Share my tips for using credit card points for travel. Take a look at all the details here!
There are some things in my life that I regret. At this point I moved to Tucson and had a crisis and got pony. To stop my MBA program when I was more than halfway. Aaaaand does not register for premium credit cards earlier.
We often heard how our friends talked about credit card points, but since we had owe in the past, we avoided it. We have always heard of free flights and access to the lounge. About 10 years ago we chose you. It was a total gamechanger. Since then we have traveled free of charge, Hotel -Upgrades enjoyed access to the lounge and were rewarded with points for daily expenses.
How to use credit card points for travel
How to use credit card points for travel points: maximize the rewards for flights, hotels and access to the lounge
In this post I will give some tips on how to maximize your credit card bonuses for travel and my experience with sharing American Express Platinum cardincluding its advantages and disadvantages. I will also share my favorite tips for the best flight offers!
Possibilities for using credit card points for travel
1. Free hotel stays and upgrades
With many travel credit cards you can redeem points for free hotel evenings in large chains such as Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. Some cards also offer an automatic elite status that can lead to room -upgrades, late cash and free breakfast. If I book the AMEX travel portal, we can determine which rewards we receive, regardless of whether it is a late cash register, an early check-in, a resort loan or a room upgrade, if available. You will also receive 200 US dollars for your Fine Hotels & Resorts Collection every year.
(Free room service in our improved Venetian suite in Vegas. Our flight was also free)
Tip: Search for transfer partners Where your points continue to stretch. For example, American Express membership points transfers with a ratio of 1: 1 to Hilton Honors, but often advertising that offer an additional value. Sometimes you can get 2 for 1 points, so it’s worth it !! You can do this directly via the American Express website.
2. Booking of flights and goal price transactions pay off
One of the best ways to use credit card points is to book flights. You can redeem points directly via the travel portal of your card or transfer them to airlines to get an even better value.
The best way to find flight transactions:
Use Google Explore: If you are flexible at your destination, you can use Google Flys Explore to specify the cheapest places where you can fly from your home airport from your home airport. Don’t be afraid to check every day, to put it around and play with flexible data and places.
Be flexible about data & location: Even if you shift your departure by one day, this can make a big difference.
Set price warnings: With websites such as Google Flys and Skyscanner, they can be followed and notified the prices when the tariffs drop.
Transfer points on a bonus: Some credit cards offer transmission bonuses when they change points in airlines and offer them additional value. *Take a look and see which airline runs your desired flight. For example, I recently booked a flight through Delta, which was operated by Air France. Find the same flight on your website and transfer your points to your premium program to get an even better offer.
3. Access to the airport lounge
Long layover? Flight delays? Airport lounges can make your experience so much better. The American Express Platinum Card offers a free priority pass, the Centurion Lounge and the Delta Sky Club Access (when flying Delta). That means free food, drinks, comfortable seating and sometimes even showers and spa services. The girls love the life of the lounge and are quite used to it, Lol.
Tip: Check which lounges are available in advance at your airport with the Priority Pass App or Amex Travel.
The advantages and disadvantages of the American Express Platinum Card
The Amex Platin is one of the best travel credit cards, but it’s not for everyone.
Here is what I love and what I should think about before I register.
Professionals:
Massive welcome bonus: Often enough value for a free international flight.
Re -reaching lounge: Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club and more.
Hotel and rental car advantages: Elite status at Hilton and Marriott as well as discounts on car rentals.
Annual travel credit: $ 200 Airline fees, 200 US dollar hotel loan, Uber credits and more.
No foreign transaction fees: Ideal for international trips.
Monthly advantages when selecting Retail: Every month you have new advantages that you can add to your account, including discunts at Lululemon, Kendra Scott, Warby Parker etc. You will also receive a SAKS credit twice a year.
They also cover the costs for global admission/TSA pre-check for each card holder. (You will be in advance with the global entry.)
Disadvantages:
High annual fee: 695 USD per year, which is steep, unless you maximize the advantages.
Not the best for daily expenses: The earnings structure favors travel purchases via regular expenses.
Overcrowding of the lounge: Centurion lounges can be employed and the recent restrictions limit access to access.
Last thoughts: If you often travel and use the advantages, the Amex platinum is an excellent card. If not, you may be better off with a travel card with a lower fairy.
(I can always find protein and vegetables in the lounge)
Final tips for maximizing your credit card points
Plan ahead and book the award flights early. I think that the Sweet Spot is 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic flights and 8-12 weeks for internationally (although I can sometimes find business when we approach the date).
Use transmission bonuses to get more value from your points. Here you can get crazy offers !!
Use the explanation check to compensate for travel expenses.
Use a mixture of cash and points strategically to stretch your rewards. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy the points you need instead of simply paying in cash.
If you want to apply for them American Express Platinum cardYou can use mine Recommendable link here. So far we have had an amazing experience with it and it is our #1-used card. (We use the Southwest card for all of my business costs).
Do you use credit card points for travel? What is your best salvation so far? Leave a comment below – I would like to hear your tips!
Some additional resources:
Just go out of the city (The $ 7 eBook was worth every cent!)
