How to Use Credit Card Points to Cover Travel Costs

Learn how to use credit card points to cover travel costs, from flights to hotels and car rentals. Discover tips to maximize your points and save on your next vacation!

Into The World of Credit Card Points

Credit Card
With the ideal credit card for your travels, you can cover several costs! Photo by Freepik.

The use of card points and loyalty programs has become increasingly common. This is because they offer numerous benefits to frequent travelers. Some of these benefits include flight upgrades, incredible promotions, free hotel stays, and much more.

These points are generally provided through credit cards specialized in travel. As you use your credit card, you earn points and miles. These points can be exchanged for many of these benefits and more.

Among these benefits is the possibility that your points will cover your travel costs. These costs can include flights, hotels, car rentals, among others. An example of a credit card you can do this with is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card.

What Are Credit Card Points?

Credit card points are small rewards that banks give you as you use your credit card. Depending on the categories your card prioritizes, you can earn them through daily purchases, welcome bonuses, and promotions. These points can be accumulated and exchanged for various advantages.

What Travel Costs Can Be Covered with Points?

Flights

With travel credit cards, you can accumulate points and exchange them for flights. Through airline programs like MileagePlus and SkyMiles, your money can go further.

That’s because the money you spend on your card is converted into points. And these points can be used with these companies for discounts or even full flights!

Hotel Stays

There are also well-known programs for exchanging points for hotel stays. This happens because many travel cards have partnerships with hotel chains. Through some of them, like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, you can get free stays, reservation upgrades, and significant discounts.

Car Rentals and Other Expenses

Another travel expense that your credit card points can cover is car rentals. With your points, it’s possible to rent a car, making your trip more convenient.

Other costs can also be covered by points and benefits from your travel card. Other perks include dinners, tours, VIP access, and much more!

How to Maximize Your Points for Travel

Choose the Right Credit Card

To accumulate a good number of points, you need to consider a few things. First, what type of consumer are you? That means, what do you spend your money on? If most of your money is spent on travel, choosing a travel credit card can be a smart choice.

If you don’t travel much yet but want to start, getting a travel credit card might be a good option.

Strategies to Accumulate More Card Points

To earn more points, it is essential to take advantage of promotions and periods when more points are awarded. There are welcome bonuses, special seasons, and other periods when, for example, points are doubled. Taking advantage of these can help you accumulate more points.

Additionally, know which category your credit card prioritizes and focus your spending there to earn more points.

Most credit card programs allow you to redeem points directly through travel portals or transfer them to airline partners. Check the value of your points before redeeming to ensure the best use.
Yes, depending on the program and your points balance, it's possible to cover flights, hotels, car rentals, and even travel activities. However, some expenses, like fees and taxes, may not be covered.
Some of the best cards in the US include Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold, and Capital One Venture. Each offers bonuses and travel-focused benefits.
The best way to maximize the value of your points is by transferring them to travel partners like airlines and hotels. Additionally, booking in advance and during the off-season can yield a higher return per point.

Conclusion

Using credit card points to cover travel costs is an excellent way to save money and take full advantage of rewards programs.

With accumulated points, you can secure flights, hotel stays, and even car rentals, as well as other perks like upgrades and VIP access. By choosing the right credit card and adopting strategies to accumulate points, it’s possible to plan trips smartly and economically.

With a bit of planning and research, travelers can turn their everyday spending into unforgettable experiences, taking advantage of points redemption to reduce the costs of their travels.

Also learn how to combine cards to get more points:

How to Combine Credit Cards to Maximize Rewards in 2024
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How to Combine Credit Cards to Maximize Rewards in 2024

Discover how combining credit cards can increase your rewards and benefits. Maximize points, cashback, and miles with our tips.
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Victoria Lima