Membership Rewards Archives - Easy Travel Points

Credit Card Points & Miles Crash Course

Rob Dulgarian — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:51:50 +0000

Are you ready to travel for (almost) free? Here’s the beginner-friendly points and miles crash course you’ve been waiting for.

You can Do it too

If you’ve ever scrolled social media while sitting at home and wondered how that person is always on vacation without a trust fund, we’ve got your answer: it’s points and miles.

No, it’s not magic. Yes, it can be confusing at first. That’s why I created the Points & Miles Crash Course — a no-fluff, beginner-friendly guide to turning your everyday spending into free flights, hotel stays, and the occasional bougie airport lounge experience.

Because here’s the truth: If you’re using a debit card, you’re missing out. Like, big time.

What you’ll Learn

Here’s what you’ll learn (aka how to outsmart the system…legally) in our budget-friendly 3 hour video crash course.

This isn’t some 50-page eBook that collects digital dust in your inbox. This is a practical, easy-to-follow course that walks you through:

How to avoid rookie mistakes like using points on toasters instead of travel (please don’t)
The best starter credit cards for earning rewards
Strategies for ways to earn more points without spending more money
The difference between cash back, airline miles, and flexible points — and why that matters
Real-life examples of how I book free trips for my family (yes, with 5 kids in tow) and step-by-step guides for earning the points you need and how to redeem them for trips to both Hawaii and Europe

This course was designed for normal people — no spreadsheets, no 3 a.m. award searches, and definitely no math degree required. And the best part, it’s only $19!

Why You need this course

Because if you’re going to spend money anyway (hi, groceries and gas), you might as well get rewarded for it. Whether you’re dreaming of a week in Europe, a beach vacay in Hawaii, or just want to take the sting out of your travel budget — this system works.

I’ve personally used points to cover over $100k in airfare, hotel stays and other travel expenses. The best part? Once you understand the basics, the rewards just keep coming. It’s like playing Monopoly, but instead of fake money, you’re earning free vacations.

Who is this course for

Total beginners who want to learn the right way to start
Busy moms and dads who don’t have time for Reddit deep dives
Budget travelers who want luxe experiences without the luxe price tag
Anyone who’s tired of watching others travel while they stay home and pay full price for everything

Let’s Be Real…

The points game can feel like trying to learn a new language. Chase Ultimate Rewards? 5/24? Transfer partners? Player 2? If it makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone.

But that’s exactly why I made this course. It breaks down everything you actually need to know to start earning travel rewards today — without the overwhelm. And you won’t need to take out a second mortgage to pay for it.

So if you’re ready to stop leaving free travel on the table, click here to enroll in the Points & Miles Crash Course. Your next vacation (and smug airport selfie) is closer than you think.

Let’s turn your everyday spending into epic adventures together — no coupon clipping required. I promise, this will be the best $19 you spend all year!

The post Credit Card Points & Miles Crash Course appeared first on Easy Travel Points.

American Express® Gold Card Review

Rob Dulgarian — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:45:00 +0000

card_name is perfect for anyone who enjoys food. Whether you prefer dining out or cooking at home, you can earn points quickly when using this card.

American Express’ Membership Rewards program has one of the most valuable point currencies you can earn. They rank high on my list of points to earn because they can be used in so many different ways. In a world where airlines and hotels are constantly devaluing their points, the more options you have to use them, the better.

card_name charges a annual_fees annual fee, see rates and fees. To offset that fee, the card comes with a good welcome offer, excellent bonus categories and a couple annual credits that are designed with the foodie in mind. If you’ve been eyeing this card, let’s take a look and see if it’s right for you.

Welcome Offer

Currently, the card_name comes with a valuable welcome offer. bonus_miles_full Terms apply.

If you don’t want to hassle with transfers, the welcome offer for these points can be quickly redeemed for $600 dollars in free travel. Although I would never recommend you do that, it does give you an idea of what these points can be worth. If you transfer the points to one of American Express’ 22 transfer partners (see below), you can easily unlock even more value.

Earning Points

When you make purchases with the card_name you’ll earn Membership Rewards points on every qualifying purchase. These points are arguably some of the best transferable points currencies out there. Fortunately, this card has some great bonus categories so you can earn them quickly if you spend a lot in those categories.

Dining – This is where the card shines. You’ll earn 4x points on purchases made at restaurants worldwide. The bonus points earned on restaurant purchases are limited to the first $50,000 you spend each year. Regardless, that’s a lot of potential bonus points.

U.S. Supermarkets – You’ll also earn 4x points on purchases made at supermarkets within the U.S. The bonus points on U.S. supermarket purchases are limited to the first $25,000 you spend each year. Again, that’s still a lot of potential bonus points.

Flights – You’ll earn 3x points on all flights purchased directly from an airline or if you book your flights through amextravel.com.

Prepaid Hotels – You will also earn 2x points on all prepaid hotel reservations made through Amextravel.com.

Other Purchases – You’ll ear 1 point for every dollar spent on all other qualifying purchases.

Card Perks

The card_name also comes with several benefits just for having the card. Included in these benefits are two credits that can help offset the annual_fees annual fee. This is where you’ll be able to quickly determine if this card is right for you.

Dining Credit – Each month you can earn up to a $10 credit for purchases made with the card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys locations, enrollment required. If you maximize these credits, that can save you $120 per year.

Hotel Collection Credit – If you book a stay (minimum of 2 nights) through the AMEX Hotel Collection, you can get a $100 credit towards spa treatments or dining at the resort. Plus, you’ll earn 2x points on those hotel stays.

Dunkin Donuts Credit – Each month you can up to a $7 statement credit for purchases made using the card at Dunkin Donuts locations, enrollment required.

Resy Credit – You can also get up to $50 back semi-annually in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with your card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases, enrollment required.

Trip Delay Insurance – This is a new benefit I really like that was added to the card in 2020. Up to $300 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Extended Warranty Coverage – How many times have you had something break soon after you buy it or stop working right after their warranty expires? If you purchased it with this card, you don’t have to worry about it. Your purchases are covered by the purchase protection and extended warranty coverage. I’ve used this benefit repeatedly and this alone has more than covered the cost of the annual fee.

