Unlock Free Travel: A Guide to Credit Card Travel Points

Hi everyone! Greetings from the IGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport in Turkey.

Broadcasting this episode from a cozy workroom at Istanbul Airport’s IGA Lounge. It’s my first public podcast recording, taking advantage of our 15-hour layover in this fantastic lounge. With amenities galore, I figured, why not share some insights on a topic I’m passionate about – travel, and specifically, how to leverage Credit Card Travel Points to see the world.

Image: A traveler efficiently working on a laptop in the comfortable IGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport, showcasing the blend of productivity and travel.

Airport people-watching – anyone else love it? Time just flies by. We just completed a 12-hour flight from Singapore to Istanbul, and Mexico City is next, another 15 hours away. Though I’ve visited Turkey before, this time is airport-only, enjoying this luxurious lounge. Pool table, open bar, buffet, workrooms – pure comfort.

Istanbul Airport was even named Conde Nast’s best globally in 2022. It’s massive, luxurious, and I’m sending travel vibes as I journey from Indonesia to Mexico.

For stress-free travel, SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance is key. It covers delays, lost luggage, trip interruptions, and up to $250,000 in medical expenses. It’s a flexible, cancel-anytime subscription, insuring you from just a few dollars daily.

How to Travel the World Using Credit Card Travel Points

Today’s perfect for discussing a frequent question: “How do you travel so much?” The secret? Credit card travel points. I haven’t paid for an international flight in maybe five years, including this one and some for my husband, all thanks to points. This saves significant cash, which I reinvest into my business. Let’s dive into how it’s done.

Important Note: US Credit System Focus

This strategy is particularly effective if you’re a US citizen with a social security number, allowing access to the generous US banking and credit system. It’s less comparable in many other countries. My British husband, Ragz, found UK credit card rewards less appealing, with fewer signup bonuses and less favorable conversions, even for options like the UK Amex Gold with foreign transaction fees.

So, if you’re American, this is for you! If not, explore your local banking system, but research thoroughly.

Image: A mobile screen displaying an incredible deal for business class flights from New York to Brazil for just $27.80 USD, highlighting the potential savings with credit card points.

Understanding Credit Card Travel Points: A Points Hacking Overview

Every purchase, personal or business, goes on a credit card. Debit cards are rare for me, maybe Transferwise sometimes, but 95% is credit card spending. With strategic credit card choices, each purchase earns points or miles redeemable for travel – flights, hotels, car rentals, even business or first-class flights.

It’s unlimited redemption for anything travel-related. Everyday spending becomes travel rewards. I’ve optimized this by using specific cards for spending categories to maximize points.

How Credit Card Points Turn into Travel

Image: A screenshot showcasing a Chase Ultimate Rewards account, visually representing the accumulation of points ready to be redeemed for travel.

For example, my Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 3x points on dining and restaurants. A $50 meal earns 150 travel points. Many view credit cards negatively, fearing debt and interest, but smart, managed use is key.

Think of credit cards like debit cards – use them for planned purchases, pay balances fully monthly, and build credit. A solid credit score is essential for this system. Keep finances in check, avoid late payments, and set up automatic payments for a high credit score.

Two Main Types of Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Choosing your first travel rewards card depends on your situation, but understand the two main categories:

Airline-Specific Credit Cards

These cards, like those from United, Delta, American Airlines, Alaska, Hawaiian, and Southwest, link to a specific airline’s point system. Booking with that airline earns more points and benefits.

Ideal if you’re based in a hub city, like Miami or LAX, and frequently fly with one airline. Loyalty pays off here.

General Spending Travel Credit Cards

These blanket, points-based cards, such as Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex, or Capital One, are bank-linked, not airline-specific. Spending earns points, not miles. These points transfer to partner airlines (like Chase points to United, Alaska, American, etc.) or are redeemed via their travel portals like cash.

Redeeming Credit Card Points for Flights

Once you’ve accumulated points, how do you use them for travel?

With Chase, points often transfer 1:1 to partners. Redeeming as cash via their portal offers a 1.5x multiplier. 10,000 points become $150 travel value; 100,000 points, $1,500. Points accumulation leads to significant travel redemption power.

Maximizing Points with Sign-On Bonuses

Thinking 100,000 points is unattainable? Enter sign-on bonuses. Credit cards, both airline and bank-specific, offer these. I used to sign up for a United card, earning 50,000-80,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in six months.

Generally, spending $3,000-$5,000 in 3-6 months earns 50,000-100,000 points. Watch for elevated bonuses! After meeting the spend, points appear in your airline account. Airline cards often waive the first year’s annual fee.

My strategy was to get a United card, snag the bonus, then cancel before the fee hit. Points remained in my United account. Repeat with Delta, American, and build up points across airlines.

