cost. And while the rewards rate isn't as high as you may find elsewhere, the card does feature several attractive features and benefits such as:

  • Sign-up bonus:  20,000 bonus miles after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
  • 1.25x miles: Earn 1.25x miles on all eligible purchases.
  • 5x miles : Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 0% intro APR:  Pay 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after you open your account (then a 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) APR applies [ Rates & Fees ] based on creditworthiness). The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card charges a 3% balance transfer fee for transferred balances during the 15-month promotion. After that, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at the offered promotional APR.

The sign-up bonus is worth $200 in travel statement credits. Capital One also allows you to transfer points to any of its numerous hotel and airline travel partners. So, if you're strategic, you may be able to redeem those 20,000 bonus miles for more value.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

how to travel for free credit card

  • Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
  • Annual Fee $69

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent : $700 (50,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards Points * 0.014 base)

This is a great starter card for infrequent domestic travelers who want to earn rewards toward discounted Southwest flights without a huge annual fee. You won't get a ton of perks compared to other Southwest cards, and this card does charge foreign transaction fees so probably isn’t best for international travelers.

This is the entry-level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners, and new cardholders can earn a nice sign-up bonus, which can help get you closer to booking flights for your next travel destination. This card also earns 3,000 anniversary points each year and 2 EarlyBird check-ins annually.

Above all, for a modest $69 annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus credit card helps you rack up points as cheaply as possible.

  • 2x points on Southwest purchases, local transit and commuting, select streaming and more
  • Annual fee that's palatable
  • All points earned count towards Companion Pass®
  • In exchange for a lower annual fee, the card's ongoing benefits may seem lackluster
  • 3% foreign transaction fee

The Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus Credit Card is the entry-level card for aspiring Rapid Rewards point earners. This airline credit card earns 2X points per dollar spent with Southwest and on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners. It also earns 2X points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services, as well as on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Finally, the credit card earns 1X points on all other purchases.

Above all, for a modest $69 annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Plus credit card helps you rack up points as cheaply as possible. Our favorite Rapid Rewards Plus perks include the 3,000 bonus points and 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins awarded to cardholders on the anniversary of your account opening. It’s all added incentive to retain the card after you’ve earned the introductory sign-up bonus.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

how to travel for free credit card

  • Annual Fee $99

This middle-of-the-pack Southwest card is a good option for occasional travelers. In exchange for a moderate annual fee, you'll enjoy strong travel perks on top of 6,000 bonus points every anniversary. Another nice perk is this card charges no foreign transaction fees, unlike the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus.

In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees and being able to earn A-list flight status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card also offers a generous 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary. It’s these types of benefits that help round out the value of the $99 annual fee.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card also offers two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year.

  • Land A-List status faster with 1,500 TQPs for every $10,000 you spend
  • 6,000 bonus points awarded every cardmember anniversary
  • $99 annual fee
  • Must fly Southwest often for this card to make sense

In addition to perks like no foreign transaction fees, two complimentary EarlyBird Check-In vouchers each year and being able to earn A-list flight status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card also offers a generous 6,000 bonus points every cardholder anniversary, which can often be enough to cover the cost of a one-way domestic flight. It's these types of benefits that help round out the value of the $99 annual fee.

This airline credit card also earns 3X points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners. It also earns 2X points per dollar on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services. Additionally, this Southwest card rewards 2X points per dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. It earns 1X points on all other purchases.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

how to travel for free credit card

  • Annual Fee $149

If you’re looking for a Southwest credit card stacked with travel rewards and perks, this is it. Although it has the highest annual fee of Southwest consumer cards, you could easily offset the fee if you travel Southwest frequently.

When you look at benefits like a $75 annual travel credit, free checked bags and discounts on in-flight purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is probably the most affordable of all the Southwest credit cards. Similarly, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card’s $149 annual fee.

  • Although there's a $149 annual fee, the $75 Southwest annual travel credit makes the card much more affordable for frequent flyers
  • 7,500 anniversary bonus points as a cardmember
  • Higher annual fee may not be a fit for some
  • Must fly Southwest with some frequency for card to make sense

When you look at benefits like a $75 annual travel credit, four upgraded boardings each year, free checked bags and 25% back on in-flight purchases, the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority is probably the most affordable of all the Southwest credit cards. Similarly, the 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary really pack on the value and offset this card's $149 annual fee.

This airline credit card also earns 3X points per dollar on Southwest purchases and 2X points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car-rental partners. It also earns 2X points per dollar on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing services. Additionally, this Southwest card rewards 2X points per dollar spent on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. It earns 1X points on all other purchases. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card here .

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express has long been a symbol of extravagance and affluence. And with its high annual fee (see rates and fees ), it's easy to see why. Yet, this premium card is more than just wallet candy—it offers cardholders a diverse lineup of statement credits and benefits that may negate the yearly cost for many people.

Platinum Card members look forward to a collection of rebates, including:

  • $200 hotel credit: Prepaid bookings with select hotels (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay)
  • $200 airline fee credit: Benefit can be applied to one selected airline
  • $240 digital entertainment credit: $20 benefit per month on eligible streaming subscriptions
  • $155 Walmart+ credit: Benefit covers monthly membership cost
  • $200 Uber Cash: Receive $15 monthly credit plus bonus $20 in December, for U.S. Uber rideshares and Uber Eats
  • $300 Equinox credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year when you use your Amex Platinum to pay for the Equinox+ digital fitness app or eligible Equinox club memberships
  • $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit: $50 benefit between January and June and then again between July through December
  • $189 CLEAR Plus credit: Benefit applies to annual membership
  • Enrollment is required for select benefits and terms apply.

Some of these benefits will be more exciting than others, depending on the merchants and services you already use. Still, cardholders who can take full advantage of what The Platinum Card® from American Express offers will find outsized value for its yearly $695 fee (see rates and fees ).

Keep in mind, with any benefit, terms and conditions apply. Read our full review of the Platinum Card.

How to Choose a Travel Rewards Card

Figuring out which travel rewards card is best can be tricky. But in reality, no credit card holds this title. There's no "best" travel rewards credit card, but there may be a card that's for you.

A  credit check is an important step you don't want to skip when thinking about applying for a credit card. You can also research  how to get approved for a new credit card .

Next, consider factors like which cards will reward you the most for your spending habits, sign-up bonuses and benefits you can use. Compare card benefits to any annual fees to make sure they're worth the cost.

Once you find the perfect-for-you rewards card, be sure to manage it carefully. It's important to pay your full statement balance every month. Otherwise, the interest you pay on your credit card could cancel out the rewards you earn.

Read More About Reward Travel

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Learn How to Travel for Free: Beginners Guide to Credit Card Travel Rewards

Michelle lambright black.

Michelle Black is founder of CreditWriter.com and HerCreditMatters.com. Michelle is a leading credit card journalist with over a decade and a half of experience in the financial industry. She’s an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring, identity theft, budgeting, small business, and debt eradication. Michelle is also a certified credit expert witness and personal finance writer.

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Find the best credit card for you

Here’s how you can take a free vacation using rewards you earn with three credit cards, welcome bonuses are an easy way to earn a lot of credit card points. here's advice on how to use those rewards to book your next vacation..

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While it may seem like an uphill battle to earn enough rewards points or miles for a vacation, there are several travel credit cards available right now offering big welcome bonuses that can significantly cut the cost of your next adventure. By earning these reward windfalls, you won't need to wait years to accrue enough points for a trip.

Select details how you can get your next vacation for free by using this simple strategy with three credit cards.

Our best selections in your inbox. Shopping recommendations that help upgrade your life, delivered weekly.  Sign-up here .

How to earn a free vacation using three credit cards

Credit card companies incentivize people to sign up for new cards by offering a generous welcome bonus . When you sign-up for a rewards credit card , you can earn anywhere from 20,000 to 100,000 points (sometimes more) once you meet a certain spend threshold (usually between $500 and $10,000) within a certain time frame (usually a few months, sometimes longer). And if you're able to meet these requirements, you can earn a significant amount of rewards .

Soon after you hit the spending threshold for the card, your points will post to your rewards account to be redeemed for free travel .

By signing up for three credit cards, one for each category of travel expenses, it can help you earn enough rewards to book a nearly free trip.

Credit card #1: Airline credit card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is a great airline credit card to earn Southwest miles. This card is a solid choice for someone who mainly books domestic travel and prefers to check their bag when they fly.

When you sign up for this card, you can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The annual fee for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is $69.

Credit card #2: Hotel credit card

To earn points to help cover your hotel costs, consider signing up for a hotel credit card like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . New cardholders can currently earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.

Plus, earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations and dining — and earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.

And if you decide to keep the card long term, you'll receive a Free Night Award every card anniversary, up to 35,000 points. For frequent travelers, that kind of perk can help offset the $95 annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining; 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 spent; earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, and 2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Limited time offer! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Foreign transaction fee

None. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.

Credit needed

Excellent/Good

Terms apply. Information about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Credit card #3: Travel credit card

Of course, there are more expenses than simply airfare and hotels on a vacation. If you plan on dining out, renting a car , using a rideshare service to and from the airport or purchasing fun activities, a general travel rewards credit card can come in handy.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is offering new cardholders the chance to earn 60,000 bonus points after they spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. These points are worth $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® can be spent in a number of ways. You can transfer them to one of 14 different airline and hotel loyalty programs, redeem them directly in the Chase travel portal . You can also cash them out or purchase gift cards to major retailers.

Both Southwest and Marriott are transfer partners, so you can transfer the points you earn with your Sapphire Preferred card to either program in case you need a few extra points to book a flight or hotel night.

But if your goal is to have a completely free trip, you can use the points you earn with this card for a statement credit at a one cent per point value to cover all your vacation expenses.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

Other card benefits to enhance your travel experience

While the welcome offers can quickly cut down your out-of-pocket travel expenses, these cards also have helpful features to boost the quality of your trip. Here are a few benefits from each card to consider:

  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Rental car insurance , purchase protection and travel accident insurance
  • Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card : Automatic Silver Elite Status (with a path to earn Gold Elite) and no foreign transaction fees
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Comprehensive travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees

If you want a step up in benefits like expedited security with a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee waiver or airport lounge access, consider a premium travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Here are 3 reasons why paying with a credit card is safer than a debit card or cash .

Best welcome offers available

There are always valuable welcome offers available , but here are a few of our current favorites:

American Express® Gold Card

4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Not applicable

See Pay Over Time APR

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our American Express® Gold Card review .

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

20.49% - 29.24% variable

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.

Credit Needed

Read our The Platinum Card® from American Express review .

