Tips and Tricks: Travel Rewards Points

Traveling can be an expensive venture, but with the right strategy, you can significantly reduce your costs by leveraging rewards points. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first big trip, using rewards points can make your journey more affordable. Our team of seasoned travelers and points pros, shared some basic tips to help you maximize your travel rewards.

Choosing the Right Credit Card or Rewards Program

The first step in utilizing rewards points for travel is selecting the right credit card and rewards program for you. Most credit cards offer a sign-up bonus as well as special promotional opportunities when you go to redeem your points. Familiarizing yourself with these perks will help you make the right decision. Transferring your points to other travel partners can also significantly increase the value of your points. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Added Value: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Transfer Partners: Points can be transferred to leading airline and hotel partners.

2. American Express Gold Card

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
• Points Value: Earn 4x points at restaurants and supermarkets.
• Transfer Partners: Membership Rewards points can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Points Value: 2x points on every purchase.
• Transfer Partners: Miles can be transferred to over 15 travel loyalty programs.

Tips for Transferring Points

Transferring points from your credit card, to an airline or hotel loyalty program, can often provide more value than redeeming them directly through the credit card’s travel portal. Here’s why and how to do it:

Benefits of Transferring Points

• Better Value: Transferring points to a partner program often yields higher value per point.
• Flexibility: You can choose from a wider range of airlines and hotels.
• Special Deals: Take advantage of special promotions and deals from partner programs.

How to Transfer Points

1. Log in to Your Credit Card Account: Navigate to the rewards section.
2. Select Transfer Partners: Choose the airline or hotel program to which you want to transfer points.
3. Transfer Points: Follow the prompts to complete the transfer. Ensure you transfer the appropriate number of points, as some programs have specific transfer ratios.

One of our team has Chase Ultimate Rewards points, and can transfer them to partners like United Airlines or Hyatt Hotels. When they transfer Chase points to Hyatt, they get more value compared to using those points directly through the Chase travel portal even when booking the same hotel.

Learn to Maximize Your Points

To become a pro at maximizing rewards points, consider exploring these additional resources. The internet is full of knowledgeable people and resources that will help you learn from their own mistakes and successes. A little bit of research can take you a long way.:

Blogs and Websites

• The Points Guy (thepointsguy.com): Offers comprehensive guides, reviews, and tips on using travel rewards.
• Million Mile Secrets (millionmilesecrets.com): Provides strategies for earning and redeeming points.
• One Mile at a Time (onemileatatime.com): Shares in-depth reviews and tips on maximizing points.

Tools and Apps

• AwardWallet: Tracks your points and miles across various programs.
• ExpertFlyer: Helps you find award seat availability and alerts.
• Point.me: Provides an overview of how to transfer points and the best transfer options.

Using rewards points for travel can significantly enhance your travel experience by reducing costs and opening up new opportunities. By choosing the right credit card, focusing spending to that card, and strategically transferring points, you can make the most of your travel rewards. There's not many things that get us more excited than free travel perks, take advantage before your next trip.