When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

No Foreign Transaction Fees – You will not be charged any purchases made with the card worldwide, See Rates and Fees.

Baggage Insurance – If you purchase your ticket with the card_name, you are eligible for baggage insurance. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Redeeming Chase Points

Membership Rewards points are one of my favorite point currencies because there’s so many ways to use them. I would only recommend transferring them to one of AMEX’s travel partners because that’s where you’ll get the most value. However, there are a few other ways that are easy and straightforward. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different options.

Shopping – You can redeem your points for one of several different store gift cards. You can also redeem your points for purchases while shopping at Amazon.com or BestBuy.com.

AMEX Travel – You can use your points to pay for travel purchases made directly through American Express Travel. You use your points for travel with almost any airline or hotel.

Travel Partners – This is where you can unlock some excellent value with your points. You can use Avios points to book flights to Hawaii from the West Coast, Mexico or short domestic flights, all on American Airlines. Delta frequently offers flash sales around the globe and AMEX is the only way you can transfer points to Delta. There are so many other great options but this should give you an idea of what’s possible.

Transfer Partners

As I mentioned above, here is a list (in alphabetical order) of the travel partners you can transfer your Membership Rewards points to. Except where noted below, your MR points will transfer to these programs at a 1:1 ratio.

Hotel Transfer Partners

Choice Hotels
Hilton – Transfer Ratio 1:2
Marriott

Which Cards Are Similar To The AMEX Gold

It’s hard to compare the card_name to just one other card. It’s unique in that the annual_fees annual fee is higher than other entry level travel cards. Along with the higher annual fee comes a few credits those cards don’t offer. Then, when you compare the benefits of the Gold card to a premium card, they don’t quite measure up . However, those premium cards also charge a much higher annual fee than the card_name. While there’s no great comparison, here are a few options to consider.

card_name – This is one of my favorite entry level travel cards to recommend. The card has a low annual fee but doesn’t have any annual statement credits. You do earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases. It also comes with a solid welcome offer. bonus_miles_full You can read all about the card here.

card_name – This is another good travel card for beginners. bonus_miles_full You can learn more about the card here.

card_name – This card is a great premium card option. bonus_miles_full The Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee but comes with a $300 annual credit for travel purchases. Plus, it comes with a credit for one TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee every 4 years. You will earn 3x on all dining and travel purchases. Here’s more information on this card.

card_name – The AMEX Platinum card is another great option for a premium travel card. This one also has a $695 annual fee, see rates and fees. bonus_miles_full Terms apply. Each year you can get up to a $200 airline fee credit and a $100 credit to Saks Fifth Avenue (enrollment required). You’ll also get access to the Global Lounge Collection, enrollment required, which includes The Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Clubs.

Final Thoughts

If you love eating out or spend a lot of money at grocery stores, the card_name could be an excellent option for you. Membership Rewards points are a great point currency to earn and you can earn them quickly with this card. The one thing I don’t like about this card, is the credits are very focused so they can be inconvenient and sometimes difficult to use. Therefore, if you are able to take full advantage of these credits, then maybe it deserves a spot in your wallet.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, See Rates and Fees

There are other offers out there but in my opinion, these are the best credit card offers on the market. I know there’s not a single credit card that’s perfect for everyone. If you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or email me with a specific question.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, See Rates and Fees.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® From American Express, See Rates and Fees.

The post The Best Credit Card Offers Right Now appeared first on Easy Travel Points.

Ultimate Guide To Visiting Antelope Canyon

Rob Dulgarian — Fri, 19 May 2023 23:00:00 +0000

Antelope Canyon is an incredible slot canyon in northern Arizona. With two canyons to choose from, both make for an experience you’ll never forget.

Antelope Canyon has been on my bucket list for a long time. Seeing pictures of the gorgeous canyons all over the internet has only made me want to visit more. For various reasons, we’ve never been able to fit a visit in our schedule. Finally, last week, we had the chance to take the family and it was even better than I expected.

First, I’ll give you all of the information you’ll need to know about visiting. Then keep reading until the end to see how I used points to offset a lot of the cost.

Where Is Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is located on the Navajo Indian reservation in northern Arizona just outside the city of Page. The location is definitely what makes visiting the canyon a challenge. Unfortunately, none of the major airlines fly into Page, so it’ll be a drive no matter where you’re coming from.

The closest major airports are Phoenix (PHX) or Las Vegas (LAS). Both airports are about a 4.5 hour drive. If you fly in and rent a car, be sure to use Autoslash to save some money.

Booking A Tour

There are two different canyons you can visit; Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Regardless of which on you visit, you will need to book a tour in order to visit the canyon.

We decided to visit the lower Antelope Canyon and booked our tour with Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours. Our tour guide Stacy was the absolute best! She made our visit the best it could be! At the time of publishing, the price was ~$60 for adults and ~$30 for children.

I would recommend booking directly with Dixie (or the other companies). I’ve seen tours on other sites but they were always more expensive.

Which Canyon Should I Visit

A lot of people ask what the difference is between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Here’s what I’ve found based on my research and by talking with our tour guide.

Upper Antelope Canyon – The upper canyon is the more popular of the two canyons because of the light beams that can be seen during the spring and summer. While both canyon tours last about the same amount of time, the length of the upper canyon is about half the size of the lower canyon.

The upper canyon doesn’t have any stairs, so this could be a factor for those with mobility restrictions. We had young kids in our group and climbing the stairs wasn’t an issue, so I wouldn’t let that be a deterrent for those visiting with small children.

Lower Antelope Canyon – The lower canyon is located right next to the visitor’s center, so it’s only a 5 minute walk to the entrance. If you visit the upper canyon, your tour company will drive you to the canyon entrance.

The lower canyon is also more narrow along the canyon floor and wider at the top. This will allow more sunshine to enter the canyon and really highlight the color of the canyon walls.

FAQs

How Far In Advance Should I Book My Tour – Antelope Canyon has definitely become more popular lately, so I would recommend booking as soon as you can. Right now tours are operating at 50% capacity, so they’ll fill up even quicker. Dixie had a very generous cancellation policy, so there really isn’t any risk to booking far in advance.

