Maximize Credit Card Benefits for Travel

Here’s how 👇 1. I Don’t get a 💳 just for retail benefits and one-time savings on a purchase (it’s a trap!) If you want to travel, make sure you choose travel 💳 ‘s w/ exceptional benefits. My favorites are: Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred (depending on how much you want to spend), Amex Platinum or Gold, & the Chase Freedom cards. A preferred airline 💳 to rack up points is also great, mine is Alaskan Air. These 💳 offer incredible travel benefits: ✈️ lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, purchase insurance, hotel deals and more 2. I Use ThePointsGuy app to ensure I’m maximizing 💳 point value for purchases. This app keeps track of all your points across cards and sites. 3. I deep dive into the benefits of cards and ensure I’m using all. Last month I downgraded my Amex platinum because I realized my road lifestyle wasn’t allowing me to benefit (like the monthly uber credit, $50/6 mo to sax 5th ave etc.) making it not worth the renewal fee and serving as a vanity 💳 . I’ll upgrade when I transition to a change that makes sense to achieve the benefit value of the renewal $. 4. I Carry no more than 5 💳 at a time and keep my oldest card active for longevity of history. 5. I ALWAYS pay them off every month. Carrying over a balance and paying interest is what CC’s want you to do and how they earn profit. By paying cards off every month and reaping the rewards, you’re of the savvy minority benefiting. 6. I make most purchases on CC’s and not cash or debit to receive points. This benefits so long as you’re not paying a surcharge fee or % (ie avoid apt rent or car pmt). 7. When I’ve racked up points, I USE THEM! To pay for the cards themselves, buy gift cards, on flights, hotels, excursions & more. Most years, my points will cover at minimum $3k - $7k in travel expenses. 8. I maximize sign on bonuses and retention deals and negotiate where possible. With these tips, enjoy the benefits of an immaculate credit score, purchasing power, points privileges and the places they’ll take you - bon voyage! 🛫 🛳️ 👋 Follow @kymwylder for more