The Freedom of Travel Credit Cards
In my final year of undergrad, I stumbled upon the magic of travel credit cards. Although I was aware of their existence, I was oblivious to the tangible benefits they could offer. The revelation came on a flight from Los Angeles to Santa Rosa, CA via Alaska Airlines. A fellow passenger, a man in his early 30s, and I chatted after a flight attendant presented a promotion for their airline credit card, boasting a whopping 60,000 bonus points upon signing up—without any fee. This man not only endorsed the card, but he also revealed that his current flight hadn't cost him a dime, all thanks to the power of these points. Imagine my regret, realizing I'd missed out on potentially 'free' travels during my earlier university years!
Fast forward to today; I'm 29, and thanks to travel credit cards, both my partner and I have enjoyed numerous trips with complimentary flights and hotel stays. Yet, I've observed that many peers my age shy away from these cards. Some even harbor apprehensions about owning a credit card. Here's my take: there's absolutely nothing to fear. In the realm of travel, these cards are synonymous with free money.
Why people are afraid of (travel) credit cards
They are afraid of getting a bad credit score.
Debunk: As long as you pay your credit card at least monthly there is no consequence. Even though the credit score system isn’t perfect, you want to be able to build credit because these are things that will approve you to buy a house, get a loan, or rent. You’d be paying anyway if you were using cash or debit except you wouldn’t be getting free money nor building your credit score.
What about the fees?
Debunk: Yes some credit cards will have an annual fee and some don’t. The fancy travel cards do have a fee HOWEVER they usually pay off themselves pretty quickly. For instance, my Chase Saphire Reserve gets me free TSA and Clear, free priority pass lounge acess, and complimentary Instacart and lyft membership for a year. You also get $300 annual travel credit for flights, hotels, and more.
But I don’t travel much so its not worth it.
Debunk: Okay if you absolutely hate traveling then maybe it isn’t right for you but you don’t have to be traveling to earn points and also those cash-back points usually don’t expire. Even if you go out once a year it can still be highly worth it. Imagine taking a business class to Paris (in chairs that lay down) instead of paying $14,000 you just pay $500 in taxes.
Best Credit Cards for Traveling
1.)
Chase Saphire Reserve
Remember what I said about annual fees? Well, don’t have a heart attack at that $550 fee. As I said it pays for itself! Here is a list of why this card is a great choice!
You get 60,000 points when you apply! That’s $900 if you use for travel or $600 in cash back!
$300 annual travel credit to offset flights, hotel stays and more
$100 credit toward Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee every four years
Complimentary DashPass (worth about $119) for a minimum of one year through December 31st, 2024)
10x Reward Points on eligible Peloton purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025 (max earn of 50,000 total points)
Complimentary year of Lyft Pink membership (worth about $19.99 per month), which includes 15% off car rides, relaxed cancellations and priority airport pickups through March 31st, 2025
Priority Pass Select lounge access (valued at $429), giving you access to 1,000+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide
You can transfer points to other chase or partnered credit cards. (I will transfer points sometimes to my husband’s Hyatt card so we can get enough for a 4-5 star hotel).
Travel Insurance
Roadside assistance traveling in US & Canda
2.)
The Platinum Card from American Express
This sleek card is considered the cream of the crop of travel credit cards. The only con is that the annual rate is $695 dollars but it has a lot of benefits and like the Chase card can pay for itself quickly. If you’re a beginner at credit cards, you will see some beginner friendly ones later in this post. Here is why The Planitmun is highly rated:
The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. It went from 80,000 points to 125,000 Membership Rewards® Points. TPG values it at $2,500. (this is after you spend 8,000 in the first free months) Remember, if you are spending that much anyway might as well get free money and travel from it.
This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more.
High-end airport lounge service. My husband and I will use the one at LAX when we travel for their full-on breakfast buffet and free drinks. Keep in mind that guests now pay $50 but card holders its free.
The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
You’ll receive $15 in Uber Cash monthly (and $20 in December) for a total of up to $200 annually, redeemable for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders.
5x points on flights and hotels booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel
3.)
Chase freedom Unlimited
Too afraid to go for the cards with the annual fee? Well you’re in luck because Chase Freedom Unlimited is great for beginners! I used this card before I got the Reserve and was satisfied with it. Here’s the perks you can get:
When you spend $500 in the first three months you earn $200 bonus
Earn 5% in points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
no annual fee!
3% points in dining, eligible delivery services, and drugstore purchases.
1.5% points on everything else you buy.
4.)
Alaska Airlines Credit Card
My first travel credit card is still one of my favorites still used today! This is best for domestic flights however Alaska Airlines does have direct flights to places in Canada, Mexico, The Bahamas, and some countries in South America. I use it mainly for domestic but I have had a nice flight once to Costa Rica. What I like about Alaska in my personal experience is that they have quality airline service, unlike other big names like United, Delta, or American.
Companion Fare: This is a famous perk Alaska Airlines Offers where you buy a second ticket for huge discounted rates. Usually around $99 in total for that cheap ticket including taxes. It’s perfect for couples! It’s like a buy one almost get one free.
Free luggage check-in
Priority Boarding, This has come in clutch for my patience as well as getting in the plane early enough to guarantee baggage space in the overhead bins.
2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, local transit, rideshare, cable, and select streaming services purchases.
A 10% reward bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America®
You get 60,000 points when you sign on! Thats enough for two domestic flights in my experience.