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

0% for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases; N/A for balance transfers

18.49% - 24.49% variable

Good/Excellent

Bottom line

Welcome offers are an excellent way to quickly earn a free vacation. However, it's never a good idea to spend more money just to earn credit card rewards . If you were to sign up for all three of these cards at once, you'd need to charge around $21,000 in order to meet all the minimum spend requirements. If that far exceeds your usual spending, take some time to strategize when you want to open the cards. And ask yourself a few easy questions to make sure it's a good idea to apply for a new card:

  • Do you have large upcoming expenses you can use to hit your minimum spend thresholds?
  • Is your credit score in the best shape possible?
  • Do you have a budget set in place for your annual fees ?

Once you figure out those pieces, you can use this exact strategy to begin earning your way to a nearly free vacation.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of  personal finance ,  tech and tools ,  wellness  and more, and follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, click  here .

For rates and fees for the The Platinum Card from Amex, click  here .

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Using Credit Card Rewards for Cheap (or Free!) Travel

* Advertiser Disclosure: How to Money has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. How to Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Lastly, the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

If you’ve always thought that travel wasn’t in the cards for you and your budget, think again. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy multiple trips each year. In fact, you can completely slash your travel costs by scoring free flights, accommodations, and even rental cars. How? By accruing travel reward points via credit card reward programs! 😎

Remember to Follow the Golden Rules of Plastic!

Before we continue – it’s extremely important to point out that credit card rewards isn’t a good fit for everyone. Credit cards should only be used if you know you can handle them responsibly. This means paying them off on time, and in full, each and every month.

It may be tempting to buy a bunch of fun stuff on your card to snag a sweet welcome offer, but you will lose the numbers game if interest begins to accumulate. There’s no point in saving $2,000 in travel if it’s going to end up costing you $3,000 in fees and interest just to do it!

Seriously, stick to the best credit card practices . We can’t stress this enough!!!

Travel rewards at a glance:

Now that we’ve gotten our super important disclaimer out of the way, it’s time for the fun stuff. In this post, we’re going to teach you how to travel at significantly discounted rates (or for free) using credit card rewards. 

Typically, there are two main ways credit cards can be used to earn rewards points: 

1. Earn Welcome Offers and Rewards Points Via Everyday Spending

Often, travel credit cards will offer generous welcome reward points when opening a new account. A welcome offer is usually earned by spending a certain amount of money within the first few months of opening a card. Then, rewards can be redeemed for travel expenses, like hotels, flights, rental cars and experiences!

2. Utilize Credit Card Travel Portals

Certain card issuers offer online travel portals where you can cash in your points for travel. The most common ones are Capital One, Chase, Citi and American Express.

What makes travel rewards awesome?

Traveling can be an incredibly meaningful and fulfilling part of your life. It can open your eyes up to new cultures, cuisines, and remind you that we’re all more alike than we are different. But it can also be super hard on your wallet! 😅

Traveling allows you to get in touch with your adventurous side, or your “don’t call me, I’m drinking out of a pineapple by the pool” side. And by using rewards programs, you can fund your trips without breaking the bank.

You have to spend money to survive. You’ll always have to buy groceries and pay your utilities. Using credit card rewards programs allows you to build up travel credit for your everyday purchases in a meaningful way. Plus, it allows people who would otherwise never be able to take incredible trips to experience the things they’ve always dreamed of. 

Even if you don’t earn enough points to make that trip you’ve always dreamed of entirely free, you can significantly reduce the cost, putting it within reach. Cutting the cost of flights or hotels from your trip means you can splurge elsewhere. For example, while traveling for free you can afford to buy excursions, trying new foods, or extending your stay.

When you look back on your trip, what will you remember more? The overnight flight where you snoozed the entire time, or that pasta making class you and your family took with an Italian local? Personally, I’d rather spend my money on the fun stuff. I rest my case.

How to Use Credit Card Rewards to Travel

Now that we’ve got your attention, you might be wondering how you can take advantage of traveling with credit card rewards. Luckily, we’ve created the step by step guide below to teach you how to open credit cards, earn rewards, and use them to travel!

travel using credit card rewards

Step 1: Improve Your Credit Score (If Needed)

Before you ever open a new credit card, you’ll need to make sure you have a pretty good credit score. You likely won’t qualify for the best travel credit cards if your score is in the dumps. Statistically, people with low credit scores fall victim to ridiculous interest rates, fees and a deeper debt burden. Seriously, no amount of travel rewards are worth hurting your credit or paying interest.

Plus, the best travel cards typically require you to have good credit in order to be approved. According to Experian , you typically need a credit score of 670 or higher to qualify for many premium travel rewards credit cards.

If your credit score is lower than that, spend some time working on building it up . We recommend doing this before you start planning travel. Focus on paying all your existing accounts on time, lowering your utilization, and proving you can handle credit responsibly.

Step 2: Apply for travel credit cards with generous welcome offers.

The first step is to open up a travel card with a generous welcome offer. The bigger the welcome offer, the better.

What’s considered a “good welcome offer” differs from person to person. But if you shop around, you should be able to find one with a welcome offer between 60-80,000 points or miles. This equates to somewhere between $600-800 in free travel.

Remember that a lot of these welcome offers will only be awarded if you meet a spending threshold within the first few months of opening the card. This is typically referred to as the “minimum spend.” Oftentimes, you’ll need to spend around $3-4,000 in the first 3 months of receiving that card to snag that reward.

So before applying for any of these cards, be sure that you’ll be able to achieve this without overspending! A good idea can be to open up a new reward card when you know you’ll have a lot of expenses coming up. Lots of car maintenance on the horizon? A new home improvement project you’ve been planning for months? Could be a good time to open that new card and grab that significant welcome offer at the same time!

Be sure to also take the annual fee into consideration. Many top-notch cards have an annual fee of around $99. But some card issuers will waive it for the first 12 months. Others have higher annual fees, but those often come with additional perks. More on this later…

Great Welcome Offer Examples:

We’ve got a tool on our website that updates daily, ranking the best welcome offers for various travel cards. But here are some of our favorites if you are just starting out:

Step 3: Choose a card that offers rewards that align with your spending.

Each travel card is built differently, and some might reward you more than others based on different spending categories. So if you want to earn the most miles or points possible, it’s important to pick a travel card that offers rewards on the categories you spend the most on. With the right strategy, you can ensure you’re earning at least double points on every dollar you spend. 

Most cards will offer double or triple miles in certain spending categories. For example, 2-3x points for gas purchases, or 5x points for travel. Take a look at your past spending and determine which categories you spend the most money in. Then, try to pick a credit card that offers rewards to match. That way, you’ll earn even more rewards just by spending money as you normally would. 

Here are some of the best cards for how you spend:

  • For Groceries: The card_name might be a good choice for you. It offers 6% cash back on groceries.
  • For Dining out: If you’re a total foodie, you might want to consider the card_name . It yields you 3x points on dining.
  • For Business Expenses: Check out a business card like the card_name from Chase. This card gives you the highest rewards for office supplies, and utilities like cable or phone service. Here are some other best credit cards for side hustles
  • Just in General: Or, if no category sticks out in particular, you can opt for the card_name . This lets you accrue 2x points per dollar spent, on everything .

Step 4: Use your travel card for as many purchases as possible

Don’t forget to bring that card with you everywhere you go! Since you’re chasing that welcome offer, you’ll want to use your new card for as many purchases as possible.

If you forget to use this new card for even just one big purchase, it could mean missing out on that welcome offer. So make sure to use this card for everything you plan on buying to rack up those points. Just remember to pay off your balance each month in full to avoid interest charges. 

Pro tip: Sometimes it can take 1-2 weeks to receive a new card after applying for it. So if you want to use your card for a big purchase right away, many issuers offer a “digital” card which you can add to your phone’s wallet app. Another tip is to call customer service and ask for expedited shipping of your new card. Most of the time, they are happy to oblige and it’s free!

All in all, your main goal is to hit that minimum spend ASAP.

Step 5: Get creative to earn more points!

With a little creativity, you can sometimes earn points at a faster rate than normal, without overspending. Try and brainstorm a few ways you can use your card more, without paying additional fees or buying stuff you don’t need. Remember, overspending is your enemy, because there’s no point getting cheap travel if you pay for it with interest payments!Here are a few things you could try…

How to earn more credit card points

Pay for other people’s bills:

One way to earn more points without spending more is to cover other people’s expenses. Whenever you go out to dinner with a few friends, you can always offer to put your credit card down when the bill comes. Then, your friends can give you cash or use Venmo to pay you back for the cost of their meals. You’ll only pay for your meal as planned, but you’ll earn miles for the entire cost of the dinner.

If you’re chasing a minimum spend, or saving up for a big trip, you can also ask your friends or family if they wouldn’t mind you putting a few of their expenses on your card and reimbursing you. 

Oftentimes your grandparents or parents pay large bills with old school checks. Sometimes they pay with a debit card! Think about all those unclaimed points they (or you) could be getting by using a credit card instead! If you trust your family and friends enough, ask them if you can pay their bills and get the rewards points.

Bonus for Friend Referrals:

This is one of my favorite ways to score points. It’s super easy. Many card issuers offer referral bonuses for getting your friends and family to sign up for new credit cards as well. This isn’t as hard as you think it is! Because your closest friends will probably wonder how you’re traveling for free so much anyway!! 😉 Letting them in on the secret and sharing the best cards directly with them via your referral link actually helps them travel in a similar manner too.

Always check if your card has a great welcome offer, and be sure to share it with your friends and family members.

Step 6: Redeem your rewards for travel

Once you’ve got that sweet welcome offer locked in, and maybe even earned a few months worth of points for your everyday spending, it’s time to cash those babies in for your next big adventure. 

If your credit card has its own travel portal, like Capital One Travel or Chase Ultimate Rewards , this will likely be your best bet for getting the most out of your points. These financial companies act like a travel agent – typically offering competitive rates for hotels and flights.

Sometimes, you can also use your points to reimburse yourself for travel expenses made outside of these travel portals. While you can typically find better deals through the credit card companies’ travel portals, this is especially helpful if you find a sweet deal elsewhere. Just be sure to call your credit card company and make sure those travel expenses will be eligible for reimbursement. It’s also worth noting that these credits can take 1-2 billing cycles to appear. So make sure you have the money in your account to cover it in the meantime. 

Lastly, some cards will even allow you to redeem your points for cash back. In this case, you could also use cash back to spend on travel. We’re not huge fans of this method though, because redeeming points for cash often gives you the lowest payout ratio. These cards offer their highest value when you spend the points you’ve accrued on travel instead.

Step 7: Explore transferring your rewards to airline and hotel partners

If you aren’t finding the flights or hotels you’re looking for, some credit rewards programs allow you to transfer your points to other airline and hotel loyalty programs. If you want to book something more specific, or prefer a certain hotel or airline this can be a great option! 