When Should I Visit – The summer time is the most popular because of the light beams that can been seen from about March thru October. Summer is just a popular time for travel, so it will also be more crowded. Keep in mind there can be a line to enter the canyon, so if you go in the summer it can get hot. We visited in December and had an incredible experience.

What Time Of Day Should I Visit – If seeing the light beams is a must, then I would recommend visiting between 10 – 1 to give yourself the best chance of seeing them.

What Should I Bring On The Tour – Right now, they don’t allow you to take backpacks, purses or other bags. Really, the only thing you can bring is water and your camera.

Where To Stay

You’ll find several hotel options from all of the major chains in Page. No matter which hotel points you have, you’ll be able to find a property to stay at. Just book your stay as soon as you can to give yourself the best chance of finding availability.

Hyatt – We stayed at the Hyatt Place which only cost about 12k points per night. Two of my favorite credit cards that earn Hyatt points are the card_name and the card_name.

Marriott – If you like Marriott properties, they have a Courtyard hotel that will run about 30k points per night. There are a couple Marriott credit cards like the card_name that can help you earn points quickly.

Hilton – Hilton also has a couple locations in Page to choose from that will cost approximately 25k points per night. The card_name has a welcome offer can earn you a chunk of points fast.

IHG – There’s a Holiday Inn Express in the middle of town that costs a modest 12k points a night. If IHG is the brand you prefer, I’d recommend the card_name as a way to earn more points for your trip.

Final Thoughts

If Antelope Canyon hasn’t been on your travel bucket list, it should be. It’s unlike any place I’ve ever been and it’s perfect for all ages and abilities. If you ever find yourself near northern Arizona, I’d highly recommend you plan to stop and spend a day or two here and enjoy these incredible sites.

The post Ultimate Guide To Visiting Antelope Canyon appeared first on Easy Travel Points.

The Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance

Rob Dulgarian — Fri, 19 May 2023 21:32:00 +0000

One of the most underrated benefits some credit cards provide is travel insurance. These protections can help you save a lot of money in the event something goes wrong while you’re traveling.

We’ve all experienced various delays and mishaps while traveling. From flight delays, to lost luggage, these things happen to all of us. Sometimes these events are significant enough that we’ll incur additional expenses as we navigate through the problem. Fortunately, there are several credit cards that offer various travel insurances that will reimburse you for a lot of these expenses.

Each credit card has its own set of rules for which expenses qualify and which items are excluded or limited. Be sure to read your card’s benefits guide so you’re familiar with what’s covered before you run into any problems.

General Guidelines

Each credit card has their own travel insurance rules and limitation. However, there are two items that are pretty standard across the board.

Pay For Travel With The Card – In order for your trip to be covered by the travel insurance, you have to pay for at least part of your travel with the credit card that offers it. Long before I knew anything about credit cards, we decided to take a Mediterranean cruise. Our trip happened to be during the time when the Icelandic volcano was erupting and causing a lot of problems.

We were connecting in London but when we landed our flight to Barcelona was cancelled. In order to make our cruise the next day, we opted to fly to Madrid and then take a train to Barcelona. The train tickets cost us a couple hundred dollars but we didn’t get reimbursed for them because I didn’t pay for our flights with the right credit card.

Reasonable Expenses – Every card benefits guide I’ve ever read states that it will reimburse you for “reasonable” expenses associated with the covered event. This basically means that if you’re stranded overnight and you decide to stay at a high-end luxury hotel when other options are available, you may not get reimbursed.

However, I have seen someone get reimbursed for a $1,000/night hotel room before. Their flight was cancelled because of a snow storm, the roads were closed and that was the only room available in the city. A “reasonable” expense can vary by situation, so just keep that in mind should something happen.

Types Of Travel Insurance

Credit cards can offer a wide range of different travel insurance benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of coverages that are offered. Some cards offer all of these, while others only provide some of them.

Trip delay reimbursement coverage
Trip cancellation or interruption insurance
Protection against lost or damaged baggage
Delayed baggage protection
Rental car insurance
Travel accident insurance

I am a huge fan of these travel protections. They can save you a lot of money if something unexpected happens. Here is a list of my favorite cards that offer excellent travel insurance benefits for free. We’ll start with the personal cards first and then further down we’ll dive into business cards.

card_name

Welcome Bonus – bonus_miles_full

Highlights – Earn 3x points on all travel and dining purchases plus 1x on everything else.

Review – You can read why I think this is the best credit card for frequent travelers here.

Award Travel – The card_name will cover you on award travel as long as your pay for the taxes and fees with this card.

Annual Fee – $550 (Not waived the first year)

Travel Insurance

Rental Car – You get up to $75,000 in primary rental car insurance that covers damage from collisions or theft on rentals of 31 days or less.
Trip Delay Reimbursement – You can get reimbursed up to $500 per ticket if you’re delayed more than 6 hours or an overnight stay is required. This is the best trip delay coverage from any credit card.
Baggage Delay – If your bags are delays for more than 6 hours, you can get reimbursed up to $100 per day for up to 5 days.
Lost or Damaged Baggage – You can get reimbursed for up to $3,000 per passenger. Electronic equipment, jewelry, cameras and watches are limited to $500.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption – Pre-paid, nonrefundable travel expenses are covered up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 for each trip.
Other Coverages – This card also offers an emergency medical and dental benefit, travel accident insurance and a medical evacuation benefit. Please read the benefits guide for the details associated with these coverages.

card_name

Welcome Bonus – bonus_miles_full

Highlights – Earn 2x points on all travel and dining purchases plus 1x on everything else.

Review – You can read why I think this is the best starter rewards credit card.

Award Travel – The card_name will cover you on award travel as long as your pay for the taxes and fees with this card.

