You’ve made it to Step 3. This is so exciting! You’re 1 step closer to your next vacation.
Remember what I told you on Step 1.? I’m happy to repeat it.
>>> Credit cards are not “BAD” when used wisely <<<
I’m not, let me repeat, I am NOT telling you to get a credit card to overspend. Overspending on a credit card reverses the incredible FREE travel benefits you could be reaping because you’ll be paying interest. Essentially, what I’m telling you is to use your credit card as a replacement for your debit card in order to rack up points and miles. I’m a huge advocate of only using a credit card if it can paid off in full EVERY month (this is what I do!). Now, onto the rewards…
>>> ANY CREDIT CARD YOU GET FOR THE PURPOSES OF FREE TRAVEL SHOULD BE FLEXIBLE <<<
(NOT AIRLINE SPECIFIC —->> WITH RARE EXCEPTIONS)
Many people that “think” they are travel hacking say “well, I have a (insert airline here) credit card”. Friends, let me tell you, having an airline specific credit card may be great if you travel once every few years, or you have a specific goal in mind like our flights to Chicago for $33 on Delta), or if you are loyal to one specific airline (NO!!), but if you’re serious about unlimited FREE travel and want to travel as often as YOU chose….then the magic is in WHAT KIND OF CARD YOU GET!
By “flexible” I’m referring to credit card reward programs that partner with multiple airlines and hotels. There is almost no limit to where and how you can “spend” the points and miles you earn. By having a credit card that is not tied to a specific airline or hotel your use of reward travel becomes a endless rainbow of opportunity with a huge pot of gold at the end!
Some worry about how applying for credit cards will effect their credit rating. That’s a fair concern and one I had when I first started this hobby (remember, I’m addicted to my credit score).
Submitting a credit card application can lower your credit nominal points. Not to worry. As long as you follow my guidance, pay your new account timely, and NOT overspend, your score will bounce back within three months or so. I personally applied for, and was approved for 5 different credit cards (listed below), a home refinance, and our motorhome loan within a 6 month period.
My credit score has never dropped under 765
Each travel reward credit card will come with a “minimum spending requirement“. This is the amount of money you will be required to spend on that card within a set time period in order to be eligible to receive the sign up bonus advertised. I highly suggest you do not apply for more than 1 card per week, and remember to space applications out based on the minimum spending you think your family can reach. If you’re worried about not being able to reach the minimum spending requirement please visit the page I’ve created to show you how EASY this is. It also just happens to be Step 4, which I’ll link you to at the end of this page.
Below are my TOP 5 Favorite Travel Reward Credit Cards (I own and use each of them)
Chase Sapphire Preferred (VISA) (Apply here)
+50k point sign up BONUS once you meet the minimum spending requirement
+5k additional BONUS points if you add an authorized user to your account
+ Sending a “Friend Referral” will earn another BONUS 10k referral points
+Your spouse applies, meets the minimum spending requirement and then receives their own 50k point sign up BONUS
+Spouse adds you as authorized user to earn an additional 5k BONUS points
Using this single credit card one couple can earn 120k points JUST by signing up and meeting the minimum spending requirements! That’s enough for FIVE ROUNDTRIP tickets to Hawaii!
Chase Business Ink (VISA) (Apply here)
+80k point sign up BONUS once you meet the minimum spending requirement
+5k additional BONUS points if you add an authorized user to your account
+Your spouse applies, meets the minimum spending requirement and then receives their own 50k point sign up BONUS (there is no referal allowed with this card)
+Spouse adds you as authorized user to earn an additional 5k BONUS points
Using this single credit card one couple can earn 170k points JUST by signing up and meeting the minimum spending requirements! That’s enough for SEVEN ROUNDTRIP tickets to Hawaii!
*Note* In these scenarios, between the 4 Chase cards above (if you and your spouse each got approved for both cards) there would be $16,000.00 minimum spending requirement, however, you have 3 months to meet this requirement. Spread applications out over time if needed. The $16,000.00 you spend to meet this requirement IS additional points earned!
Chase Ulimate Rewards points can be redeemed directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for travel (with 25% bonus), shopping or cash back. However, the most lucrative way to use them is by transferring them to Chase PARTNERS!
Chase Airline Partners:
British Airways Avios
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Korean Air SkyPass
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Southwest Rapid Rewards
United MileagePlus
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
(Learn why airline partnerships are so important when leaning how to FLY FREE!)
Chase Hotel Partners
Hyatt Gold Passport (now called World of Hyatt)
Marriott Rewards (transfers to SPG)
IHG Rewards Club
Ritz-Carlton Rewards
Starwood Preferred Group Hotels-SPG (American Express) (Apply Here)
+35k point sign up BONUS once you meet the minimum spending requirement
+5k additional BONUS points if you add an authorized user to your account
+Your spouse applies, meets the minimum spending requirement and then receives their own 35k point sign up BONUS
+Spouse adds you as authorized user to earn an additional 5k BONUS points
Using this single credit card one couple can earn 80k points JUST by signing up and meeting the minimum spending requirements! That’s enough for THREE ROUNDTRIP tickets to Hawaii!
One of the best uses of Starwood points is transferring SPG points to airlines.
There are 30+ SPG transfer partners, including hotels! SPG “Gifts” you 5k for each 20k point you transfer to an airline!!!!
Delta Gold SkyMiles (American Express) (Apply Here)
+30k point sign up BONUS once you meet the minimum spending requirement
+Priority boarding
+Free checked baggage
+Your spouse applies, meets the minimum spending requirement and then receives their own 30k point sign up BONUS
Hyatt (VISA) (Apply Here)
+Earn two free nights at any Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide (see how I used this to go to the All-Inclusive Hyatt Zilara in Cancun, Mexico FREE)
+Receive one free night every year after your cardmember anniversary
It’s easy to see that by transferring your points to partners you gain flexibility and MORE reward!
Now you’re ready for Step 4. Step 4 is going to show you how to meet those pesky minimum spending requirements in a jiffy!
Contact me if you have any questions, and be sure to share you stories with me!
Happy Spending!
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-Serena
Great info Serena. I also love to travel and make the most of credit card miles, though I had no idea about sapphire. Will be applying tomorrow
Hi Rose!
LOVE the Chase Sapphire card; they are my fav!
-Serena