How To Plan Your First Trip With Travel Rewards
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DisclosuresIf you are new to the world of travel rewards, everything might seem a little overwhelming at first. You hear people throwing around words like “redemption”, “sweet spot” and “positioning flight”. The terminology travel rewards enthusiasts use might seem like a foreign language at first. But no worries, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions every travel rewards beginner should consider when they start to dabble in travel rewards.
If you really want to maximize your travel rewards check out Ultimate Guide to Credit Card Travel Rewards series.
A good place to start is to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit cards. Because of Chase’s strict application rules, I always recommend you start your travel rewards journey with Chase Ultimate Rewards® earning cards. Ultimate Rewards are the most flexible currency and can be used in many ways to provide free or almost free travel.
You should always have a credit card opening strategy. Avoid applying for cards just because it is being touted as the “best card ever” and don’t get distracted by the shiny objects in the form of “increased, limited-time offers” and other buzzwords. Lots of credit cards earn rewards that are hard to use or are not as valuable. Keep your eyes on the prize, and remember not all points and miles are created equal.
Travel Rewards Cards To Consider
As a beginner, you want to have a stash of travel rewards points that are flexible, easy to use, and provide excellent value, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards® points or American Express Membership Rewards® points. If you aren’t sure yet where you want to travel, or can’t travel because of family circumstances, etc., that is certainly okay. Start collecting these points that are extremely flexible because they can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners to become those points & miles in your program of choice!
Top Travel Rewards Offers
New To Travel Rewards? This Card Is For You!
Ready to unlock a world of free travel?
Start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Details: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | $95 annual fee
Most Flexible Travel Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card can be used to offset almost any travel expense.
Details: $95 annual fee | 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Most Flexible Travel Card
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can be used to offset almost any travel expense. $95 annual fee | Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Choose FI has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Choose FI and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. American Express is a ChooseFI advertiser.
Disclosures