Annual Fee – $95 (Not waived the first year)

Travel Insurance

Rental Car – You get primary rental car insurance that covers damage from collisions or theft on rentals of 31 days or less up to the actual cash value of most rental cars.
Trip Delay Reimbursement – You can get reimbursed up to $500 per ticket if you’re delayed more than 6 hours or an overnight stay is required. This is the best trip delay coverage from any credit card.
Baggage Delay – If your bags are delays for more than 12 hours, you can get reimbursed up to $100 per day for up to 5 days.
Lost or Damaged Baggage – You can get reimbursed for up to $3,000 per passenger. Electronic equipment, jewelry, cameras and watches are limited to $500.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption – Pre-paid, nonrefundable travel expenses are covered up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 for each trip.
Travel Accident Insurance – Accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $500,000 for common carrier travel).

card_name

Welcome Bonus – bonus_miles_full Terms apply.

Highlights – Earn a generous 5x points on up to $500,000 in flights booked directly with the airline or through AMEX travel each calendar year and on all eligible prepaid hotel stays booked through American Express Travel. You’ll also earn 1x on other eligible purchases.

Review – You can read my full review of The Platinum Card from American Express here.

Award Travel – card_name will cover you on award travel as long as your pay for the taxes and fees with this card.

Annual Fee – $695 See rates and fees.

Travel Insurance

Rental Car – Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. erms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Trip Delay Reimbursement – You can get reimbursed up to $500 per covered trip if you’re delayed more than 6 hours. You are limited to 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. In order for your trip to be covered, you have to pay for the entire round-trip ticket with your card. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Lost or Damaged Baggage – Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption – Prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses are covered with a maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. You have to pay for the entire round-trip ticket with your card. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

card_name

Welcome Bonus – bonus_miles_full

Highlights – You will earn 3 Ultimate Rewards points on the first $150,000 dollars spent each year on all travel, shipping, Internet, cable, phone services and advertising purchases you make with social media sites and search engines.

Award Travel – The card_name will cover you on award travel as long as you pay for the taxes and fees with this card.

Annual Fee – $95 (Not waived the first year)

Travel Insurance

Rental Car – You get primary rental car coverage that covers damage from collisions or theft up to the full cash value of most rental cars on rentals, that are for business purposes, of 31 days or less. If you’re renting the car for personal reasons in your country of residence, then the coverage becomes secondary.
Trip Delay Reimbursement – You can get reimbursed up to $500 per ticket if you’re delayed as a result of a covered hazard for more than 12 hours or an overnight stay is required.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption – Pre-paid, nonrefundable travel expenses are covered up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 for each trip.

card_name

Welcome Bonus – bonus_miles_full Terms apply.

Highlights – Earn a generous 5x points on all flights and pre-paid hotels booked directly with American Express Travel. You can also earn 1.5x points on all eligible purchases that are $5,000 or more on up to 2 million dollars of these purchases each calendar year. You’ll also earn 1x on other eligible purchases.

Award Travel – To be covered on award travel you must pay for the taxes and fees with card_name

Annual Fee – $695 See rates and fees.

Travel Insurance

Rental Car – Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. erms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Trip Delay Reimbursement – You can get reimbursed up to $500 per covered trip if you’re delayed more than 6 hours. You are limited to 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. In order for your trip to be covered, you have to pay for the entire round-trip ticket with your card. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Lost or Damaged Baggage – Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption – Pre-paid, nonrefundable travel expenses are covered with a maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. You have to pay for the entire round-trip ticket with your card. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

How To File A Claim

Each credit card has a slightly different process for filing a claim. Start by calling the toll free number on the back of your credit card. The representative will connect you with a benefits administrator who will then explain the process. When I have filed a claim in the past, everything was done online.

You will need to gather copies of your receipts and any other documentation they need. Once you have everything, you’ll upload them to a secure online portal. Once your claim is approved, they’ll issue you a reimbursement payment. Be sure to start your claim as soon as you so you don’t miss the window to file a claim.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion the card_name is the best credit card that offers travel insurance. They have the best set of protections, with the least amount of restrictions. If you’re a frequent traveler, this would be the card I would strongly recommend. If you don’t travel a lot, the card_name is another solid option with a much lower annual fee. American Express cards also offer great protections while you’re traveling. My only complaint is they have a few more restrictions than other travel cards.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® From American Express, See Rates and Fees

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® From American Express, See Rates and Fees

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The Platinum Card® by American Express Review

Rob Dulgarian — Fri, 19 May 2023 20:57:00 +0000

card_name is one of the best premium rewards cards you can have. It comes with a great welcome bonus and some fantastic perks; especially if you’re a frequent traveler. If you’re in the market for a new premium card, you need to give this one a good look and see if it’s right for you.

American Express has always been synonymous with luxury. This card definitely reenforces that image. Just by having this card, you will gain access to some fantastic airport lounges, elevated status with select brands and access to the Fine Hotels and Resorts collection. Plus, you’ll be able to earn valuable Membership Rewards points with every qualifying purchase.

Along with these fantastic perks, the card_name charges a higher annual fee of $695, see rates and fees. This is right in line with another excellent premium rewards card, the card_name. Yes, the annual fee is a lot but the benefits can easily be worth more than the cost. Let’s dive in and see if this card is right for you.

The Welcome Bonus

Currently American Express is offering new card_name members a solid welcome bonus. bonus_miles_full Terms apply. Keep in mind that American Express only allows you to earn one welcome bonus in your lifetime per card. If you have already applied for this card in the past and received a bonus, you won’t be eligible to earn another one.

Occasionally, American Express will also offer targeted offers with a higher bonus for this card. I will keep this page updated with the most current public offer that’s available to everyone. However, if you happen to see an elevated offer show up in your mailbox, you’ll want to take a closer look.

The Benefits & Perks

card_name comes with several incredible benefits that includes statement credits on select purchases. This is where the rubber meets the road when you’re deciding if this card is right for you. If you can get more value out of these benefits than the cost of the annual fee, then this is a no-brainer. The quickest way to getting value is through the several credits this card offers. Let’s take a look at top benefits that come with this card.

Global Entry – You get up to a $100 statement credit towards TSA PreCheck ($85) or Global Entry ($100) fees when you charge them to the card, enrollment required. After applying for one of the programs, you will again be eligible for this credit once every 4 years for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck. If you’re already enrolled, you can use the credit towards a family member or friend’s application.

