Find out how to use bank card factors for journey

Sharing my recommendations on the best way to use bank card factors for journey. Take a look at the entire particulars right here!

There are some issues in my life that I remorse. That one time I moved to Tucson and was having a disaster and bought bangs. Quitting my MBA program once I was greater than midway completed. Aaaaand not signing up for reward bank cards sooner.

We frequently heard our mates speaking about bank card factors, however since we had debt prior to now, it was one thing we prevented. We stored listening to about free flights and lounge entry, so about 10 years in the past, we determined to go for it. It’s been a complete gamechanger. Since then, we now have traveled a number of instances without spending a dime, loved lodge upgrades, lounge entry, and have been rewarded for on a regular basis spending by factors.

Find out how to use bank card factors for journey

Find out how to Use Credit score Card Factors for Journey: Maximize Rewards for Flights, Motels, and Lounge Entry

On this publish, I’m going to share some recommendations on the best way to maximize your bank card rewards for journey and share my expertise with the American Express Platinum Card, together with its execs and cons. I’ll additionally share my favourite suggestions for getting the most effective airfare offers!

Methods to Use Credit score Card Factors for Journey

1. Free Lodge Stays & Upgrades

Many journey bank cards let you redeem factors without spending a dime lodge nights at main chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. Some playing cards additionally provide computerized elite standing, which might result in room upgrades, late checkout, and free breakfast. After I e book by the Amex journey portal, we’re in a position to see which rewards we’ll obtain, whether or not it’s late checkout, early check-in, a resort credit score, or a room improve when accessible. You additionally get $200 credit score annually for his or her Nice Motels & Resorts assortment.

(Free room service at our upgraded Venetian suite in Vegas. Our flight was additionally free)

Tip: Search for switch companions the place your factors stretch additional. For instance, American Specific Membership Rewards factors switch at a 1:1 ratio to Hilton Honors however typically have promotions providing additional worth. Generally you may get 2 for 1 factors so it’s price it!! You are able to do this instantly by the American Specific web site.

2. Reserving Flights & Scoring Airfare Offers

Among the finest methods to make use of bank card factors is to e book flights. You may redeem factors instantly by your card’s journey portal or switch them to airline companions for even higher worth.

Finest methods to seek out airfare offers:

Use Google Discover: For those who’re versatile on vacation spot, Google Flights Discover can present you the most cost effective locations to fly from your house airport. Don’t be afraid to test on daily basis, scroll round, and play with versatile dates and areas.

Be Versatile on Dates & Location: Even shifting your departure by in the future could make an enormous distinction.

Set Worth Alerts: Web sites like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to observe costs and get notified when fares drop.

Switch Factors at a Bonus: Some bank cards provide switch bonuses when shifting factors to airline packages, supplying you with additional worth. *Look and see which airline is working your required flight. For instance, I booked a flight by Delta the opposite day that was operated by Air France. Discover the identical flight on their web site and switch your factors to their rewards program to get a fair higher deal.

3. Airport Lounge Entry

Lengthy layovers? Flight delays? Airport lounges could make your expertise so a lot better. The American Specific Platinum Card gives complimentary Precedence Go, Centurion Lounge, and Delta Sky Membership entry (when flying Delta). Meaning free meals, drinks, comfy seating, and typically even showers and spa companies. The ladies LOVE the lounge life and are fairly used to it lol.

Tip: Examine which lounges can be found at your airport upfront utilizing the Precedence Go app or Amex Journey.

The Execs & Cons of the American Specific Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum is without doubt one of the greatest journey bank cards, however it’s not for everybody.

Right here’s what I like and what to contemplate earlier than signing up.

Execs:

Huge Welcome Bonus: Usually price sufficient for a free worldwide flight.

Lounge Entry: Precedence Go, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Membership, and extra.

Lodge & Rental Automotive Perks: Elite standing at Hilton and Marriott, plus reductions on automobile leases.

Annual Journey Credit: $200 airline payment credit score, $200 lodge credit score, Uber credit, and extra.

No International Transaction Charges: Nice for worldwide journey.

Month-to-month advantages at choose retailers: They’ve new advantages every month you could add to your account, together with disocunts at lululemon, Kendra Scott, Warby Parker, and so on. You additionally get a Saks credit score twice a yr.

In addition they cowl the price of World Entry/TSA pre-check for every cardholder. (You get pre-check with World Entry.)

Cons:

Excessive Annual Price: $695 per yr, which is steep until you maximize the advantages.

Not the Finest for On a regular basis Spending: The incomes construction favors journey purchases over common bills.

Lounge Overcrowding: Centurion lounges can get busy, and up to date restrictions restrict visitor entry.

Ultimate Ideas: For those who journey typically and might reap the benefits of the perks, the Amex Platinum is a wonderful card. If not, you may be higher off with a lower-fee journey card.

(I can all the time discover protein and a vegetable within the lounge)

Ultimate Ideas for Maximizing Your Credit score Card Factors

Plan forward and e book award flights early. I discover that the candy spot is 6-8 weeks upfront for home flights and 8-12 weeks for worldwide (despite the fact that typically I can discover offers as we get nearer to the date).

Use switch bonuses to get extra worth out of your factors. That is the place you may get loopy offers!!

Benefit from assertion credit to offset journey prices.

Use a mixture of money and factors strategically to stretch your rewards. Generally it’s cheaper to purchase the factors you want as a substitute of merely paying in money.

For those who’re keen on making use of for the American Express Platinum Card, you should utilize my referral link here. We’ve had a tremendous expertise with it thus far and it’s our #1-used card. (We use the Southwest card for all of my enterprise bills).

Do you utilize bank card factors for journey? What’s your greatest redemption thus far? Depart a remark beneath—I’d love to listen to your suggestions!

Some additional assets:

Just Get Out of Town (the $7 e-book was price each penny!)

The Points Guy