Are you ready to turn your wanderlust dreams into reality? If you've been longing to explore the world without breaking the bank, travel hacking with credit cards might be your golden ticket. In this guide, we'll dive into the best credit cards for travel hacking, so you can earn more rewards, score free flights and accommodations, and ultimately embark on your next adventure sooner than you thought possible. Say hello to travel experiences that are rewarding in more ways than one!
The best credit cards for travel hacking offer lucrative rewards, flexible redemption options, and valuable perks. Here are the top contenders for savvy millennial travelers:
Best Credit Cards For Travel Hacking Table of Contents
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months
- Rewards structure: 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on everything else
- Annual fee: $95
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a powerhouse travel rewards card that offers a generous sign-up bonus and impressive ongoing rewards. Points can be transferred to over a dozen travel partners or redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at 25% higher value. The card also includes helpful travel perks, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months
- Rewards structure: 2x miles on every purchase
- Annual fee: $95
The Capital One Venture Rewards Card offers simple and flexible travel rewards, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer straightforward redemptions. Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses at a flat rate, or transferred to more than 10 travel partners. The card also comes with a credit for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, adding convenience to your travel experience.
3. American Express Platinum Card
- Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months
- Rewards structure: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, 5x points on hotels booked through Amex Travel, 1x point on other purchases
- Annual fee: $695
If you're looking for premium travel benefits and excellent rewards on flights, the American Express Platinum Card is your go-to choice. Despite the high annual fee, the card's perks, such as a $200 airline fee credit, airport lounge access, and complimentary hotel status, can more than make up for it. Points can be transferred to over 20 travel partners or redeemed for travel through Amex Travel.
4. Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months
- Rewards structure: 3x points on dining, gas, rideshares, transit, flights, hotels, and more, 1x points on other purchases
- Annual fee: $0
Budget-minded travel hackers will appreciate the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card's robust rewards structure and lack of an annual fee. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards at a flat rate, making it flexible and easy to use. The card also includes cell phone protection and no foreign transaction fees.
Best Credit Cards For Travel Hacking Example:
Imagine you obtain the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and meet the $4,000 spending requirement within the first 3 months, earning you 60,000 points. You then redeem these points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for a round-trip flight to Europe, which is worth $750 thanks to the 25% higher value. If you add in the rewards earned from everyday spending and dining, you're likely to be well on your way to your next free flight in no time.
Once you've chosen the right travel rewards credit card for you, it's time to put your savvy travel hacking skills to the test. When you're lounging on a beach in Bali or exploring the streets of Paris on your next adventure, you'll be grateful you took the plunge. Empower yourself to hack your way to affordable globetrotting with the perfect travel credit card!
If this guide was helpful, please share it with fellow aspiring travel hackers and check out Flik Eco's other guides for more personal finance wisdom and insights.
