Credit Card Rewards
Why Credit Cards?
You must be wondering why a family travel blog is yapping about credit cards, specifically travel credit cards. Well, there are multiple reasons, but here are the top three that make these little pieces of plastic indispensable for our family adventures.
Trip Insurance
Life happens, and travel plans can go sideways in a heartbeat. Whether it’s a delayed flight, lost luggage, or an unexpected illness, having trip insurance through your travel credit card can save the day.
Fraud Protection
Traveling means using your card in unfamiliar places, which can sometimes attract the wrong kind of attention. The robust fraud protection offered by travel credit cards gives us peace of mind.
Attached Bonuses
Who doesn’t love perks? From sign-up bonuses to earning points on everyday purchases to enjoying complimentary lounge access and hotel upgrades, the bonuses attached to travel credit cards are a game changer.
The 'Why Not' of Credit Cards?
- Diving into the world of credit card rewards is not for everyone, especially if keeping up with balances isn’t your strong suit. Here’s the deal: if you have a history of late payments, it’s better to steer clear of this strategy. The stakes are high—missed payments can lead to hefty interest charges and fees, not to mention the long-term damage to your credit score.
- I personally set all my credit cards to auto-pay. It’s a safeguard that ensures I never miss a payment, regardless of what’s going on. Sure, if there’s an overcharge, you can address it afterward without penalty. This approach isn’t just about convenience; it’s about maintaining a healthy credit status and making the most of the rewards without the drawbacks. If you’re not sure you can manage balances meticulously, it might be wise to prioritize getting those habits in place first.
Our Credit Card Journey
Back when we first scored decent jobs and began jet-setting more frequently, travel insurance was a non-negotiable for us, especially for the bigger trips. For years, we relied on our trusty Costco Citi Card, which nicely bundled travel insurance with its other benefits. But, as luck would have it, that perk was axed, sending us on a quest for a new go-to travel card.
Enter the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Now, I know what you’re thinking—$95 annual fees? Who pays those? We were skeptical too, but the allure of a juicy points bonus and robust card benefits, including travel insurance, was too good to pass up. Taking the plunge turned out to be a no-brainer. The card isn’t just about racking up points to play the transfer game; cashing out points directly is also insanely rewarding. For the vast majority, the Chase Sapphire Preferred hits the sweet spot: stellar sign-up bonus, top-tier benefits, and straightforward points cash-out. It’s practically a traveler’s best friend.
Leveling Up with Credit Card Points: Mastering the Transfer Game
- For the adventurous or those willing to dive into the details, the real magic of credit card points unfolds when you transfer them to airline and hotel partners. Admittedly, we started out by cashing out our points directly—easy, straightforward, but not exactly squeezing every drop of value from them. The idea of navigating through transfer partners and optimizing every point seemed daunting at first.
- However, as we delved deeper and tapped into some solid resources, the fog began to clear. Mastering the transfer process turned our point redemption strategy from basic to brilliant. Researching flights and hotels, and planning trips with points morphed into an engaging hobby. Not only did our vacations become more affordable, but they also stepped up in luxury.
- So, for those on the fence, consider this: a little effort in learning the points transfer game can dramatically elevate your travel game, making those dream destinations a lot more attainable and your travel experiences richer.
Our Go-To Resource for Credit Card Point Mastery: If you’re looking to dive deep into the world of credit card point redemptions, we can’t recommend enough the expert insights from Max Miles Points on YouTube.