use bank card factors for journey

Sharing my recommendations on easy methods 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 obtained bangs. Quitting my MBA program once I was greater than midway completed. Aaaaand not signing up for reward bank cards sooner.

We regularly heard our buddies speaking about bank card factors, however since we had debt up to now, it was one thing we averted. We saved 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 have now traveled a number of instances at no cost, loved resort upgrades, lounge entry, and have been rewarded for on a regular basis spending by factors.

use bank card factors for journey

Use Credit score Card Factors for Journey: Maximize Rewards for Flights, Inns, and Lounge Entry

On this submit, I’m going to share some recommendations on easy methods to maximize your bank card rewards for journey and share my expertise with the American Express Platinum Card, together with its professionals and cons. I’ll additionally share my favourite ideas for getting the perfect airfare offers!

Methods to Use Credit score Card Factors for Journey

1. Free Resort Stays & Upgrades

Many journey bank cards assist you to redeem factors at no cost resort 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 capable of 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 out there. You additionally get $200 credit score every year for his or her Nice Inns & 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 Categorical Membership Rewards factors switch at a 1:1 ratio to Hilton Honors however typically have promotions providing further worth. Typically you may get 2 for 1 factors so it’s price it!! You are able to do this instantly by the American Categorical 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 possibly can redeem factors instantly by your card’s journey portal or switch them to airline companions for even higher worth.

Greatest methods to seek out airfare offers:

Use Google Discover: In case you’re versatile on vacation spot, Google Flights Discover can present you the most affordable locations to fly from your property 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 sooner or later could make an enormous distinction.

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

Switch Factors at a Bonus: Some bank cards provide switch bonuses when shifting factors to airline applications, supplying you with further 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 significantly better. The American Categorical Platinum Card offers complimentary Precedence Go, Centurion Lounge, and Delta Sky Membership entry (when flying Delta). Which means free meals, drinks, snug seating, and generally 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 prematurely utilizing the Precedence Go app or Amex Journey.

The Professionals & Cons of the American Categorical Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum is likely 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.

Professionals:

Large Welcome Bonus: Typically price sufficient for a free worldwide flight.

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

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

Annual Journey Credit: $200 airline payment credit score, $200 resort 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 that you would be able to add to your account, together with disocunts at lululemon, Kendra Scott, Warby Parker, and many others. You additionally get a Saks credit score twice a 12 months.

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

Cons:

Excessive Annual Payment: $695 per 12 months, which is steep except you maximize the advantages.

Not the Greatest 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.

Remaining Ideas: In case you journey typically and might benefit from the perks, the Amex Platinum is a wonderful card. If not, you is perhaps higher off with a lower-fee journey card.

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

Remaining Suggestions 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 prematurely for home flights and 8-12 weeks for worldwide (though generally 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!!

Make the most of assertion credit to offset journey prices.

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

In case you’re serious about making use of for the American Express Platinum Card, you should utilize my referral link here. We’ve had a tremendous expertise with it to date 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 to date? Go away a remark beneath—I’d love to listen to your ideas!

Some further assets:

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

The Points Guy