Airline Fee Credits – Each year you can receive up to $200 in statement credits good towards airline incidental fees. This credit is only good for one airline that you select each year.

Saks Credit – Each year you’ll get up to $100 in credits towards purchases made at Saks, enrollment required. These credits are split into two $50 credits that are valid in each half of the year.

Airport Lounges – card_name gives you access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, enrollment required. This includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass lounges and others. This is an excellent perk if you’re a frequent traveler.

AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts – You’ll have access to book hotel stays with this program. Each stay booked through this program comes with great perks like free breakfast for two and spa credits.

Hotel Status – You’ll get complimentary Gold status with both the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs.

Earning Membership Rewards Points

card_name offers two excellent bonus categories for earning Membership Rewards points. You can earn 5x points on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked directly with the airlines or through AMEX travel. You will also earn 5x points on all prepaid hotel stays booked through AMEX travel. Terms apply. If you book most of your travel this way, the points can really add up quickly.

While other cards let you earn 2x or 3x on a broader range of travel purchases, these categories can still be very lucrative. If you travel a lot, you can easily earn significantly more points with this card.

In addition to the bonus categories, you will also earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases.

Redeeming Your Points

Membership Rewards points are some of the best out there because they are so flexible to use. If you want to get the most value, the best way to redeem them is by transferring them to one of AMEX’s 19 travel partners. If you love to fly Delta, AMEX is their exclusive transfer partner so this is one way to quickly boost your SkyMiles account.

In most cases, these points transfer immediately but others can take a day or two. You can see a full list of AMEX’s transfer partners and the time it takes to transfer your points here. When you transfer your points, you can take advantage of some really great redemption options.

American Express also gives you another easy redemption option. You can use your points to book flights and hotels through AMEX Travel. Your points are worth 1 cent per point when redeemed for airfare and less than that for hotels when booked directly with AMEX Travel. Compared to value you can get by transferring your points, I would never recommend doing this but it is an option.

However, if you also have card_name you can get a 35% rebate on your points when you book your airfare through American Express Travel.

Other Considerations

Chase 5/24 – If you are below the Chase 5/24 Rule, I would recommend waiting to get this card. My favorite way to earn points quickly is through the Chase Trifecta, so I would prioritize getting these cards first. Once you have that established, then I would move on to this card.

Your Travel Schedule – If you travel infrequently, this card may not be the best option for you. The majority of the benefits and perks that come with this card cater to the frequent traveler. If you aren’t able to take advantage of these, then it’s probably worth looking at a different card until you can utilize these benefits.

Final Thoughts

card_name is an excellent choice for frequent travelers. With a high earning rate on select travel purchases and so many great perks, it can make traveling even more enjoyable and rewarding. If you’re going to pay the high annual fee, just make sure you’re able to get sufficient value out of the credits and other benefits. If you can, this card could be perfect for you. However, if you don’t travel very often but love American Express, you may want to look at the card_name.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® From American Express, See Rates and Fees.

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Why The Platinum Card® by American Express Is Great For Active Duty Military

Rob Dulgarian — Fri, 19 May 2023 14:10:00 +0000

We are all incredibly thankful to those who serve in our military to protect our freedoms. American Express is going the extra mile by waiving credit card annual fees for all active duty service members. That’s why The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent option for those who are on active duty in the military.

The Platinum Card® from American Express normally comes with a $695 annual fee, see rates and fees. Thanks to the fee waiver, active duty military service members can have all of the phenomenal benefits for free!

Plus, The Platinum Card® from American Express is currently offering new card holders a valuable welcome bonus. bonus_miles_full Terms apply. When you combine the welcome bonus, card benefits and no annual fee, this quickly becomes an easy decision. Now I’ll show you how easily it is to take advantage of this offer.

How To Qualify

American Express has generously waived the annual fees on their personal credit cards for active duty personnel. While not required by the the Military Lending Act (MLA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), American Express has chosen to go the extra mile for military members. To qualify for these benefits, you have to be on active duty for at least 30 days with any of the major branches of the military

There are a couple ways to have these benefits applied to your account. Log into your American Express account, under Account Services, then SCRA, and then submit the required documentation. You can also submit a request, or ask any additional questions, by calling them at 1-800-253-1720. You can also call them collect at 1-336-393-1111 if you are out of the country. American Express will issue you a statement credit for the annual fee within a few weeks after confirming eligibility.

Which Card Should I Get

In my opinion, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (which also waives the annual fee for active duty military) barely edges out the The Platinum Card® from American Express. Don’t get me wrong, the AMEX Platinum is an excellent card with fantastic benefits. Especially when you don’t have to pay the annual fee. It really comes down to which benefits you think you’ll use the most. I would review the perks and benefits that come with each card and choose the one you value the most.

There’s no rule that says you can’t have both cards in your wallet. If you decide to get both, be sure to give yourself enough time to earn each welcome bonus. I would recommend prioritizing the Chase cards you want because of their infamous 5/24 rule. You don’t want to be declined for a card you like just because you didn’t apply for them in the right order. Now let’s review a lot of the incredible benefits of the The Platinum Card® from American Express.

American Express Platinum Card Benefits

Centurion Lounge Access – I am a huge fan of the Centurion lounges so this is one of my favorite benefits of the The Platinum Card® from American Express. There aren’t many of these lounges but if you can find one, they’re fantastic!

Delta Sky Club – The AMEX Platinum card also gives you free access to the Delta Sky Clubs. Access is restricted only to the cardholder on the day you’re flying on Delta. If you’re traveling with a companion, up to 2 companions can join you in the club for an additional fee.

Airline Fee Credit – Each year you get up to $200 in statement credits towards fees charged by an airline that you choose. These credits can be used towards baggage fees, food and other eligible items. Since you didn’t have to pay the annual fee for this card, that’s just free money!

PreCheck or Global Entry Fee Credit – The Platinum Card® from American Express also comes with an fee credit worth up to $100 on your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application. Simply pay for the application fee with your Platinum card and a credit will issued to your account. That’s right, more free money! If you already PreCheck, you can also use the credit for someone else’s application fee.