You might even be able to make your airline points more valuable by transferring them. For example, if you find a flight for 60,000 miles on your credit card’s travel portal, but it only costs 35,000 miles on the airline’s website, it might make sense to transfer those miles if there’s a one to one exchange rate.

Not all point systems are created equally! So it might make sense to research how to get the best value out of your points. For example, American Express points have a rough dollar value of 0.6 cents each when claiming as cash back or a statement credit. But if you transfer to one of their ~20 airline or hotel partners, each point can be worth up to 2.8 cents. That’s a huge difference in value!

Needless to say, play around with the rewards portal before spending your points. You could stretch them further by knowing how to claim them efficiently. 

Step 8: Go on your awesome trip

Now comes the easy part. You’ve booked your flights and hotel using your rewards miles, and now you get to go on your awesome trip! Because you’ve effectively traveled for free, maybe you can splurge a little more on things like food or excursions. Kick your feet up and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

And while you’re at it, be sure to utilize some of the tips on this master list of ways to save money on travel .

You also don’t want to let those points languish for years on end. It’s not a matter of “use it or lose it”, but the value of those points is likely to degrade over time. You racked those points up, don’t be afraid to spend them!

Pro tip: Most of the top travel credit cards have some type of insurance included to protect you when traveling. Lost baggage insurance, trip insurance, or even reimbursement for flight delays! Check all the secondary benefits with your specific card to make sure you’re ready to make claims if something goes wrong.

Step 9: Rinse and Repeat

When you get home from your trip, start the cycle again. Browse the best welcome offers for other credit cards, earn the welcome offers, and travel more! Essentially, you can repeat this strategy to travel for free over and over again…

But just how often should you repeat this? A good rule of thumb is to watch out for the Chase 5/24 rule . Although unofficial, you are unlikely to be approved for a new Chase card if you open more than 5 credit cards over the course of 24 months. So before applying for new cards, make sure you’ve opened no more than 4 cards (from any issuer) in the past two years.

Remember that opening and closing credit cards can affect your credit score. Opening a new card requires a hard inquiry on your credit, which can drop it around 5 to 10 points. However, the negative impact on your credit only lasts one year (although the inquiry remains for 2). 

Closing cards can impact your credit as well, because it decreases your available balance, hurting your all-important utilization rate. And if it’s one of your older cards with a huge amount of excellent payment history, it can really damage your credit score. 

If you’re looking to take out a mortgage, it could be best to wait to open credit cards until after you’ve closed on that important loan. You don’t want to jeopardize a more important move in life that depends on stable credit.

Instead of closing some of your cards, you could also call your credit card company and ask to downgrade your card to one without an annual fee. That way, your utilization and average age of credit remain unchanged. And, you no longer have to pay that annual fee. Win, win!

Travel Reward Example with the numbers:

Now let’s run through an example of travel paid for with rewards, using real numbers and credit card offers…

Sam has always wanted to travel, but never felt he could swing it on his budget. Luckily, he learns about travel rewards from a friend and decides to give it a go

Sam starts earning his miles…

Sam adds the card to his digital wallet so that he can start using it right away. He uses it to buy all of his holiday gifts, groceries, and always offers to put his card down at the restaurant when he’s out with friends since he earns 3x points on dining. 

At the three month mark, he’s met his minimum spend of $4,000, and gets his welcome offer of 60,000 points. He has also earned additional points because of the spending he’s done, and ends up with 65,000 points in total. 

Sam spends his miles…

In total, Sam has earned 65,000 Chase UR points, and 83,000 Capital One miles. With spring approaching, he’s burdened with major spring fever. Bitten by the travel bug, he decides to take a trip with his wife to Iceland. He opts to fly from New York City. Since Chase points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed through their travel portal, he can get up to $812.50 worth of free travel. He gets a sweet deal on flights for $438 each. Meaning that between he and his wife, they will pay only $63.50 out of pocket for their round trip tickets. Not bad!

Next, it’s time to book hotels. He logs into the Capital One travel portal where he has $830 worth of miles to spend. He books an awesome stay for 7 nights at the Hotel Viking near the city of Reykjavik for just $991. His total cost for his accommodations minus his miles comes to $161.

Sam and his wife are able to take an incredible 7 day international trip for just $224 out of pocket, before food and excursions. That’s more than some people spend for a weekend trip! While he could have traveled 100% for free by himself, Sam is happy that he spent a few extra dollars so he could take his wife along with him for the ride. 

Wanna hear the crazy part???

How much can you really earn?

You may think that you’re only able to rack up points if you live an extravagant lifestyle, or put hundreds of thousands of dollars on your credit cards each year. However, the truth is that even the average person can earn a meaningful amount of points towards travel each year. 

Let’s say you open up a travel card, like the card_name . This let’s you accrue 2x miles per dollar spent on anything . Snagging that card and meeting the minimum spend means walking away with a 75,000 mile welcome offer. 

Let’s say for a family of four, your annual expenses are about $25,000 each year, not including your rent or mortgage payments. If you earn two points per dollar on all of that money spent, you’re looking at 125,000 miles. All summed up, you can come out with about $1,150 dollars if you subtract that annual fee. And this is assuming you only earn one travel bonus in a year.

Other Reward Travel Strategies

Once you fall deeper down the reward program rabbit hole, you can start to employ different strategies to get the most out of your efforts. Here are just a few strategies you can use to achieve your massive travel goals. 

If you know where you want to go…

If you’ve always dreamed of going to a specific destination, join the rewards program that gets you there the fastest. Just figure out where you’d like to stay and how you’d like to go and get there, then open up a credit card with a rewards program associated with those places. 

Just remember that specific airline and hotel cards can often be less flexible than cards with their own travel portals. However, if you are loyal to a particular airline or chain of hotels, they can be a great choice for you. Advanced travel rewards geeks might opt to take the both/and approach!

If you don’t have a destination in mind…

If you don’t have a specific destination in mind, why not get a little adventurous and go where the deals are? Sticking with more a more flexible card, like the card_name or card_name can be a good move for you.

Then, once you’ve qualified for that welcome offer and accumulated some points, you can keep an eye out for travel deals. You can do this both within their travel portals and beyond. For example, Capital One has frequent travel offers such as 20% off select hotel bookings in multiple cities in Mexico, like Tulum, Chetumal, and Bacalar, as well as 20% off select hotels in Aspen, Colorado. These offers change constantly, so be on the lookout for one that catches your eye!

Travel in “Bestie Mode…”

Another way to completely accelerate your points accumulation is to grab a spouse, family member, or your bestie and have them earn points also. This works especially well if you’re traveling with a family or your spouse. Having both of you earn those major welcome offers, effectively doubles your point-accruing ability in one fell swoop!

Also, remember you can “refer” friends and family to cards you have opened. Make sure they use your custom referral links when applying!

Utilize Business Cards

If you own a small business, or even just operate a side hustle , you might be eligible to open up a small business credit card to earn travel rewards. These cards are known for offering even bigger welcome offers. 

Different cards have different rules about who qualifies as a business owner. So make sure to check with them before opening up a card. For example, to qualify for the card_name , you really just need to make some money outside of your 9-5. It could be from something as simple as selling some old belongings on eBay or doing a bit of freelance work on the side. 

Bonus- Check out our articles on the 8 Best Credit Cards for Side Hustlers!

11 Tips for Success:

Using travel rewards can have a bit of a learning curve. When you’re a newbie, it can also be a little time consuming. However, there are tons of ways to make it easier. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your efforts.

how to travel for free credit card

Be Flexible

If you want to stretch your points or miles as much as possible, be flexible when booking your travel. Maybe you’ve always wanted to go to Tokyo, but there’s a sweet deal on flights to Seoul right now. Or maybe you wanted to take a vacation in July, but the flights are half price in March. Remaining flexible on location and travel dates means stretching out the value of those points you’ve accrued, using fewer points to book that trip!

A good idea to help you stay flexible is to create a list of all of the places you want to travel. Then, when one of those places has a good flight deal, you can jump on it! 

Label Your Credit Cards

If you’re managing multiple travel cards, you can maximize the amount of points you earn by being strategic with which card you use for which purchases. For example, if you only earn one point per dollar with travel card A on groceries, but you can earn three points per dollar on travel card B, opt to use travel card B for groceries. 

If you forget which cards offer certain amounts of bonus categories or point multiples, it can be helpful to label them. You can put sticky notes on each card labeled “groceries” or “restaurants” to remind you of which card to use in which situations. Alternatively, you could make a list of your credit cards and what to use them for in your notes app on your phone!

Don’t Forget About Your Subscriptions

When you’re chasing a welcome offer, every dollar counts towards meeting that minimum spend. Don’t forget to log into each of your subscription accounts, like Netflix or Hulu, and switch it over to the new card you just opened. 

You can also log into your utility providers and switch your autopay to your new card if you have autopay set up. This is super important because missing out on that welcome offer is a huge setback in your game plan. So make sure to switch all recurring payments to your new travel credit card. 

Make sure you have good credit 

Before you start applying for the best travel credit cards , it’s important to have and maintain a healthy credit score. Your credit score is incredibly important. Having a good credit score ensures that you will qualify for the best rates when taking out a mortgage or purchasing a car. It can also mean you’ll have an easier time getting approved for an apartment. 

Because having good credit comes with so many important financial benefits, make sure you also prioritize keeping a good credit score by paying off your cards in full and on time. Keep your utilization low, and refraining from closing your oldest credit accounts. 

Travel during “Shoulder Season”

If you want to travel while the weather is still nice, prices are more affordable and there are fewer tourists, then take advantage of “shoulder season!”

Shoulder seasons are the months adjacent to peak travel season for your location. For many locations in the U.S. and Europe, peak travel season is during the heart of Summer. Meaning, “shoulder season” includes March and April, as well as September and October. The weather is usually still pleasant in these months, and you can snag those flights and hotels at a greatly discounted price.

Choose cheaper locations to stretch your points

So this tip is totally optional… But if you want to get the most free travel out of your points, consider booking trips to cheaper places. Sure, you could use your miles to take a 24 hour flight to Australia and cover some of your trip. Or, you could take a few domestic trips and travel a few times each year. However, you can decide what makes more sense for you based on your availability and travel goals.

Travel hacking tips for using credit cards

ALWAYS pay your card off in full 

So I know we’ve mentioned this previously, but it bears repeating. Always pay off your travel cards on time and in full each month! If you overspend, or pay interest on your purchases, you will not come out on top.

If you’re worried about forgetting to make payments, try automating this area of your finances . Set up autopay for each of your cards so you’ll never miss a payment.

Reimburse Yourself for Travel

If your credit card’s travel portal doesn’t have the flight or hotel room you were hoping to snag, you may not be out of luck!

