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Travel Rewards: How To Travel the World Almost Free
Travel Rewards
Ep. 009 · · 1h 1m 1s

Travel Rewards: How To Travel The World For Almost Free (The Easy Way)

Travel rewards can dramatically enhance your travel experience and save you money. Jonathan and Brad share the practical strategies for maximizing credit card rewards. From understanding the Chase Ult...

Hosted by Brad Barrett & Jonathan Mendonsa
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ChooseFI has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. ChooseFI and CardRatings may earn compensation from card issuers when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. All information about the card(s) on this page has been collected independently by ChooseFI. American Express is a ChooseFI advertiser.

Travel can be one of life’s richest experiences—but also one of the most expensive. For many families, the high cost of flights, hotels, and car rentals makes it feel out of reach. But what if you could turn your everyday spending into free flights and luxury stays? Through the power of travel rewards, you can do exactly that.

This guide will walk you through the travel rewards strategy used by thousands, including ChooseFI’s Jonathan Mendonsa, who turned $6,000 flights to Zimbabwe into a $200 out-of-pocket cost. Whether you dream of Costa Rica, Hawaii, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe, this approach can make it happen—without breaking your budget.


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What Is Travel Rewards?

Travel rewards involve using credit card points and loyalty programs to earn free or deeply discounted travel. This isn’t about spending more—it’s about spending smarter.

Top Travel Card

Ready to unlock a world of free travel? Start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

$95 annual fee | Earn 75,000 bonus points

Best Card for Side Hustlers and Business Owners

Side hustlers! With the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card you can earn free travel from your business expenses.

$95 annual fee | Earn 100,000 bonus points

Most Flexible Travel Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card can be used to offset almost any travel expense.

$95 annual fee | Earn more than $1,000 in Travel Bonuses with a limited-time $300 Capital One Travel stays credit, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening—that's more than $1,000 in travel value

ChooseFI has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. ChooseFI and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

The key is earning sign-up bonuses, optimizing point redemptions, and using programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards to your advantage.


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