How I Travel For less Using Travel Credit Cards

My Favorite Combo and Tips

I’ve always loved to travel, but let’s be honest: it’s not cheap! Flights, hotels, meals on the road—it all adds up quickly. For the longest time, I thought traveling frequently meant spending a fortune. But over the years, I’ve learned one simple trick that has allowed me to travel far more than I ever thought possible—travel credit cards.

Now, I’m not saying credit cards are a magic fix, but when used wisely, they can transform how you pay for trips and make even the most expensive travel experiences much more affordable. In fact, a few smart moves with the right travel cards can unlock free flights, hotel stays, and plenty of other perks. Here’s how I use credit cards to maximize my travel budget and how you can do the same.

How Travel Credit Cards Work for Me

The first time I booked a nearly free flight using credit card points, I was hooked. The way most travel credit cards work is pretty simple: you earn points or miles on everyday purchases, and then redeem them for travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, or car rentals. Some cards even offer bonuses for certain categories like dining, groceries, or (my favorite) travel.

For example, I love using my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card because it gives me 2x points on travel and dining (both things I spend a lot on while on the road), and 1x on everything else. When I redeem these points through Chase’s travel portal, they’re worth 25% more, which has saved me a ton on flights and hotels over the years.

But the real magic happens when you start combining cards to make sure you’re earning the most rewards for every dollar you spend.

The Budget Traveler Combo (No Annual Fees)

Not everyone wants to pay annual fees, and I totally get that. For budget travelers, I recommend:

• Capital One VentureOne Rewards: It earns 1.25x miles on everything, and the miles are super easy to use on any travel purchase.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards: This one gives me 1.5x points on every dollar I spend, with no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee.

Even without paying annual fees, these cards still let me earn travel rewards, and trust me, they add up!

How I Maximize Travel Credit Card Rewards

Having a great travel credit card is one thing, but you also need a plan to get the most out of it. Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Use Your Card for Everyday Expenses: This might sound obvious, but I use my cards for everything—groceries, gas, dining out, and online shopping. It’s all about maximizing rewards on things you’d already be paying for. For example, my Chase Sapphire Preferred® gives me points every time I dine out, which is a big win when traveling.
• Double Dip with Loyalty Programs: I always sign up for hotel and airline loyalty programs and use my travel cards to book through them. That way, I earn points from both the credit card and the loyalty program—a win-win!
• Pay Off Your Balance: This is key! This strategy only works if you’re not paying interest. I make sure to pay off my credit card balance every month, so I’m earning all the rewards without any debt. 

Travel Credit Card Perks I Can’t Live Without

Besides points and miles, travel credit cards come with a lot of extra perks that can save you a ton of money while traveling. Here are a few that I’ve used (and loved):

• Free Checked Bags: If you fly often, you know how quickly baggage fees can add up. Cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offer free checked bags for you and even your travel companions.
• Airport Lounge Access: I used to think lounge access was only for people flying first class, but cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Amex Platinum Card give me access to Priority Pass lounges. It’s been a lifesaver during long layovers!
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: One of my pet peeves is paying extra just because I’m spending money in a different country. That’s why I only use travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Cards like the Capital One VentureOne and Chase Sapphire Preferred® make sure I’m not getting hit with extra charges while abroad.

• Bank of America® Travel Rewards: It has no annual fee, and I get 1.5x points on every dollar I spend. Redeeming points for travel expenses is super simple and flexible.
• Discover it® Miles: They match all the miles I earn in the first year, making it perfect for travelers who don’t want an annual fee but still want great rewards.
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards: Another no-fee card that gives me 1.25x miles on every purchase. It’s great for travelers who want something straightforward.