Sharing my advice on how to use credit card points for travel. Discover all the details here!
There are things in my life that I regret. This time, I moved to Tucson and that I had a crisis and I had a fringe. Leave my MBA program when I was finished halfway. AAAA and not registering earlier for the award credit cards.
We have often heard our friends talk about credit card points, but as we had debt in the past, it was something we avoid. We continued to hear about free flights and access to the show, so about 10 years ago, we decided to go. It was a Total Gamechanger. Since then, we have traveled several times, appreciated the upgrades of the hotel, access to the show and have been rewarded for daily expenses by points.
How to use credit card points for travel
How to use credit card points for travel: Maximize rewards for flights, hotels and access to the show
In this article, I will share some tips on how to maximize your credit card rewards for travel and share my experience with the American Express Platinum Cardincluding its advantages and disadvantages. I will also share my favorite advice to get the best plane ticket offers!
Ways to use credit card points for travel
1. Free Santics and upgrades
Many travel credit cards allow you to exchange points for free hotel nights in large channels such as Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. Some cards also offer automatic elite status, which can lead to parts upgrades, late payment and free breakfast. When I reserve the Amex Travel portal, we can see what rewards we will receive, whether it is a late payment, an early recording, a vacation credit or an upgrade of the room when available. You also get $ 200 of credit each year for their Fine Hotels & Resorts collection.
(Free room service in our improved Vegas suite in Vegas. Our flight was also free)
Advice: Look for transfer partners Where your points extend more. For example, American Express membership points reward the transfer points to a ratio of 1: 1 to Hilton honors, but often have promotions offering additional value. Sometimes you can get 2 for 1 so it’s worth it !! You can do it directly via the American Express website.
2. Reserve flights and air ticket offers to be scored
One of the best ways to use credit card points is to book flights. You can exchange points directly via the travel portal of your card or transfer them to airline partners for even better value.
Best ways to find air ticket offers:
Use Google Explore: If you are flexible on destination, Google Flights Explore can show you the cheapest places to fly from your home airport. Do not be afraid to check every day, scroll and play with flexible dates and places.
Be flexible on the dates and the location: Even moving your day’s departure can make a big difference.
Define price alerts: Websites like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to follow prices and be informed when the prices drop.
Transfer points to a bonus: Some credit cards offer transfer bonuses when moving points to airline programs, giving you additional value. * Look at and see which airline operates the desired flight. For example, I reserved a flight through Delta the other day that was operated by Air France. Find the same flight to their website and transfer your points to their reward program to get an even better offer.
3. Access to the airport show
Long beds? Flight delays? Airport salons can improve your experience. The American Express Platinum card provides a free priority pass, a Centurion Lounge and access to the Delta Sky Club (during the Delta flight). This means free food, drinks, comfortable seats and sometimes even showers and spa services. Girls love the living room and are very used to it lol.
Advice: Check which fairs are available in advance in advance using the Priority Pass or Amex Travel application.
The advantages and disadvantages of the American Express Platinum card
THE Amex Platinum is one of the best travel credit cards, but it’s not for everyone.
Here is what I like and what to consider before you register.
Benefits:
Massive reception bonus: Is often worth enough for a free international flight.
Access to the living room: Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club, and more.
Benefits of the hotel and rental car: Elite status in Hilton and Marriott, as well as discounts on car rental.
Annual travel credits: Credit of airline costs at $ 200, $ 200 hotel credit, Uber credits, and more.
No transaction costs abroad: Ideal for international trips.
Monthly advantages in Select retailers: They have new advantages every month that you can add to your account, including Disocuns at Lululemon, Kendra Scott, Warby Parker, etc. You also get a saks credit twice a year.
They also cover the cost of the overall / pre-management entry of the TSA for each card holder. (You get pre-management with the overall entry.)
Disadvantages:
High annual costs: $ 695 per year, which is steep, unless you maximize the advantages.
Not the best for daily expenses: The gain structure promotes travel purchases on regular expenses.
Salon overcrowding: Centurion salons can be occupied and recent restrictions limit customer access.
Final reflections: If you are traveling often and you can enjoy the advantages, the Amex Platinum is an excellent card. Otherwise, you could be better with a travel card at a lower month.
(I can always find proteins and a vegetable in the living room)
Final tips to maximize your credit card points
Plan in advance and book the award flights early. I find that the Sweet Spot is 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic flights and 8 to 12 weeks for international (even if sometimes I can find offers as we get closer to the date).
Use transfer bonuses to get more value of your points. This is where you can get crazy offers !!
Take advantage of the declaration credits to compensate for travel costs.
Use a mixture of money 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 are interested in applying for the American Express Platinum CardYou can use my Reference link here. We have had an incredible experience so far and it is our used card n ° 1. (We use the South-West card for all my commercial expenses).
Do you use credit card points for traveling? What is your best redemption so far? Leave a comment below – I would like to hear your advice!
Some additional resources:
Get out of the city (The $ 7 electronic book was worth every penny!)