Priority Pass Membership – When you have the Sapphire Reserve card you also get a free membership to Priority Pass lounges. There are over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide you can access for free. Plus, you are able to bring guests traveling with you into the lounges for free as well. There are also several airport restaurants that give you a food credit as part of your membership.

Hotel Status – Just for having The Platinum Card® from American Express in your wallet, you’ll get gold status at both Marriott and Hilton. This perk will make traveling for work a little more enjoyable.

There are several other benefits that accompany this card just for having it. Be sure to look those over as well when you apply for the card so you can get the most out of using it.

More American Express Cards To Consider

American Express® Gold Card – bonus_miles_full Terms apply. You’ll receive 4x Membership Rewards points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets and dining on the first $25,000 spent each year and then 1x after that. Plus you’ll earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines.

Each month you’ll also receive a $10 credit when you use your card with Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory and other select restaurants.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card – This card is great if you enjoy flying with Delta. bonus_miles_full Terms apply. This card comes with excellent benefits like a free Sky Club membership and a free companion certificate each anniversary year.

Final Thoughts

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great option for those who are on active duty in the military. There are so many fantastic benefits that come with the card. When you’re not paying the annual fee it should be easy to extract a lot of value from the card. This deal is so good, be sure to share it will all of your friends who serve alongside you. Thank you all for your service!

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The Ultimate Credit Card Transfer Partners Guide

Rob Dulgarian — Thu, 18 May 2023 14:42:00 +0000

We all want to get the most value out of our credit card points and transferring them to one of their travel partners is the best way to do it. However, it can be difficult to keep track of which credit card points can transfer to each airline or hotel. That’s why I decided to compile a list of all of the major credit card transfer partners into one place.

This master list gives you each of the major banks with their corresponding transfer partners. I have also included the transfer ratio, as well as how long the transfer takes to go through. Hopefully this list makes planning your next vacation a little easier.

Remember, once you transfer your points to one of the travel partners, this can’t be undone. Be sure there is award availability before you transfer your points. A lot of the points will transfer instantly; however, some can take hours or days. Make sure you take this into consideration you transfer your points.

To make them easier to find, I’ve listed the transfer partners for each credit card currency in alphabetical order.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Airline Transfer Partners

Aer Lingus – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

British Airways – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Iberia – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

JetBlue – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Singapore Airlines – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 24 hours

Southwest – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

United – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Virgin Atlantic – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Hotel Transfer Partners

Hyatt – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

IHG – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 1 day

Marriott – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer in 2 days

American Express Membership Rewards

The Membership Rewards program from American Express also has fantastic transfer partners. In fact, American Express is the only credit card company that allows you to transfer points to Delta. They also have 18 other airline and hotel transfer partners so there are a lot of great options to choose from.

If you’re a frequent traveler, card_name is a great way to earn Membership Rewards points quickly. bonus_miles_full Terms apply. You can read more about this card here.

Airline Transfer Partners

Aer Lingus – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Aeromexico – Transfer Ratio 1:1.6 – Points transfer in 24 hours

Air Canada – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Alitalia – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

All Nippon – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer in 48 hours

British Airways – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Cathay Pacific – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer in 48 hours

Delta – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

El Al – Transfer Ratio 50:1 – Points transfer instantly

Emirates – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Hawaiian Airlines – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Iberia – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer in 48 hours

JetBlue – Transfer Ratio 1.25:1 – Points transfer instantly

Singapore Airlines – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 24 hours

Virgin Atlantic – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Hotel Transfer Partners

Choice Hotels – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Hilton – Transfer Ratio 1:2 – Points transfer instantly

Marriott – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Capital One Transfer Partners

Recently Capital One added the ability to transfer their points to one of their 15 airline partners. I love the move because it gives card holders more ways to use their credit card points. Unfortunately, the only US airline transfer partner is Jet Blue, so there’s still room for improvement. Also, the transfer ratios are a little confusing and a lot of the transfers don’t happen instantly.

Capital One does have some good airline partners, so it’s definitely worth taking a look. If you’re looking to increase your points balance, you should consider adding the card_name to your wallet. Right now, new card holders can earn up to 75,000 bonus points!

Airline Transfer Partners

Aeromexico – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Air Canada – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Avianca – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer in 48 hours

British Airways – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Cathay Pacific – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer in 5 days

Emirates – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Etihad – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 24 hours

Eva – Transfer Ratio 2:1.5 – Points transfer in 48 hours

Finnair – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Qantas – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 24 hours

Singapore – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer in 48 hours

TAP Air Portugal – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Turkish Airlines – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Hotel Transfer Partners

Accor Limitless – Transfer Ratio 2:1 – 1 business day

Choice Privileges – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – TBD points transfer time

Wyndham Rewards – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Citi Transfer Partners

Citibank lets you earn ThankYou points when you use some of their cards like the Citi Prestige and card_name. These credit card points can then be transferred to one of Citi’s 15 airline partners. Unfortunately, the only domestic airline on the list you can’t transfer your points to directly is JetBlue.

The last thing to consider with ThankYou points is that most of the transfers aren’t instantaneous, so keep that in mind when you’re transferring your points.

Airline Transfer Partners

Avianca – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Cathay Pacific – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 24 hours

Emirates – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Ethidad – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 7 days

Eva – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 3 days

Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Garuda – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 2 days

Jet Airways – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

JetBlue – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Malaysian – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 2 days

Qantas – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 2 days

Qatar – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 2 days

Singapore – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 2 days

Thai Royal – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 7 days

Turkish Airlines – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer within 2 days

Virgin Atlantic – Transfer Ratio 1:1 – Points transfer instantly

Final Thoughts

The best way to get the most out of your credit card points is by using one of their transfer partners to redeem your points. I know it can be a little intimidating when you first start out but just remember, you don’t have to be an expert in every program to find a great value. Simply start with the airline you fly most often then do a little research. If you ever have questions, or need help, leave me a comment below or send me an email. I’m always happy to help!