The Value of Flight Prices with Miles and Points

Award flight prices fluctuate by season and route, but I’ve scored business class flights for as low as 35,000 American Airline points! Often, 60,000 points can get round-trip flights from New York to Europe – from just ONE sign-on bonus!

These bonuses are incredibly valuable if you manage the credit card game wisely. Avoid mindless sign-ups, missed cancellations, or payment issues. Understand the system to leverage points effectively.

Airline-Specific vs. General Credit Cards: My Experience

Airline-specific cards are good for hub dwellers with moderate spending. But as my business grew and I aimed to master points, I shifted away from airline-specific cards.

Now, I primarily use Chase, Amex, and Capital One. Their points transfer to any airline, offering flexibility. I’m not locked into one airline. This maximizes point system utility, letting me book free flights on almost any airline worldwide.

Finding the Best Award Flights

Image: A screenshot of Roame.travel displaying business class flight search results, illustrating how to find award flights using points and miles.

Roame.travel is a handy tool for award flights. Subscriptions unlock multi-day and multi-location searches, but basic searches are free.

You can find deals like direct business class from NYC to London for 60,000 points + $56 by transferring Chase, Amex, or Bilt points to Air Canada Aeroplan. Transfers are 1:1, so a sign-on bonus could cover this!

Roame shows award flights across partner airlines, revealing options beyond the operating airline. The 60,000-point business class flight might be on Air Canada, a United partner, not United itself. Instead of searching each partner, Roame compiles options.

Pro version features include multi-day flexibility and multi-location searches for broader travel planning (e.g., general regions like South America, Europe, or Southeast Asia).

My Recommended Credit Cards for Travel Points

Chase Sapphire Reserve

My main personal card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. It has a $550 annual fee, but perks outweigh it. A $300 travel credit is easily met with Ubers, flights, Airbnbs, or hotels, effectively reducing the fee to $250.

Global Entry is included, a $100 value for expedited immigration. Priority Pass offers global lounge access. Airports like Istanbul’s IGA Lounge are often Priority Pass lounges. Free entry, food, drinks (including alcohol), amenities – showers, workspaces, it’s all included. Worth it for frequent travelers. Plus, 3x points on travel and dining.

Image: A promotional banner for the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, highlighting a limited-time offer to attract new applicants.

Limited Time Offer🤩 Apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card here and receive 75,000 bonus points for a limited time >>

Amex Gold Personal

I recently added the Amex Gold Personal. My first Amex, diversifying point transfers beyond Chase. $250 annual fee, but 90,000 points for spending $4,000 in six months is reasonable. 4x points on groceries and dining makes it my food spending card.

90,000 points equals $900 travel value or transfer options. Business class flights can be just 50,000 points sometimes.

🤩 Apply for the Amex Gold Personal card here and receive 60,000 bonus points >>

Chase Business Ink Preferred

For business spending, I use the Chase Business Ink Preferred. 3x points on supplies and marketing like Facebook Ads. Points combine with my personal Chase Sapphire Reserve points.

I also opened the Chase Business Ink Unlimited for 1.5% cashback on everything else. It’s my catch-all card. Unlimited points also combine with other Chase cards. No annual fee, and 90,000 points for spending $6,000 in 90 days – very achievable with no annual fee.

Points accumulate quickly, easily redeemed for travel for myself, family, or friends. Sign up today, and in 3-6 months, you could have 60,000-90,000 more points.

🤩 Apply for the Chase Business Ink credit card here >>

Researching the Best Credit Card Travel Points Strategy for You

This system is worth considering. I plan to open more cards. It’s individual-specific, but for constant travelers without a fixed base, it’s invaluable. The value from annual fees is immense.

This lounge access alone is worth it – normally 80 euros to enter, free for me and Ragz, with unlimited food and amenities during our long layover. Times like these highlight the value of these cards.

No one-size-fits-all strategy exists. Your business, life, and spending differ. Do your research. This guide provides the understanding to use credit card travel points to your advantage. Assess your travel, expenses, and finances to see if it’s right for you.

Plant the seed, set the intention to learn and create your system. Free travel is achievable. I’ve done it for years and still optimize my strategy.

Exploring Other Credit Card Travel Points Options

Cards I’m considering: Capital One Venture X for personal, Amex Blue Business Plus and Amex Business Gold for business, and possibly a hotel card. DM me with questions.

Also, some cards offer 0% APR for the first year – useful for bonus point earning and interest-free spending for a year.

Conclusion: Start Your Journey to Free Travel with Credit Card Points

Signing up for rewards credit cards is among my best travel decisions. I believe you won’t regret exploring this world of credit card travel points. I hope this has been insightful, helping you find award flights and start traveling for free! Who doesn’t want free travel?

Next episode from Mexico! Have a great week and sending love. If you enjoyed this, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps spread The Wanderlover mission.