However, in order to do this, the purchase needs “to code” as travel within their internal system. Sometimes, certain expenses, like theme park tickets, may code as entertainment instead. Be sure to check with your card issuer to ensure this is something your card offers, and that your intended purchase will be covered. 

Get the Southwest Companion Pass 

What if you could bring a friend with you each time you fly, effectively cutting all of your flight costs in half for two people? If you live in a location with Southwest flights, you can take advantage of their Southwest Companion Pass !

Here’s how it works: When you sign up for one of the Southwest cards and accumulate 135,000 points, you’ll become eligible for a companion pass. This allows you to bring any friend or family member with you on as many flights as you’d like during the duration of the pass. All you’ll need to pay is the fees and taxes associated with that flight! 

Better yet, the companion pass is good through the end of the following year. That means if you earn it early in the year, it can be good for nearly two years!

While it can take a while to accumulate 135,000 points, Joel has covered the fastest way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass in this post . Spoiler alert- it involves opening up a personal card and a business card…

Keep an eye out for flight deals

If you want to use your credit cards to travel for free, it can be a good idea to look out for major flight deals. Remember when we talked about being flexible? And when we said that some rewards cards let you reimburse yourself for travel? Well here’s where that can come into play in a major way. 

Signing up for newsletters that share the latest flight deals can be a great way to snag flights to an awesome destination at a better price. Going , formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights, sends out flight alerts whenever major deals drop. This can save you hundreds of dollars per airline ticket. 

You can also use Google Flights to track a particular flight you are hoping to take. You can set this up by searching your desired flight, then toggling the button that says “track prices.” The website will then prompt you to set up a price alert.

By coming up with a list of places you want to travel to when a good enough deal strikes, you’ll be ready to pull the trigger when those discounts go live.

Don’t forget about other perks!

Lastly, many travel credit cards come with some amazing secondary benefits outside of those welcome offers. This can accumulate to hundreds of dollars worth of travel if you utilize them. 

First, most good travel cards have no foreign transaction fees, saving you tons of money when traveling abroad. Some, like the card_name offer you free access to airport lounges and will give you a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Others, like the card_name , offer a $120 credit for dining out. Meanwhile, the card_name offers its card holders a $50 annual hotel credit, as well as travel protection benefits like auto rental collision protection when you use your Chase card to pay. 

Make sure to take advantage of the credit card benefits you might be overlooking to get the greatest value out of that card!

Travel Rewards FAQ:

Using credit card reward programs can be a little confusing when you’re just starting out, but it gets easier. Once you dive into it, you’ll likely find joy in untangling the answers to your questions and figuring out different ways to get the most value out of your rewards. Here are a few common questions most first timers have when they start learning how to travel for free. 

Is signing up for credit cards just for the points illegal?

Nope! Remember that credit card issuers want you to use their cards for spending. And they reward you by giving you the points. Just remember that if you have an annual fee, you’ll want to use that card at least enough to earn the points equivalent to cover that annual fee.

What is the Chase 5/24 Rule?

The Chase 5/24 rule refers to the fact that you are unlikely to get approved for any new Chase credit card if you have opened 5 credit cards or more within the last 24 months. So make sure you’ve only opened a maximum of 4 credit cards within the last few years to avoid being denied.

Although it’s an unofficial “Chase” rule, it’s best to assume this practice for ALL credit card issuers. Don’t worry, getting one new card every ~5 months gives you plenty of travel options anyway!

What are the best welcome offers right now?

Welcome offers are constantly changing, so the cards with the best welcome offers today may not be the same tomorrow! That’s why we created a credit card tool on our website that allows you to easily compare the best credit card welcome offers in real time!

Do you pay taxes on credit card points?

My personal favorite thing about credit card welcome offers is that Uncle Sam cannot lay a finger on them. Woohoo! You do not have to pay taxes on your credit card points. In fact, sometimes it feels like they are the only things you don’t need to pay taxes on these days. Amiright???

Does opening a new credit card hurt my credit score?

Because your credit score is impacted by so many different factors, the answer here is a bit nuanced. Yes, your credit score is likely to dip by a few points after opening up the new card. This is because it requires a hard enquiry on your credit report . This remains on your credit report for 2 years, but only negatively impacts your score for a year. 

On the other hand, opening a credit card could help your credit in the long run. By increasing your available credit, it can help to decrease your credit utilization. As long as you keep your spending the same. 

How many points do I need for a free flight?

Each reward program is built differently, and points have various values. It also depends on where you’d like to fly to, and how expensive that flight is. For example, a flight from Los Angeles to Denver costs about $178 round trip. Meaning, if you snag one welcome offer, you could fly yourself, and maybe even 1-2 guests completely for free. 

However, if you’re looking to fly from New York to Honolulu, that 11+ hour flight will cost you over 3x that, weighing in at around $600. In that case, you might need to do a lot of spending on a credit card to accrue enough points. 

The Bottom Line: 

Traveling using reward points makes it easier to work new and exciting experiences into your budget, even if you don’t have a boatload of disposable income. It allows everyday people like you and I to see the world cheaply, and it rewards us for making purchases we were already planning on making.

But, it’s extremely important to play by the rules and never spend money you wouldn’t usually spend anyway. Free travel isn’t really free if you have to pay for it in other ways!

Even though it can take some time to get the hang of, using credit card rewards to travel can be a worthwhile experience for many folks. We encourage you to give us a try so you can start reaping the rewards you deserve.

Related Posts: 

  • Free Family Travel w/ Lyn Mettler- Episode 703
  • Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Beginners
  • 12 Ways to Lower your Car Costs

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How To Travel For Free With Credit Cards

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Credit cards come with great value-added benefits. There are multiple benefits that come packed with credit cards that if used in the right way, can be of great advantage to us. Most the people love traveling but sometimes it proves to be quite expensive and creates a big hole in your pocket. But what if we tell you that if you are a credit card user and you can travel for free. Yes, you heard it right. Credit cards are very powerful tools that help you in various situations, such as travel if used in the right way.

how to travel for free with credit cards

Travel cards such as co-branded credit cards (with the Airlines) provide you with various travel benefits such as domestic and international lounge access, purchase tickets with the points that you have earned using the credit card, etc. This article will provide you with all the details on how to travel for free with credit cards and will also provide you with a list of the best travel credit cards.

What are travel credit cards?

Out of the many credit cards available in the market today, travel credit cards are those credit cards that are designed for frequent travelers and let you earn reward points which can help in reducing your travel expenses. Persistent travelers can opt for travel credit cards that provide them with rewards and cashback on booking air tickets, lounge access, forex benefits, discounts on your hotel bookings, and sometimes even provide you with a complimentary air ticket.

With the best travel credit cards available in the market, you can save a lot of your rupees by using the reward points that you earned to book your flight tickets and get discounts on your stay.

Find here: List of Best Credit Card for Travel India

How to travel for free with credit cards?

As exciting as it sounds to go on a trip, the experience will be more thrilling if you get a trip for free and that too just by using your credit card in a normal routine. You can enjoy your vacation without any stress about how you will pay for a trip. There are various credit cards in India that let you earn reward points while you swipe your credit card and the points can be further redeemed to either book flight tickets or get discounts on hotel bookings. Travel for free doesn’t exactly mean that you will not have to spend a single penny on your travel but this means that you will have to pay very less on your travel expenses as you will get discounts through the reward points that you have earned using your credit cards. Following are the points that should be considered if you wish to travel for free using your credit cards –

1. Choose a Travel Credit Card that offers great rewards –

To qualify for a great travel credit card that will provide you with generous rewards, you will be required to have a great credit score. Now, travel credit cards are of two types, one of which is a general credit card that provides you with reward points that can be redeemed for booking your flight tickets or hotel. The other one is a co-branded credit card that has partnered with a specific airline and provides you with accelerated reward points or air miles while booking tickets for a particular airline.

2. You can opt for more than one Credit Card –

It is not necessary to have just a single travel credit card. You can always choose to have more than 1 credit card so that you have more opportunities to earn reward points. For example, you can have 1 credit card that provides you with accelerated reward points on travel and you can have another credit card that provides you with Airmiles. These air miles can be used for booking flight tickets and you can use the Reward Points of another card for hotel discount vouchers to save even more.

3. Go through the Terms and Conditions –

You should carefully go through the terms and conditions of the credit card that you opt for and make sure that there is no capping on the rewards that you will earn while spending through your credit card. However, most of the card issuers set a maximum cap on Reward Points/Air Miles that can be earned in a month or a year, but you should make sure that this number is not very less. Also, you should prefer low forex markup fee credit cards if you also travel internationally.

4. Look for Sign-up Rewards –

These credit cards provide you with great rewards once you pay the joining fee of the credit card. Sometimes these bonuses are so huge that you might earn a free flight as a bonus or reward for signing up for the credit card but you have to look for the condition that makes you eligible to earn such bonuses. For example – you have to make a transaction of a certain amount using your credit card within the first 45 or 60 or 90 days of the card issuance to qualify yourself to earn this reward.

5. Try to earn the Milestone Benefits –

These credit cards come with some specific milestone benefits which means that you can earn bonus rewards if you are able to spend a particular amount using your credit card in a quarter or in an anniversary year. If you are a frequent credit card user, you should try to achieve the specified spending and earn milestone benefits on your credit card.

6. Redeem the points that you have earned –

Another thing that you have to take care of is that you should redeem the points that you have earned using your credit card well in time so the rewards points do not get expired. The reward points that you earn using your credit card for various transactions come with a validity date. You should redeem all your reward points for booking your flight tickets and hotel before the expiry date of such rewards.

Following is the list of the travel credit cards that provide great deals –

  • Air India SBI Signature Credit Card – This card by SBI provides you with 20,000 bonus reward points as a welcome benefit and a complimentary membership to the Air India Frequent Flyer Program – Flying Returns. You can earn a maximum of 1,00,000 bonus rewards points on the basis of your spends in the anniversary year. Also, you can earn 30 and 10 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on Air India Ticket booking via airindia.com for self and others and 10 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on Air India Ticket bookings for self or others through Air India booking offices or call centers and 4 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on all other categories. All the rewards points earned can be converted into Air India Air Miles.