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How To Fly To Hawaii For 26,000 Points Or Less

Rob Dulgarian — Sat, 13 May 2023 05:59:00 +0000

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s no wonder why so many people visit the Islands every year. Because it’s such a popular tourist destination, the cost to get there is typically pretty expensive. The great thing about using points to travel is there are some fantastic sweet spots to take advantage of. If you live on the West Coast, there’s a way to book a round-trip flight to Hawaii with just 26,000 points.

Hawaii Sweet Spot

The way to book these tickets, is by using your British Airways Avios miles to book a flight on their One World partner, American Airlines. British Airways uses a mileage-based award chart to redeem points for flights on British Airways or with their partner airlines. Based on their award chart, you can book flights that are less than 3,000 miles for only 13,000 Avios each way.

Fortunately for everyone on the West Coast, Hawaii is located just under 3,000 miles from the mainland. British Airways calculates the cost of the award based on each flight segment, so this deal only works on nonstop flights. British Airways partners with both American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, so there are plenty of nonstop options from multiple West Coast cities.

American Airlines – You can fly nonstop from either Los Angeles or Phoenix to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai or Kona.

Alaska Airlines – Flying on Alaska Airlines gives you options to fly out of many more cities than American does. You can fly to the Hawaiian Islands from any of these cities; Anchorage, Bellingham, Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle.

How To Find Award Availability

When you start your search to see if award space is available, be aware that availability on Alaska doesn’t show up on the British Airways website. I always start my search on American’s site because they are partners with Alaska too and have access to their award space. Just be sure you log in to your frequent flyer account first. When you do your search, you’ll want to look for dates that have Mile Saver availability.

If you’re planning to fly on Alaska Airlines, you’ll need to call British Airways and book the flight over the phone. Just have the flights you found available to give to the phone agent to make the call go quicker. Before transferring points to your Avios account, I would call them and confirm the availability of the Alaska flight with them first. If you’re flying on American, you can go to BA’s website and confirm the flight is available there.

After you select the nonstop flights you want, you’ll see the total is 26,000 miles plus the $11.20 for the airport taxes.

Booking Flights

Once you have confirmed the flights you want are available, you’ll need to transfer enough points to your Avios account. Simply log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards account and find British Airways by selecting “transfer to travel partners”. Every time I’ve transferred points from my UR account to BA, it has taken less than 5 minutes for the points to show up in my Avios account.

If you’re flying on Alaska, I would politely ask the agent to wait a moment while you transfer the points. Just be sure you’re already logged into your Chase account and ready to go before you make the call. Once your points are in your account, book your flights to the Aloha State.

How To Book For Less

This sweet spot works any day of the year, as long as there is availability on the flights you’re looking. However, sometimes it is possible to book flights to Hawaii with less than 26,000 points.

Transfer Bonuses – Occasionally, credit card companies will offer bonus points if you transfer your points to British Airways. Recently, Chase UR offered a 30% bonus on points transferred to BA. In this case, you could book your flights to Hawaii for only 20,000 points! Keep an eye out for these transfer bonuses if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii.

Travel Portals – Periodically, I’ve also seen some really great sales to Hawaii from the West Coast. If you have the card_name, card_name or card_name you can redeem your points for travel at a fixed rate. Based on their redemption rates, if you see a fare for less than $390 and you have the Sapphire Reserve card, it will cost you fewer points by booking through Chase. The same is true if you find a fare for less than $325 and use one of the other cards.

Do You Need More Points

Are you a few points short for your trip to Hawaii or are you just starting out earning miles? My favorite way to accumulate points for this redemption is by using my Chase cards that earn Ultimate Rewards. By using the card_name, card_name and Chase Freedom Flex cards together, you can easily build up your balance over time. However, if you need points in a hurry, the quickest way to get them is through a welcome bonus.

You can transfer both Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express’ Membership Rewards points to British Airways. Keep in mind the 5/24 Rule if you’re applying for a new Chase card. Right now, the cards with the best welcome bonuses are:

card_name – bonus_miles_full This is a great bonus for this card. Here’s why I think this is the best rewards card for people to start earning points.
card_name – bonus_miles_full Terms apply. You can read my review of the card here.
card_name – bonus_miles_full. Here’s why I think this is the best travel rewards card out there.

Final Thoughts

Remember that Hawaii is a popular destination and will require some flexibility when looking for award space. If there’s no availability, try other dates or check back periodically because awards seats can open up later. We planned our trip when the kids were out of school for Spring Break. At first there was no availability at all during the week we wanted to go. I checked back every week and few months before we wanted to go, seats became available on multiple flights.

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Credit Card Ground Rules

Rob Dulgarian — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 18:47:00 +0000

One of the fastest and easiest ways to earn points and miles towards your next vacation is through the use of credit cards. Here is a list of a few credit card ground rules that will help you along the way.

By using them to purchase the things you buy every day, along with the lucrative sign-up bonuses, the points can really add up quickly. However, not using your cards correctly can cost you valuable points, or worse. If you follow the rules, you will be able to maximize the points you earn and avoid some serious pitfalls.

Pay Your Bill In Full EVERY Time

The first credit card ground rule is to pay your bill, in full, EVERY MONTH. Using credit cards is the fastest and easiest way to accumulate points and miles. If you’re going to use them, you need to do so responsibly. One of the quickest ways to erode the value of your points is to carry a balance on your cards. The fees and interest you’ll be charge will offset the value of any points you will earn by using them.

Losing value on the points you earn is the smaller problem you will encounter if you don’t use your cards wisely. The bigger problem you’ll have is that you will ruin your personal financial situation. Let me be explicitly clear, if you do not pay your credit card bill in full, every month, DO NOT use credit cards or open any new accounts. No vacation is worth going into debt for.

I know a lot of people who prefer using a debit card because they don’t like to get a large bill at the end of the month. If you’re like this, there’s nothing that says you can’t pay off your purchases early. Take a look at your account each week and send off a payment to cover what you’ve spent.

Do A Little Planning

I’m not suggesting you sit down and write a 50 page thesis before you start earning points. I am recommending that you have a general idea of what you’re working towards. Set a travel goal and work backwards from there.

