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As a travel agent, I've seen firsthand the benefits of using a travel credit card to earn points. For those who are financially responsible, a travel credit card can be a great way to save money on future travel. Specifically for those long haul flights to Europe!
Here are some of the benefits of using a travel credit card to earn points:
You can earn points for every dollar you spend. This includes purchases made at restaurants, gas stations, and even online retailers.
You can redeem your points for free flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
Some travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that can be worth thousands of points.
Foreign transaction fees are covered by some of them ensuring you’re never paying an additional fees just to use the card in another country.
Many travel credit cards offer travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance and even free TSA pre-check.
If you're considering getting a travel credit card, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the card. This includes the annual fee, the interest rate, and the rewards program.
Be sure the annual fee and the rewards match the amount of travel you will do. There is no reason to pay for something you won’t use. However, if there is an annual fee and the rewards pretty much cancel out that fee it is worth it.
Pay your bill in full each month. This will help you avoid interest charges and build your credit history.
If you're financially responsible and use a travel credit card wisely, you can save a lot of money on future travel. Here are some of my favorite travel credit cards:
Chase Sapphire Reserve: (Vic and Katie’s Travel Card) This card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. It also earns 3x points on travel and dining, and it comes with a number of travel benefits, such as airport lounge access and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: (Jess’ Travel Card) This card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. It also earns 2x points on travel and dining, and it comes with a number of travel benefits, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and rental car insurance.
One HUGE benefit to having a Sapphire Preferred or Reserve is your current chase points if you have a Freedom card for example can transfer over- thus normal points you have can become travel points!
Southwest Priority Credit Card: (Vic’s Second Card) This card offers a welcome bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. It also earns 3x points on Southwest Airlines flights, and it comes with a number of travel benefits, such as 4 upgraded boardings per year and a free checked bag for you and up to 4 companions on every flight.
You only want to think about a Southwest card if you fly Southwest as your primary airline.
The priority is worth every penny more than the Plus or Premier. Look at the comparison and you’ll see the extra $50 a year pays for itself with the annual $75 travel credit.
United. If United is a hub of yours, a United card is a great option. United has some of the best lounges (better than priority pass) and with many of the cards you earn the opportunity to use them (even when you're not flying first class!) Having a United card also allows you to hit status
My suggestion is to really analyze your United flying and compare these cards closely. Since I have a Sapphire card I didn't need unlimited United Club access. For me the Explore card was the best option giving me two free passes a year (to use in airports where Priority Pass isn't around or isn't good) and to earn free bags!
No one needs a credit card, but if you're considering getting one, a travel credit card can be a great way to save money on future travel. Just be sure to use it wisely and pay your bill in full each month.
How to Use Points for Business Class Seats
If you're looking to upgrade to business class on your next flight, you can use your travel credit card points to do so. Many airlines allow you to transfer points to their loyalty programs, which can then be used to book business class seats.
The amount of points you'll need for a business class upgrade will vary depending on the airline and the route. However, in general, you can expect to need anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000 points per one-way ticket.
If you're not sure how many points you'll need, you can use an online tool like AwardMapper to find out.
Once you know how many points you need, you can start transferring them to the airline's loyalty program. The process for transferring points will vary from airline to airline, so be sure to check the airline's website for instructions.
Once your points have been transferred, you can start booking business class seats. You can do this directly through the airline's website.
While I’m not in the business of banking, I am in the business of ensuing my clients get the best price and experience. If you’re looking for a new card to help with travel I hope this helps! Chase Sapphire Preferred
Cheers to the good life and saving credit card points to create memories that last forever!
XO
Vic
*Affiliate codes linked above will provide agent with referral bonus points. Vic's Vacations does not condone unhealthy credit card usage.
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