Check here: Air India SBI Signature Credit Card Review

  • Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME – The Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME provides you with 1 Premium Economy Class ticket as a welcome benefit on the successful payment of the joining fee. You get 3,000 CV Points if you are able to spend Rs. 75,000 using your Club Vistara SBI PRIME credit card within the first 90 days of card issuance. As a milestone benefit, you get 1 Premium Economy Class ticket each on achieving annual spends of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs, Rs. 3 Lakhs, Rs. 4.5 Lakhs and Rs. 8 Lakhs. You also get 1 Hotel e-voucher worth Rs. 10,000 on achieving annual spends of Rs. 8 Lakhs. The CV points can be redeemed against booking award flights, class upgrades, or seat reservations under Vistara Cash + Points Program.
  • Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit card – With this credit card, you get 10,000 bonus Skywards Miles as a welcome benefit and a complimentary Skywards Silver Tier Membership. You get up to 2.5 Skywards Miles for every Rs. 100 spent on all transactions. In addition to all this, as a travel benefit, you get complimentary unlimited access to domestic as well as international lounges. These Skywards Miles can be redeemed for booking flights, hotels, and various other options available on the Skywards Website.

You can check the review of Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit card here

  • Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card – This card provides you with a complimentary Business Class ticket Voucher as a welcome gift. Also, you earn 8 CV Points for every Rs. 200 spent on Vistara, 6 CV Points for every Rs. 200 spent on travel/hotel/airline bookings, and 2 Cv Points for every Rs. 200 spent on all retail spends. All the CV Points earned using this credit card can be redeemed for booking Air Vistara flights or partner airlines including Air Canada, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, etc. Along with the CV Points, this card also provides you with 1 domestic lounge visit per quarter and 4 international lounge visits every quarter. An exclusive benefit that this card provides is that it does not charge any fee on your international transactions and hence allows you to save amazingly on your international trips.

Visit here the review of Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card

Bottom Line

Travelling is fun and exciting but can be horrifying sometimes when you realize what it would cost you for a vacation. Hence, this is the situation where travel credit cards come in need and can prove to be very beneficial. These cards let you earn reward points on your day-to-day transactions through your credit card and the rewards points hence earned can be used for making your travel bookings. We may also get a few of our flight tickets and hotel bookings for free if you take care of the points mentioned above carefully. Additionally, we have also discussed the travel cards that can actually benefit you if you spend using those cards wisely.

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Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide to the Process

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These days, there are a million and one ways to make budget travel a reality. From embracing the sharing economy to working overseas or volunteering abroad to hunting down cheap flights , traveling has never been easier or more affordable. Even with the pandemic-related price increases, travel is still relatively cheap and there are lots of deals out there to be found.

But the most incredible way to lower your costs even further? Points and miles .

It’s something I’ve been doing for years, which has enabled me to earn more free flights and free hotel stays than I can count. And if you’re not doing it, you’re leaving a lot of money on the table and paying way more for travel than you should be!

What are points and miles?

Collecting points and miles involves signing up for travel credit cards and collecting credit card points, hotel points, and/or airline miles you can cash in for free flights, flight upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and much, much more.

While there are a ton of advanced tips and tricks to out there (and we go over a lot of them in my guide on the subject), many people don’t even know where to start. The process seems daunting because of all the programs and credit cards out there. Which card do you get? How do you know you’re maximizing your points? And just how do you redeem them for rewards?

It’s a lot to wrap your head around.

But it’s a lot easier than it seems. By just tweaking how you pay for groceries, gas, and dining out, you’ll be able to start earning points and miles toward free travel today .

In this points and miles 101 guide, I’ll explain the basics, so you can stop leaving money on the table and start making your travel dreams a reality.

Here is how you get started:

Step 1: Figure out your goal(s)

The first thing you want to do when it comes to points and miles is to figure out your goal(s). What are you looking to achieve?

Are you saving for a big family trip? Do you just want the odd free economy flight or hotel here and there? Or are you more interested in a huge first-class upgrade? Or are you an avid flyer who wants perks, like lounge access and free upgrades?

There’s no wrong answer, so spend some time pondering this. If you just go into points and miles without direction, you’re going to get lost.

You’ll need to do this because it will help you pick the cards and spending strategies that will get you closer to your goal(s). There are hundreds of travel credit cards to choose from, and they all have their own pros and cons.

For example, if you’re a loyal flier with American Airlines, the best cards to start off with would be those that are AA branded. That way, you can jump-start your point balance as well as get the perks that those cards come with (free checked bags, priority boarding, etc.).

If you’re looking to go to Europe on a United partner, you’ll want to apply for the cards that get you United or Star Alliance points.

Always like staying at a specific hotel chain? Get that particular brand’s card.

If you just want points to spend wherever you choose, get a Chase, Citi, Capital One, or American Express® Card, because you can use their points with a variety of travel companies.

Once you decide your goal(s), you can figure out the cards and programs that will get you there.

Step 2: Get a travel credit card

Once you know your goals to and what perks are important to you, you can start to browse for a credit card.

Note: Collecting points and miles is impossible without a credit card. You just cannot get enough points otherwise. Here’s everything you need to know about credit cards and why they aren’t as evil as society makes them out to be.

While many introductory cards are free, the best travel credit cards usually have an annual fee. However, this fee, which can range from $99 to $500, is usually waived for the first year. You can also often get it waived in subsequent years if you call and threaten to cancel the card. I do that often to avoid the fee.

Some things to remember before you apply for a card:

  • There is no perfect card — each has its pros and cons based on your goals. Don’t listen to blogs touting some card as “the best.”
  • Aim to get a card with a low annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (so you can use it abroad without paying extra).
  • Make sure the welcome bonus is attainable (more on that below).

Remember that you need to pay off your monthly balances to make it worthwhile, so only apply for a card if you’re able to pay off your expenses each month.

Here’s what the ideal card should have:

  • A huge welcome bonus – The best travel cards all offer a sizable introductory bonus. It will be these welcome points that jump-start your account and get you closer to a free flight or hotel stay. Typical travel credit card welcome bonuses range between 40,000 to 60,000 points, though sometimes they can be as high as 100,000. That’s why cards are so great: you get an instant balance of tens of thousands of points for very little work.
  • A low spending minimum – Unfortunately, in order to get the great welcome bonuses these cards offer, there is usually a required spending minimum in the first few months. I typically sign up for cards with a minimum spending requirement of $3,000 USD in a three- to six-month period. While there are ways to temporarily boost your spending, it’s best to get the bonus using normal day-to-day spending. Only apply for a card or cards that you can meet the minimum spend(s) on to qualify for the welcome bonus(es). (More on minimum spending requirements in the next step.)
  • An added category spending bonus – Most credit cards offer one point for every dollar spent. However, good credit cards will give you extra points when you shop at specific retailers, use their online portals, or, if it is a branded credit card, shop with a particular brand. This will help you earn points much more quickly.
  • Special travel perks – All of these travel credit cards offer great perks. Many will give you a special elite loyalty status or other perks. Collecting points and miles is not just about just getting points and miles, it’s about what else comes with the card that makes your life easier!
  • No foreign transaction fees – Credit cards are great to use overseas because you get the best possible exchange rate from them. But if you are paying a fee every time you use the card, then it’s less good. Nowadays there are so many cards offering no foreign transaction fees that you should never, ever, ever have to get one with a foreign transaction fee.

Step 3: Earn the welcome bonus

As mentioned, the most important part about signing up for a new credit card is to make sure you earn the welcome bonus. Most cards offer this bonus if you spend a set amount within the first few months of receiving a card (usually the first three months). These offers can be huge, often equal to the cost of a round-trip flight.

Obviously, it would be silly to pass up the chance at a free flight, so make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement for the welcome bonus before you pick a card. If you can’t meet the spending requirement, there’s no point in signing up just yet.

That might mean waiting until your next big purchase (e.g., waiting until you need a new computer, a new couch, etc.) or waiting until a big holiday like Christmas or a loved one’s birthday, so you can earn more points than your normal spending.

If even that isn’t going to do the trick, you’ll need to get creative.

For example, when you go out for dinner, pay for the bill on your credit card and have everyone pay you back. That way, the cost will go toward your minimum spending requirement. Additionally, if any friends or family are planning big purchases, ask them if you can put them on your card so you can get the points. That’s another easy way to meet the minimum spend without having to shop til you drop.

Step 4: Maximize your category spending

Most travel credit cards offer category bonuses. That means that instead of getting just 1 point per every dollar spent, you might get 2 or 3 or even 10 when you shop in particular categories. Restaurants, supermarkets, and gas are three of the most common ones, but there are lots more too.

To maximize your points, always use the right card for each purchase.

If you just have one card to start, just put everything on that card to maximize your points. Once you start branching out and have a few cards, just keep track of the main category bonuses so you don’t miss out by using the wrong card. Earning double, triple, or even 10x the points can drastically speed up your earnings, so don’t skip out on the category bonuses!

Step 5: Redeem your points and miles

It’s time to cash those points in and make your travel dreams a reality! Depending on your spending and financial situation, maybe you’ve been able to save up enough in just a few months. Maybe it’s taken you a couple years. Either way, it’s time to reap the rewards! (If you want to learn more on how to do that, get this guide I wrote .)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Now that we’ve laid out the steps, I wanted to answer some common questions I get about collecting points and miles.

Can non-Americans collect points and miles? Yep! While the US definitely has the best travel cards, many other countries have similar cards too, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Europe.

Start by checking with your local airline to see if it has a branded credit card. You can also check in with your bank and ask what cards are available. Every country is different, so you’ll need to ask around to get the ball rolling.

Here are some posts to help you get started:

  • How to Collect Points & Miles in Canada
  • How to Collect Points & Miles in Australia & New Zealand
  • How to Collect Points & Miles in the UK

Do I need to pay off my bill every month if I want to do this? Yes. Credit cards charge huge interest fees, which will eat up whatever small benefit you get from the points.

Can you collect miles even if you have bad credit? Yep! You’ll likely need to start slow, with a card that doesn’t have amazing perks. However, over time, you can build your credit up as long as you’re paying off your bill every month. If you have bad credit, start with a prepaid or secured credit card to build back your credit.

Does opening a new card hurt my credit rating? Opening or closing a lot of credit cards at once can hurt your credit. However, applying for a few credit cards over a period of time won’t ruin your score. Sure, it will slightly dip every time there is an inquiry, whether for a credit card or home loan or car loan — that’s how the system is set up. But so long as you space out your applications and pay off your bills each month, you won’t find any long-term damage to your credit. I have dozens of cards and apply for and cancel them regularly, and my credit score is excellent.

Collecting points and miles can be intimidating, but it’s really just the art of being smart with your spending on the right one or two credit cards. You don’t really need to do more than that. While you can also dive much deeper in the game (some people really go down the rabbit hole on this!), it’s not all that necessary.

Don’t leave money on the table. Get a card, earn the welcome offer, maximize your points — and then do it all over again! Eventually — with no unnecessary spending — you’ll reach your goal and get to enjoy some awesome travel perks!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • SafetyWing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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A Guide to Travel Credit Cards for Beginners

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Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What is a travel credit card?

How are travel credit cards different from other credit cards, how do travel credit cards work, what should i look for in a first travel credit card, do i need a travel credit card, the bottom line.

