How to use credit card points to travel

Share my tips on how to use credit card points to travel. Look all the details here!

There are some things in my life that I regret. That time I moved to Tucson and I was having a crisis and received bangs. Leaving my MBA program when I was more than half on the way. AAAA and will not register for reward credit cards before.

We often listen to our friends to talk about the points of the credit card, but as we had debt in the past, it was something we avoid. We continue listening to free flights and room access, so about 10 years ago, we decided to do it. It has been a total Gamechanger. Since then, we have traveled several times free and enjoy updates of the hotel, room access and we have been rewarded for daily spending through points.

How to use credit card points to travel

How to use credit card points to travel: maximize flight rewards, hotels and room access

In this publication, I will share some tips on how to maximize the rewards of your credit card to travel and share my experience with the American Express Platinum card, including its pros and cons. I will also share my favorite advice to get the best air ticket offers!

Ways to use credit card points to travel

1. Hotel stays and updates free

Many travel cards allow you to exchange points for free hotel nights in the main chains such as Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. Some cards also offer an automatic elite state, which can lead to room updates, late payment and free breakfast. When I reserve through the AMEX travel portal, we can see what rewards we will receive, either for late payment, the early check-in, a resort loan or an update of the room when available. He also obtains a credit of $ 200 every year for his collection of fine hotels and resorts.

(Free room service in our improved Venetian suite in Las Vegas. Our flight was also free)

Advice: Look for transfer partners where their points extend even more. For example, American Express membership rewards the points of the transfer in a 1: 1 relationship to Hilton’s honors, but often have promotions that offer additional value. Sometimes you can get 2 per 1 points, so it is worth it! You can do it directly through the American Express website.

2. Reserve of flights and scoring of air ticket offers

One of the best ways to wear credit card points is to book flights. You can exchange points directly through the travel portal of your card or transfer them to air members for even better value.

The best ways to find air ticket offers:

Use Google Explore: If it is flexible in the destination, Google Flights Explore can show you the cheapest places to fly from its origin airport. Do not be afraid to verify every day, move and play with flexible dates and locations.

Be flexible on dates and location: Even changing your game for one can make a big difference.

Establish price alerts: Websites such as Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to track prices and be notified when rates fall.

Transfer points to a bonus: Some credit cards offer transfer bonds when points of airline programs are moved, which gives you additional value. *Look and see which airline is operating its desired flight. For example, I reserved one flight through Delta the other day that was operated by Air France. Find the same flight to your website and transfer your points to your rewards program to obtain an even better agreement.

3. Airport hall access

Long scales? Flight delays? Airport halls can greatly improve their experience. The American Express Platinum card offers a priority courtesy pass, Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Club Access (when Flying Delta). That means free food, drinks, comfortable seats and sometimes even showers and spa services. Girls love the life of the living room and are quite accustomed hahaha.

Advice: Verify which rooms are available at your airport in advance using the PRI -Pass or Amex Travel application.

The prose & cons of the American Express Platinum card

The Amex Platinum is one of the best travel cards, but it is not for everyone.

This is what I love and what to consider before registering.

Pros:

Mass welcome bonus: It is often worth a free international flight.

Salon access: Priority pass, Centurion Salons, Delta Sky Club and more.

Hotel and rental of cars: Elite status in Hilton and Marriott, in addition to discounts on car rentals.

Annual travel loans: CREDIT OF AEROLANE RATES OF $ 200, HOTEL CREDIT OF $ 200, CREDITS OF UBER AND MORE.

There are no foreign transaction rates: Ideal for international trips.

Monthly benefits in SELECT Retailers: They have new benefits every month that can be added to their account, including disagreements in Lululemon, Kendra Scott, Warby Parker, etc. He also gets a Saks credit twice a year.

They also cover the cost of global entry/TSA prior to verification for each card holder. (It obtains prior anticipation with the global entry).

Cons:

High annual rate: $ 695 per year, which is steep unless maximizing the benefits.

It is not the best for daily spending: The profit structure favors travel purchases for regular expenses.

Salon Openilation: Centurion’s halls may be busy, and recent restrictions limit the access of guests.

Final thoughts: If you travel often and can take advantage of the advantages, the Amex Platinum is an excellent card. If not, it is possible that it is better with a low rate travel card.

(I can always find proteins and a vegetable in the living room)

Final tips to maximize your credit card points

Plan in advance and summarize early award. I find that the optimal point has 6-8 weeks in advance for national flights and 8-12 weeks for international (although sometimes I can find offers as we approach date).

Use transfer bonds for more value of your points. This is where you can get crazy offers!

Take advantage of declaration credits to compensate for travel costs.

Use a combination of cash and points strategically to stretch your rewards. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy the points you need instead of simply paying in cash.

If you are interested in requesting the American Express Platinum card, you can use my reference link here. We have had an incredible experience with that until now and it is our #1 card. (We use the Southwest card for all commercial expenses).

Do you use credit card points to travel? What is your best redemption so far? Leave a comment below, I would love to hear your advice!

Some additional resources:

Just leave the city (the electronic book of $ 7 worth each penny!)

THE BOY OF THE POINTS