I used to think flying business or first class meant shelling out $5,000 to $20,000 per ticket. But what if I told you I took my mom and me on a business class trip to Korea—for free—using credit card points? (Well, almost free—you can’t avoid taxes and fees.)
Before we dive in, a major disclaimer: Do not get a credit card if:
- You’ve made late payments on bills in the last month.
- You owe money to friends or family.
- You have no credit history (you likely won’t get approved).
Credit card debt can be crippling, but if you manage your finances responsibly, travel rewards cards can be a game-changer for luxury travel.
My Top 3 Travel Credit Cards
I’m not a “credit card churner” (someone who opens cards just for sign-up bonuses). Instead, I stick to a few cards that maximize my spending. Here’s what’s in my wallet:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Annual Fee: $95
Why I Love It:
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel.
- 3x points on dining, online groceries (excluding Walmart/Target), and streaming.
- 2x points on all other travel purchases.
- $50 annual hotel credit when booking through Chase Travel (effectively lowers the annual fee to $45).
Best Feature: Chase has strong airline/hotel transfer partners, making it easy to redeem points for high-value flights and stays.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee: $695 (but worth it if you use the perks!)
Why I Love It:
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel.
- $200 annual airline incidental fee credit (for seat upgrades, baggage fees, etc.).
- $200 annual hotel credit for Fine Hotels & Resorts (early check-in, late checkout, free breakfast, and dining credits).
- $240 annual streaming credit (covers services like Hulu and Disney+).
- $200 annual Uber Cash ($15/month + $20 in December).
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/Clear (speeds up airport security).
- Centurion Lounge & Priority Pass access (free food and relaxation at airports).
Best Feature: The welcome bonus helped me book my business class flight to Korea!
3. Bilt Mastercard® (Best for Renters)
Annual Fee: $0
Why I Love It:
- Pay rent with no fees (most cards charge 2-3%).
- 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x on everything else.
- Great transfer partners, including airlines like American and United.
Best Feature: If you rent, this is a no-brainer—it turns rent payments into travel rewards.
Other Popular Travel Cards
If my top three don’t suit you, consider these alternatives:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- $550 annual fee (but includes $300 travel credit).
- 3x points on travel & dining.
- Priority Pass lounge access.
Capital One Venture X
- $395 annual fee (includes $300 travel credit).
- 10x points on hotels/rental cars (booked through Capital One Travel).
- 5x on flights (booked through Capital One Travel).
How to Maximize Your Points
Don’t just book through credit card travel portals—you’ll get far more value by transferring points to airline/hotel partners.
Example: Booking a Hotel
- Portal Price: $900 for 3 nights at the Hyatt Regency.
- Transfer Points to Hyatt: Only 60,000 points (vs. 90,000+ via portal).
Pro Tip:
- Sign-up bonuses jumpstart your points balance.
- Always pay your balance in full—treat credit cards like debit cards.
Final Thoughts
If you travel often (or want to), strategic credit card use can unlock luxury experiences without the luxury price tag.
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Happy travels! ✈️