Maybe you’ve already got yourself a credit card, perhaps a store card or one that earns cash back. You might have even heard of travel cards, like the ones that promise airport lounge access or earn points for hotel stays — and now your interest is piqued.

For someone simply looking to dip their toes into the world of travel cards, the number of options can seem overwhelming. Let’s take a look at what travel credit cards are, how they work and which travel credit cards are best for beginners.

There are many different types of credit cards, including cash back credit cards, cards that offer no rewards, store credit cards (like a Target-brand card) and, of course, travel credit cards.

The subset of travel credit cards can be further drilled down into three typical types:

Hotel credit cards .

Airline credit cards .

Flexible currency credit cards (also known as general travel rewards cards ).

Hotel credit cards will typically allow you to earn points towards a specific hotel chain, such as Hilton or Marriott . Airline cards, likewise, will allow you to earn miles for specific airlines, like United and Delta .

Flexible point currency cards, however, are offered by specific card issuers. American Express and Chase are two common examples for this. They earn points that you can then choose to transfer and redeem via partnerships with other businesses and loyalty programs , including several hotels and airlines. This makes them much more flexible to use than other point currencies — hence the name flexible point currencies. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best points and miles credit cards for beginners

Many travel credit cards come with a welcome offer that will award you a lump sum of points after spending a certain amount on the card after a specific amount of time. After this, you continue to earn points by using your credit card on purchases, just like other types of credit cards.

There are different tiers of credit cards. While some travel credit cards come without an annual fee , several cards do charge to have the card in your wallet. These fees generally range from $95 annually to upwards of $550. Oftentimes, understanding the value of the included perks and some quick math can help you judge whether a specific card is worth its annual fee.

» Learn more: How to choose a travel credit card

Different credit cards offer different types of benefits. Some credit cards may help card holders build credit, while others reward you with, say, cash back for spending money on certain “categories” of purchase, like dining.

You can find cash back cards that are great for travel , but many travel credit cards reward spenders differently. Rewards come in the form of points or miles that you can then redeem towards travel. Note that many travel credit cards offer other perks, too, like the ability to access airport lounges, hotel elite status and even an annual credit towards travel purchases.

» Learn more: 5 steps to get started with rewards travel

Generally speaking, you’ll want to use your travel credit card when making purchases in order to earn points or miles. Several cards will offer extra bonus points when spending your money in specific categories or at specific brands.

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , for example, will award you 12 points per $1 that you spend at Hilton. You’ll also receive 6 points per $1 spent at U.S.-based restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations. If you spend a lot of money in these categories, it can be easy to build up enough points for an award stay with Hilton, which start at 5,000 points per night.

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card also gives you Hilton Honors™ Gold Status and up to 10 visits per year to an airport lounge with Priority Pass (enrollment required). These included benefits can be valuable, especially since they entitle you to perks like complimentary food and drink in the lounge when traveling. However, the card does come with a $150 annual fee. Terms apply.

» Learn more: Dive deeper into how travel credit cards work

If it meets your needs

Why do you want a travel credit card? Are you looking to have a nearly free hotel stay? Do you want to earn points for an award flight to Europe? Are you looking for perks like elite status and airport lounge access?

The reasons you want a card will dictate which is a good travel credit card for you. There are plenty of credit card travel hacking tips, but the most important thing is to consider what, exactly, you’re looking to achieve.

If it’s brand-specific or flexible

If you always fly with Delta, then a Delta credit card may be a good fit for you. If you’re a huge fan of Marriott, then one of Marriott’s co-branded credit cards could be a desirable option.

If none of these apply and you aren’t particularly loyal to any one brand — hotel or airline — then it may make sense to instead invest in a card that offers a flexible point currency.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent starter option. It’s currently offering an all-time high welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

» Learn more: Your guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards®

You can then redeem these points via the Chase travel portal at a rate of 1.25 cents each, or you can transfer them to one of Chase’s partners — like United or Hyatt — and redeem them for award travel. In layman's terms, this means that the welcome offer above will be worth at least $1,250 in travel if you redeem them on the Chase travel portal.

Although it comes with a $95 annual fee, you’ll receive a $50 anniversary credit towards a hotel purchase made via the Chase travel portal. You’ll also be able to earn 5 points per $1 spent at the Chase travel portal and 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases at eligible supermarkets.

Altogether, this makes it one of the best travel credit cards for beginners. It’s easy to use and makes it simple to both earn and redeem your points.

If it fits your budget

As you shop around, account for the potential ongoing cost of adding a specific travel credit card to your lineup. Since annual fees (and subsequent card benefits) vary significantly, it’s up to you to be a smart shopper and find a card that fits your budget.

If you’re a first-time travel credit card owner, it makes sense to be hesitant to jump on a premium travel credit card with a hefty annual fee. Start with something smaller so that you can build your knowledge of points and miles, and save the more complicated redemptions for the future.

If it feels manageable

It would be unwise to get a travel credit card just to skip using the points and miles for redemptions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of managing a currency, consider instead a simpler option like a cash-back card.

No, you don’t need a travel credit card. There are pros and cons to spending on credit cards , and every individual’s circumstances will be different. There are many types of travel credit cards, and if you look hard enough, you’re likely to find a good fit for you and your travel preferences.

However, none of them will be worth much to you if you don’t plan to travel.

If you’re committed to traveling at least once a year, a travel credit card could be a good option for you. The benefits they provide can help you enjoy deeply discounted vacations and give you access to perks that make travel more convenient or comfortable.

Travel credit cards can be a valuable financial tool for those who want to save money when they travel. They can also help add premium travel benefits to your vacations, like the chance to get free room upgrades and access comfy airport lounges with complimentary food and drink.

If you’re looking to start investing in a travel credit card, first identify what you need. Whether it’s hotel stays or flights, the card you choose should be dictated by your goals. Once you’ve selected the one you want, simply put your regular purchases on your card (aim to spend smartly by paying attention to your card’s bonus categories) and watch those points build up for redemption.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Picture this: You’re planning your next vacation, searching for the best deals on flights and hotels. You’ve managed to find an unreal fare — but then you see the baggage fees. Suddenly, your budget-friendly trip isn’t looking so affordable anymore. 

Several airlines have recently increased their checked baggage fees , making it harder for travelers to save money. But don’t let these fees ruin your vacation plans just yet! 

But there are ways to avoid paying these higher fees — and one of the most effective strategies is to use the right credit card. Here’s how to use travel credits and airline cards to keep more money in your pocket.

Airlines that have raised their baggage fees 

Several airlines have recently increased their checked baggage fees between $5-$10. As of 2024, the price to check a bag for a domestic U.S. flight is: 

  • Delta Airlines: First checked bag is $35, second checked bag is $45
  • American Airlines: First checked bag is $35-$40 (depending on if you check online), second checked bag is $45
  • United Airlines: First checked bag is $35-45 (depending on if you check online)
  • JetBlue: First checked bag is $35, second checked bag is $50 
  • Alaska Airlines: First checked bag is $35, second checked bag is $45

Some airlines charge a lower price if you check your bag online or pay at least 24 hours in advance. It’s a good idea to check your specific carrier’s website to learn more. 

These fee hikes can add up, especially for families or those traveling with multiple bags. If a family of four each checked one bag on a roundtrip flight, they would pay roughly $280 alone on baggage fees. 

However, there are ways to avoid these costs altogether.

Avoiding baggage fees with travel credits

Some credit cards offer travel credits that can be used to offset various travel expenses , including baggage fees.

Premium travel cards — that charge higher annual fees — typically offer these credits. But the savings can make up for the cost if you travel frequently.

Unlike airline credit cards, which limit rewards to one carrier, flexible travel cards allow you to use travel credits for any airline.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers a $300 annual travel credit that can be used for baggage fees, among other travel purchases. Similarly, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $200 in airline fee credits, which can cover costs like checked bags and in-flight refreshments. 

If you already have one of these cards or are considering applying for one, be sure to factor in the potential savings on baggage fees when weighing the card’s benefits against its annual fee.

Redeeming credit card rewards for travel expenses 

Travel cards offer more flexibility than airline cards, allowing you to transfer rewards to several airline partners, says Erika Kullberg , social media money expert and attorney. Kullberg has over nine million followers on TikTok, helping consumers understand the fine print on contracts like credit cards and airlines. 

Kullberg takes advantage of the flexibility when she plans a flight by “checking different airlines to see what seats they offer on points, then transferring my points to the one with the best offer.” 

Before selecting a travel card, ensure the airlines you frequently use are within that card’s transfer program. 

Travel cards often offer an array of travel perks in addition to the travel credit. For example, they may reimburse you for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, offer airport lounge access, or provide travel insurance . 

However, many of these cards charge a hefty annual fee, and the more perks they offer, the higher the fee will likely be. Consider what airlines you travel with and how often you check when deciding whether an expensive card makes sense. 

Cards that offer free checked bags

Another way to avoid baggage fees is using a credit card with free checked bags as a cardholder perk. Many airline credit cards provide this benefit, saving you significant money if you fly with the same airline regularly.

Here are some of the best credit cards that offer free checked bags:

Some airline credit cards that offer free checked bags include:

  • Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® World Elite Mastercard: Offers one free checked bag for you and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines itineraries.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card : Provides one free checked bag for you on Delta flights.
  • United Explorer℠ Card : Offers one free checked bag for you and one companion on United-operated flights.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card : While Southwest already offers two free checked bags for all passengers, this card provides additional benefits like annual travel credits and upgraded boardings.

Using one of these cards saves you a substantial amount on baggage fees over time, especially if you travel with companions.

Choosing the best card for you

Consider your travel habits and preferences when selecting a credit card to help avoid baggage fees. 

If you’re loyal to a particular airline, choosing that airline’s co-branded credit card may make sense. However, a general travel rewards card with travel credits might be a better fit if you’re more flexible with your travel plans.

“Depending on where your primary travel hub is, an airline travel card may make more sense, [like if] the flights in and out of your home city are on one specific airline, or if you’re loyal to one specific airline because you like the service,” says Kullberg. 

Also, consider the card’s annual fee and whether the benefits justify the cost. Some cards with higher annual fees offer additional perks like lounge access, travel insurance, and bonus rewards on travel purchases, which can provide added value for frequent travelers.

Before applying for any credit card, read the terms and understand the requirements for earning and redeeming rewards. Some cards may have minimum spending requirements or other limitations that could impact your ability to take advantage of the free checked bag benefit.

The bottom line

As airlines continue to raise baggage fees, travelers are looking for ways to avoid these added costs. By using a credit card offering travel credits or free checked bags, you can save significant money on your next trip. 