If your bucket list includes staying in an over-water bungalow, don’t open a hotel branded credit card whose points can’t be redeemed where you want to stay. Also, take a look at where you spend the most of your money and find a credit card that rewards you for those purchases. Which brings me to my next rule…

Take Advantage Of Bonus Categories

Several rewards cards will offer you bonus points when you use their cards to make purchases in select categories. Some of the most popular categories are travel, grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants. Review your spending habits and see where you spend the most money. Then find a card that will reward you for making those purchases.

For example, the card_name will earn 3x the points on dining and the card_name will earn triple the points on travel. The Chase Freedom Flex card has rotating categories each month where you can earn five times the points on those purchases. Just be sure you use the right card at the right time to maximize the amount of points you’re earning.

Cards With Annual Fees Can Be Great

Most people’s first reaction to credit cards that have a high annual fee is to run away. While each card is not always a good fit for everyone, they are a good fit for a lot of people. Credit cards that charge an annual fee will typically come with some really great benefits.

These benefits, along with the sign-up bonus, can easily be more valuable than the cost of the annual fee. In fact, a lot of times, the card issuer will even waive the annual fee during the first year. This will give you sufficient time to use the card and see if how valuable those benefits are to you.

Get Your Sign-Up Bonus

The quickest way to boost your point balance is through credit card welcome offers. Most cards will give you a bonus after you spend a certain amount in a specific time frame. For example, my favorite travel card for beginner’s (here’s why I love it) is the card_name.

bonus_miles_full This is an incredible offer so you don’t want to make a mistake that will cause you to miss out on this bonus. Here are a couple things to think of when it comes to a sign-up bonus:

Your Spending Habits – Don’t sign up for a credit card that requires you to spend $5k in the first 3 months if you typically only spend $500/month. Plan ahead to make sure you’re able to meet the spending requirement within the required time frame.

Also, don’t overspend just to meet a welcome bonus threshold. It makes absolutely ZERO sense to spend $1k on something you don’t need, just to get $500 worth of points. If you can’t meet the spending requirements through your normal spending patterns, DON’T open a new account.

When Does The Clock Start Ticking – Generally, the time starts once your application is approved and not when you receive or activate your card. You don’t want to miss out on a large sign-up bonus by miscalculating the time you have to meet the spending requirement.

Only Actual Spending Counts – The only things that count toward the required spending threshold is actual spending. Annual fees, other fees, balances you transfer from other cards, etc. don’t count. Speaking of fees…

Pay Your Bills On Time

Make sure you pay your credit card bills on time, every time! Paying your bills late can affect your credit score and your ability to qualify for the best offers. Plus, you have to pay a late fee and interest if you’re late and nobody likes throwing money away on fees.

Some people recommend using your bank’s auto-pay features to prevent this from happening but I don’t like using it. If my bill is paid automatically, I’ll get into the bad habit of not reviewing the charges each month. While it doesn’t happened a lot, I’ll occasionally find charges for things I thought I cancelled or fraudulent charges when I review my bill. A better practice would be to set yourself a monthly calendar reminder so you don’t forget to pay it on time.

Don’t Let Your Points Expire

Each program has different requirements for keeping your miles from expiring. And some, like Delta’s Skymiles, never expire. While each one is different, most of them make it really easy for you to keep your points. A simple thing, like making a purchase through their shopping portal, can reset the expiration clock. Set an annual reminder for yourself to review each of your loyalty programs to make sure none of your points expire.

Don’t Forfeit Your Points

Another important ground rule for credit card points is don’t forfeit any of your hard-earned points. There may be a time where you sign up for a card later decide it’s not a good fit for your goals. If this happens, be sure to redeem all of your points before closing your account.

If you have a cobranded airline or hotel card, you don’t have to worry about this because your points are automatically transferred to your loyalty account each month. You worked hard for your points, don’t give them away!

Final Thoughts

Earning points and miles isn’t rocket science. Yes, you’ll make a few mistakes along the way but that’s OK. By following these simple ground rules you will get the most out of your credit cards and avoid big mistakes. Just keep moving forward and soon you’ll be booking your vacation of a lifetime.

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Membership Rewards Archives - Easy Travel Points

Credit Card Points & Miles Crash Course

You can Do it too

What you’ll Learn

Why You need this course

Who is this course for

American Express® Gold Card Review

Welcome Offer

Earning Points

Card Perks

Redeeming Chase Points

Transfer Partners

Airline Partners

Hotel Transfer Partners

Which Cards Are Similar To The AMEX Gold

Final Thoughts

The Best Credit Card Offers Right Now

Final Thoughts

Ultimate Guide To Visiting Antelope Canyon

Where Is Antelope Canyon

Booking A Tour

Which Canyon Should I Visit

FAQs

Where To Stay

Final Thoughts

The Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance

General Guidelines

Types Of Travel Insurance

How To File A Claim

Final Thoughts

The Platinum Card® by American Express Review

The Welcome Bonus

The Benefits & Perks

Earning Membership Rewards Points

Redeeming Your Points

Other Considerations

Final Thoughts

Why The Platinum Card® by American Express Is Great For Active Duty Military

How To Qualify

Which Card Should I Get

American Express Platinum Card Benefits

More American Express Cards To Consider

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Credit Card Transfer Partners Guide

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Airline Transfer Partners

Hotel Transfer Partners

American Express Membership Rewards

Airline Transfer Partners

Hotel Transfer Partners

Capital One Transfer Partners

Airline Transfer Partners

Hotel Transfer Partners

Citi Transfer Partners

Airline Transfer Partners

Final Thoughts

How To Fly To Hawaii For 26,000 Points Or Less

Hawaii Sweet Spot

How To Find Award Availability

Booking Flights

How To Book For Less

Do You Need More Points

Final Thoughts

Credit Card Ground Rules

Pay Your Bill In Full EVERY Time

Do A Little Planning

Take Advantage Of Bonus Categories

Cards With Annual Fees Can Be Great

Get Your Sign-Up Bonus

Pay Your Bills On Time

Don’t Let Your Points Expire

Don’t Forfeit Your Points

Final Thoughts