If you are an avid traveler, you know how expensive it can be to visit your dream destinations. However, with the rise of travel hacking, you can now travel the world while minimizing your expenses. Travel hacking involves using credit cards to earn rewards, miles and points that can be redeemed for travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. In this article, we will explore the best cards for travel hacking and how to use them to maximize your savings and rewards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of the best cards for travel hacking due to its generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. This bonus is worth $750 when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. The card also earns 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1x point on all other purchases. Points can be transferred to partner airlines and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio, allowing flexibility in redemption options.
American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is another popular card for travel hacking with a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months of account opening. The card also earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide, 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually) and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through the Amex travel portal. Points can be transferred to partner airlines and hotel loyalty programs and can also be redeemed for statement credits on eligible travel purchases.
Capital One Venture Rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards card is a great option for those who want a simple and straightforward rewards system. The card earns unlimited 2x miles on all purchases and has a sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles (worth $600 in travel) after spending $3,000 in the first three months of account opening. Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases at a rate of 1 cent per mile or transferred to partner airlines and hotels.
Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card is another great card for travel hacking with a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. The card earns 3x points on travel purchases (including gas stations), 2x points on dining and entertainment purchases and 1x point on all other purchases. Points can be transferred to partner airlines and redeemed for travel purchases through the ThankYou Rewards portal.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What is travel hacking? | Travel hacking involves using credit cards to earn rewards, miles and points that can be redeemed for travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. |
How do I maximize my rewards and savings? | You can maximize your rewards and savings by using cards that offer generous sign-up bonuses, earning bonus points on travel and dining purchases and redeeming points for travel purchases or transferring them to partner airlines and hotel loyalty programs. |
Are there any fees associated with travel hacking cards? | Most travel hacking cards charge an annual fee, but some waive the fee for the first year. It’s important to weigh the annual fee against the benefits and rewards offered by the card. |
What should I consider when choosing a travel hacking card? | When choosing a travel hacking card, you should consider the sign-up bonus, earning potential, redemption options, annual fee, and any other perks or benefits offered by the card. |