When choosing a credit card, consider your travel habits, the card’s benefits, and its annual fee to determine the best fit for your needs.

Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.

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How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free

Here’s everything you need to know about PreCheck — plus how to get it for free.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

TSA PreCheck Costs and Requirements

Credit cards that offer free tsa precheck, other ways to get free tsa precheck.

Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Frequent travelers have their airport routines down to a science. As a full-time digital nomad, I fly tens of thousands of miles each year, so I’ve experimented with many different ways to make flying as seamless as possible. With TSA PreCheck, you can breeze through security and board your plane just minutes after arriving at the airport. Here’s everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck — including how to get it for free. 

TSA PreCheck is a popular program offered by the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA). Travelers enrolled in the program enjoy expedited security. You don’t have to take off your shoes, belts, or light jackets or remove electronics and small liquids from your carry-on baggage. According to the TSA, 99 percent of PreCheck passengers will get through security in 10 minutes or less. From personal experience, I’ve gotten through security in less than two minutes. Most often, it’s less than five, but this can vary depending on the airport. 

TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports nationwide and with more than 90 different airlines . To enroll, you must complete an application online , visit an enrollment location for fingerprinting, documentation, and payment, and then receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Once you have this number, you can add it to your future reservations with airlines, and TSA PreCheck will appear on your boarding pass. 

There are new PreCheck enrollment partners to help combat the long wait times in processing applications and finding an in-person appointment. Depending on the provider, new applications will cost between $78 and $85, while renewals cost as low as $70. 

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck, as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS. You can be disqualified for several reasons, including anything that may arise from a criminal background check conducted as part of your application. 

Global Entry is another Trusted Traveler Program that expedites re-entry into the U.S. from abroad. If you are enrolled in Global Entry, you use facial recognition software at Global Entry kiosks before speaking with a customs agent. I’ve had Global Entry for years, and it’s one of my favorite investments. It costs $100 to apply. The application fee and process for getting approved are slightly more strict and take longer, but it is worth the effort. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

There are dozens of cards that offer a reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. If your card offers this benefit, you simply need to use your card when paying for the application fee, and you will be reimbursed within a few weeks as a statement credit on your account. 

Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the benefit for your card, as most will only reimburse once every four to five years and might only cover TSA PreCheck, not Global Entry. Below is a list of all the cards that currently offer a statement credit for most or all of the application fee for TSA PreCheck, along with their annual fee. 

Credit Cards With an Annual Fee Under $100:

  • Aeroplan® Credit Card: $95 
  • Arvest Visa Signature® Credit Card: $0
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card: $95 
  • Capital One Venture Card: $95 
  • Choice Privileges Select Mastercard®: $95 
  • Commerce Bank World Elite Mastercard®: $95 
  • HSBC Premier World Mastercard: $0 for qualifying HSBC bank clients
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: $99 
  • Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card: $49 
  • PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: $95, waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members
  • Provident World+ Travel Visa Signature Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $45 
  • Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card: $0 
  • United Explorer Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
  • USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card: $95
  • U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
  • U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card: $85 

Premium Credit Cards:

  • Capital One Venture X Card: $395 
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card: $550 
  • Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard: $595 
  • Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: $350 
  • Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: $650 
  • HSBC Elite World Elite Mastercard: $395 for qualifying HSBC bank clients
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: $650 
  • MasterCard Black Card: $495 
  • MasterCard Gold Card: $995 
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 
  • SKYPASS Select Visa Signature Card: $450 
  • Truist Enjoy Beyond Credit Card: $195 
  • UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card: $495 
  • United Club Infinite Card: $525
  • United Quest Card: $250 
  • U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: $400 

Business Credit Cards: 

  • Capital One® Venture X® Business Card: $395 
  • IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: $99 
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: $199 
  • Truist Business Travel Rewards Credit Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $49
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 
  • Capital One Spark Miles for Business: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95

I used my Capital One Venture Card to enroll in Global Entry in 2019. My renewal is coming up this year, so I’ll likely use my Capital One Venture X to pay the renewal fee . With so many cards offering this statement credit and wait times at airports continuing to increase as we move into summer, it would be foolish to let my membership lapse and not enjoy the many benefits of these programs. 

If you have children 12 or under, they may accompany you in the TSA PreCheck lane without needing to be enrolled in the program themselves. Children aged 13 to 17 could join you in the PreCheck lane if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass. If not, they will need to use the regular security lane. If children 17 or under travel by themselves, they must have their own membership to use the PreCheck lane. 

Some loyalty programs, like United MileagePlus, IHG Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, will let you use points to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck. However, this will not be the best valuation you can get from your points, so it would be better to use a credit card.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance (2024 Guide)

This page includes information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and its benefits. The information featured in this guide was collected by the MarketWatch Guides team and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

Alexandra Carver Photo

Alex is a MarketWatch Guides team writer that covers automotive and personal finance topics. She’s worked as a content writer for over a dozen car dealerships across the U.S. and as a contributor to several major auto news websites.

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Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, you can access a wide variety of travel insurance benefits when you book a trip using the card. Chase travel insurance can reimburse certain expenses in less-than-ideal travel scenarios involving trip cancellations, trip interruptions, lost baggage and more.

Learn more about the coverage offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card so you can decide whether its benefits can cover your travel needs — or if you need a separate travel insurance policy for your vacation.

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Our Thoughts on Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

Chase offers travel insurance through the Sapphire Preferred credit card if you use the card to purchase trip expenses such as cruise bookings, airline tickets, hotel accommodations and more. The company’s travel insurance offering includes coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions and delays, accidents and more.

But while Chase has competitive luggage loss limits when compared with the top travel insurance providers, the Sapphire Preferred Preferred card doesn’t offer emergency medical and evacuation coverage like some other travel cards. And although Chase provides free travel insurance benefits with the Sapphire Preferred card, there is a $95 annual fee.

If you’re a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card holder, we encourage you to compare its coverage with plans offered by competitors. This can help ensure you have travel protection that fits your vacation and your unique needs as a traveler.

How To Qualify to Use Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

Qualifying for Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance is a relatively simple process based on our experience. If you do not have a credit card already, you will need to visit Chase’s website to fill out an application. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, home address, contact information, Social Security number, individual tax ID number, employment status and annual income. Chase states that if you have a high credit score, you can likely apply for any card of your choice — so prepare for the company to consider your credit score when applying for this card.

Available travel insurance when you book using your Chase Sapphire Preferred card includes protection for rental car damage, cruise line reservations and airfare, to name a few. Benefits also apply to the cardholder and their immediate family during their travels. Note that if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can also qualify for travel protection benefits. However, the benefits differ between the two cards, which we will address further in this article.

How Does Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance Work?

Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance coverage offers several protections at no extra cost to cardholders who book trips using their credit card. Benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement. Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders also receive travel and emergency assistance services if they need legal and medical referrals.

Chase notes that unaffiliated insurance companies underwrite the travel benefits, and these companies are solely responsible for the administration and claims of cardholders. Those so-called benefit administrators may enforce specific time limits and documentation requirements that apply to the claims process. Chase should provide cardholders with this information when they first open their account.

Coverage Benefits of Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance

Chase provides extensive travel insurance benefits through its Sapphire Preferred credit card, including protections you’d find with a traditional travel insurance policy . See the table below for a detailed breakdown of the Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance benefits and associated coverage limits.

* Information about benefits provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card was collected by the MarketWatch Guides team and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

Trip Cancellation

If you must cancel your trip for a reason covered under your policy, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. This often covers expenses such as lost airline tickets, cruise bookings, prepaid tours and hotel reservations.

Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance covers trip cancellations due to traveler sickness, severe weather and other situations, with reimbursement up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

Trip Interruption

If you must cut your vacation short and return home, trip interruption insurance can provide a refund for unused, prepaid and non-refundable travel expenses.Much like trip cancellation insurance, coverage also applies to situations such as the injury, illness, or death of a family member or traveler.

Chase covers Chase Sapphire Preferred travelers up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

Trip Delay Insurance

Trip delay coverage applies to travel delays caused by planes, buses, trains and other types of transport to your destination. Benefits for a covered trip will vary depending on the travel insurance plan but can extend to hotel rooms, meals and other necessities incurred if you must wait to resume your trip. Delay coverage does not extend to missing a flight due to poor planning or time management on behalf of the traveler. 

Chase will reimburse up to $500 per common carrier travel ticket purchased using your Chase Sapphire Preferred card if you experience a delay of more than 12 hours or require an overnight stay.  

Baggage Delay or Loss

Baggage coverage can pay for your travel bags if they become lost, stolen, delayed or damaged during your trip. Coverage is usually capped at a certain amount per bag, with some travel insurance plans offering higher limits than others. If you intend on bringing expensive or valuable items in your baggage, you might consider a policy with a high maximum coverage amount for lost luggage reimbursement or delays.

Chase provides Sapphire Preferred cardholders $100 per day for up to five days if they experience baggage delays with a common carrier such as an airline. If your carry-on or checked bags get lost, stolen or damaged, you could receive a reimbursement of up to $3,000 per person to cover your personal effects.

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

Car rental collision damage coverage is not a standard offering from travel insurance companies. This waiver provides Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders with reimbursement up to the actual cash value of a rental car, minus certain high-value and exotic car models. 

To qualify for this waiver, you will need to decline the rental car insurance provided by the rental company and charge the entire cost of your rental to your Sapphire Preferred card. This waiver covers both theft and collision damage.

Travel Accident Insurance

Travel accident insurance through Chase provides accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage when you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation using your card. Coverage includes up to $500,000 in accident protection.

Emergency Travel Medical Coverage

Travel medical coverage helps cover medical bills if you fall ill or get injured during your vacation. It does not cover routine medical services — only sudden illnesses or injuries considered emergencies or that require treatment by a healthcare provider. Some emergency medical benefits also include emergency dental coverage.

While many travel insurance providers offer this type of coverage, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders do not have access to these protections with the card’s benefits. You can, however, find this coverage with the Sapphire Reserve card.

If you’re looking for comprehensive travel medical insurance, we recommend International Medical Group (IMG), as the company offers coverage up to $8,000,000. IMG plans average $217 per trip.

Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

Emergency evacuation and transportation insurance can provide peace of mind if you need transportation to a hospital or medical facility while traveling. For example, if you fall ill or become injured in a remote location and require transportation or evacuation to a medical facility equipped to care for your needs. Chase doesn’t provide this coverage for Sapphire Preferred cardholders and their immediate family members.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is not the only credit card Chase offers with travel insurance benefits. Chase’s Sapphire Reserve card also provides benefits for cardholders who book their trips with their credit card. See the table below for a comprehensive breakdown of what each Chase credit card offers in travel insurance benefits.

* Information about benefits provided by the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards were collected by the MarketWatch Guides team and have not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

How To File a Travel Insurance Claim with Chase

Filing a travel insurance claim with Chase will vary based on your credit card and the type of coverage you’re filing a claim for. But the typical process follows these steps:

Generally, the first step is to contact the appropriate number listed in your credit card’s benefits guide. You can also file a claim online through eclaimsline.com if you prefer a fully digital experience.

Chase will likely ask you to prepare documentation that proves your losses to support your claim. These documents may include receipts for prepaid expenses, proof of lost, damaged or stolen items, or proof of travel delays from your airline or other transportation carriers.

Once you’ve submitted your claim, you then wait for approval and reimbursement, which may vary in time. Note that Chase enforces specific time limits in addition to documentation requirements for claims filing, so submitting your claim as soon as possible is recommended.

Should You Get a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card For Travel Insurance?

Signing up for a Chase Sapphire Preferred card strictly for its travel insurance benefits is a personal decision. However, getting a credit card for travel insurance is not your only option — you may also opt for a policy with a standard carrier such as Travelex . Chase’s coverage limits are not as high as limits from some other providers offering comprehensive travel insurance policies. Taking on an additional expense in the form of the Sapphire Preferred card’s $95 annual fee may also not be worth it if you don’t plan on using the card for anything other than infrequent travel.

If you’re looking for coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuations and more, you may consider a plan from some of the other dedicated travel insurance companies. Chase does not specialize in travel insurance and lacks unique protections such as cancel for any reason (CFAR) and extreme sports coverage that other travel insurance companies may provide. 

If you already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and feel satisfied with its travel insurance coverage limits, you can take advantage of these benefits by booking your trip using the card. Regardless, we recommend considering your travel needs and budget before choosing travel insurance coverage.

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions

Does chase travel insurance cover family members.

Yes, Chase travel insurance through its Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards covers the cardholder and immediate family members traveling with them.

What reasons for trip cancellation does Chase cover?

Covered cancellations related to trip cancellation insurance vary by travel insurance provider. Chase states that covered cancellations for trips purchased with Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards include sickness, severe weather and other situations. Check your card benefits guide for more information on specific scenarios.

Do I need travel insurance if I have a credit card?

If you have a credit card with a company such as Chase, Citi or Capital One, your card may come with travel insurance benefits if you use the card to purchase your trip components. If you’re unsure whether your credit card comes with these perks, check with your card issuer.

What other benefits come with the Chase Sapphire card?

The Chase Sapphire card comes with more than just travel rewards. It also includes benefits such as the ChaseUltimate Rewards program, which adds points for qualifying purchases that cardholders can redeem toward future travel expenses. In addition, new card members can receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of card ownership.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

Our team researched and reviewed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the Internet, to better understand the customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:

  • A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico
  • A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico
  • A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom
  • A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom
  • A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France
  • A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece
  • A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain
  • Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers offering a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades. Providers that offer six or more plans will earn top marks in this category.
  • Coverage details (29%): We review the standard coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage will earn full points, with a focus on baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons such as accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
  • Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that will reimburse customers after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
  • Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

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Lake Como, village Bellagio, Italy. Senior couple weekend getaway having rest on the bench by spectacular lake Como in Italy. Sunny day scenery. Tourists admiring view on popular tourist attraction.

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  1. Top 5 best Lifetime free Credit Card 2023

  2. free credit card💳

  3. Best Credit Card Strategy for Travel

  4. Lifetime Free Credit Card, No Joining or Annual Fees Buy 1 Get 1 Free on BookMyShow

  5. How to Use Your Credit Card Points to Travel (The RIGHT Way)

  6. Indusind Eazydiner Credit Card Launched

COMMENTS

  1. How to Travel for Free Using Credit Cards

    How Travel Credit Card Rewards Work. Travel credit cards offer incentives for consumers to open an account and use their card regularly. When you first sign up, you'll typically receive a welcome ...

  2. How to Travel for Free With Credit Card Rewards

    Charge Everything on Your Credit Cards, Especially Travel-Related Purchases. To get free travel with your credit card rewards, you have to earn enough rewards to make a redemption. The more you use your credit card, the more rewards you can earn. Knowing your rewards program inside out will help you learn the best way to use your credit card to ...

  3. How to Travel for Free with Credit Card Points

    Step 1: Go to the latest Card Ratings travel card list and find the best credit card bonus offer you can meet the minimum spend requirements for (note: manage credit responsibly!). Step 2: Apply, meet the minimum spend, wait for the bonus points to post. Step 3: Book a flight or hotel with your points.

  4. Beginners Guide to Booking Free Travel With Credit Card Rewards

    Nearly free travel is possible with credit card rewards My first award flight was to the Philippines in 2014. I paid 40,000 United Airlines miles and $5.60 in taxes and fees.

  5. How to Travel for Free Using Credit Card Points for Beginners

    2x points on travel booked outside the Chase Ultimate Rewards. 1x points on everything else. 10% points bonus annually based on your card spending, earned after you renew and pay your annual fee. $95 annual fee (a steal, in my opinion) You can transfer these points 1:1 to many different airlines and hotels.

  6. How to Travel for Free With Credit Card Points

    Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout. 0% ...

  7. How to Travel for Free Using Credit Card Rewards

    Visit the Marketplace. 1. Earn Travel With the Best Rewards Credit Cards. Before you can earn a free or cheap vacation courtesy of credit card rewards, you need to open the right accounts. A good travel rewards card can easily help you earn hundreds of dollars or more in free travel. One travel rewards expert took a dozen free trips in just one ...

  8. Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024

    Well-known general travel cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Rewards on general travel cards come as points (sometimes called "miles ...

  9. How to travel for free with credit card rewards

    Having the right mix of credit cards in your wallet can also help you travel for less. Here are four credit cards you should have in your wallet to maximize your travel benefits: 1. Travel credit ...

  10. 19 Best Travel Credit Cards Of March 2024

    Both types of cards might offer you the ability to spend towards higher levels of status. To learn more about the best co-branded credit cards, see our guides below: Best Southwest Credit Cards ...

  11. Earn Free Vacation Travel With These 7 Rewards Credit Cards

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card makes it easy to earn free travel, even as a beginner. When travel rewards newbies ask me to recommend the best starter rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred always makes my short list. The card comes with an affordable $95 annual fee that's easily offset by perks such as the following.

  12. How To Take A Free Vacation Using Three Credit Cards

    Here's how you can use three new credit cards to earn a free vacation. ... Credit card #3: Travel credit card. Of course, there are more expenses than simply airfare and hotels on a vacation.

  13. How to Get Free Flights (Or Close to It)

    3. Earn thousands of miles as a credit card welcome bonus. The fastest way to get enough miles for a free flight is to snag a credit card "welcome bonus.". These offers typically include a big ...

  14. How to Choose a Travel Credit Card

    Aim for high rewards and a signup bonus. A good travel credit card will offer rewards equal to 1.5% to 2% of your spending. For cards with larger annual fees, the rewards rates can get even higher ...

  15. The Five Best Travel Credit Cards for 2024

    That's not to mention the more standard travel benefits: free checked bags, a 20% discount on in-flight purchases, a 15% mileage discount on award flights, priority boarding, travel insurance ...

  16. Using Credit Card Rewards for Cheap (or Free!) Travel

    2. Utilize Credit Card Travel Portals. Certain card issuers offer online travel portals where you can cash in your points for travel. The most common ones are Capital One, Chase, Citi and American Express. Travel rewards portals are a convenient and often cost effective way to book flights, hotel rooms and rental cars.

  17. How To Travel The World For Free Using Credit Cards (Absolute ...

    Learn more about all of my card picks here: https://cardonomics.com/i/mariatechClick "Show More" to see Ad DisclosureFind the table with my rewards structure...

  18. 15 Ways to Travel the World for Free (or Even Get Paid)

    7. Maximize Credit Card Rewards. If you have the right card, you can earn free plane tickets by putting purchases on your credit card. And many of the best travel rewards credit cards offer some enticing benefits. But that's far from the only option for maximizing your rewards.

  19. How To Travel For Free With Credit Cards

    Following are the points that should be considered if you wish to travel for free using your credit cards -. 1. Choose a Travel Credit Card that offers great rewards -. To qualify for a great travel credit card that will provide you with generous rewards, you will be required to have a great credit score. Now, travel credit cards are of two ...

  20. Travel Credit Cards 101, or: How to See the World for (Almost) Free

    General travel credit cards, however, can be used to redeem points for a much broader category of travel expenses. For example, our very first travel card, Capital One Venture, allowed us to use our points to simply "erase" travel purchases from our statement balance - so the cost of flights with any airline or nights at any hotel would ...

  21. Your guide to booking nearly free travel with Chase Ultimate Rewards

    On the landing page, you'll find a tab at the top that says "Earn/Use" along with your current rewards balance. Click on that to reveal a drop-down menu. Then click the "Transfer to Travel ...

  22. The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card

    Capital One's first premium card has all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a top-tier travel card, including a huge welcome offer. 75,000 points (after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months) Earn 10 points per $1 spent on hotels and car rentals and 5 points per $1 spent on flights (booked through Capital One), $300 travel credit when ...

  23. Bank of America Travel Rewards Secured Card Can Help Travelers Build

    Another no annual fee secured card from Bank of America, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card * earns 1.5 points for every dollar spent on purchases and has no foreign ...

  24. How To Travel The World For Free: Credit Cards 101

    Here's how to travel the world for free, in just the time it takes to watch this video - by using the power of credit cards. Enjoy! Add me on Instagram: GPSt...

  25. How a Travel Credit Card Can Be Your Ticket to Big Savings

    This is one way that Doug Figueroa, a content creator at the YouTube channel Zorito y Doug, makes up the cost of the $150 annual fee on an airline credit card. "The savings are $70 round trip ...

  26. Points & Miles 101: A Beginner's Guide (Updated 2024)

    While many introductory cards are free, the best travel credit cards usually have an annual fee. However, this fee, which can range from $99 to $500, is usually waived for the first year. You can also often get it waived in subsequent years if you call and threaten to cancel the card. I do that often to avoid the fee.

  27. A Guide to Travel Credit Cards for Beginners

    Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. No annual fee: Bank of ...

  28. Beat airlines at their own game: How to use credit cards to avoid

    The bottom line. As airlines continue to raise baggage fees, travelers are looking for ways to avoid these added costs. By using a credit card offering travel credits or free checked bags, you can ...

  29. How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free

    United Explorer Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card: $95. U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: $0 introductory ...

  30. Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Insurance (2024 Guide)

    Chase provides Sapphire Preferred cardholders $100 per day for up to five days if they experience baggage delays with a common carrier such as an airline. If your carry-on or checked bags get lost ...