%20VVLogo.png)
The Benefits of Using a Travel Credit Card From a Travel Agent
Updated: Sep 2
As a travel agent, I've seen firsthand the benefits of using a travel credit card to earn points. For those who are financially responsible, a travel credit card can be a great way to save money on future travel. Specifically for those long haul flights to Europe!
Here are some of the benefits of using a travel credit card to earn points:
You can earn points for every dollar you spend. This includes purchases made at restaurants, gas stations, and even online retailers.
You can redeem your points for free flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
Some travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that can be worth thousands of points.
Foreign transaction fees are covered by some of them ensuring you’re never paying an additional fees just to use the card in another country.
Many travel credit cards offer travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance and even free TSA pre-check.
If you're considering getting a travel credit card, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the card. This includes the annual fee, the interest rate, and the rewards program.
Be sure the annual fee and the rewards match the amount of travel you will do. There is no reason to pay for something you won’t use. However, if there is an annual fee and the rewards pretty much cancel out that fee it is worth it.
Pay your bill in full each month. This will help you avoid interest charges and build your credit history.
If you're financially responsible and use a travel credit card wisely, you can save a lot of money on future travel. Here are some of my favorite travel credit cards:
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Vic and Katie's Travel Card
This is our go-to card if you travel frequently and actually use the benefits. The current welcome offer is 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months. The card earns 8x points on purchases through Chase Travel and 4x on flights and hotels booked directly.
The annual fee is hefty at $795, so this is NOT a card I would recommend just because you want points. You need to actually travel enough to take advantage of the benefits and credits to make that annual fee worthwhile.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Jess' Travel Card
If you want to get into the travel points game without the giant annual fee, this is probably where I'd start. The Sapphire Preferred currently has a 75,000-point welcome offer and a $95 annual fee.
One HUGE benefit of having either a Sapphire Preferred or Reserve is the ability to combine eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards points you already have and then access Chase's travel transfer partners. This is where points can become especially valuable when you're trying to get yourself into that lie-flat business-class seat to Europe.
United Explorer Card
If United is a hub airline for you, I really like looking at a United card alongside a more flexible travel card like Sapphire.
The Explorer currently offers up to 60,000 bonus miles: 50,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus another 10,000 after adding an authorized user during those first 3 months.
You also get a free first checked bag, priority boarding and two United Club one-time passes each year. The annual fee is $0 the first year and then $150. For me, this is exactly why I chose Explorer instead of paying for a United card with unlimited Club access. I already have lounge access through my other travel cards. I wanted something that gave me a couple United Club passes for the airports where my other lounge options aren't great, plus the United-specific benefits I would actually use.
United. If United is a hub of yours, a United card is a great option. United has some of the best lounges (better than priority pass) and with many of the cards you earn the opportunity to use them (even when you're not flying first class!) Having a United card also allows you to hit status
My suggestion is to really analyze your United flying and compare these cards closely. Since I have a Sapphire card I didn't need unlimited United Club access. For me the Explore card was the best option giving me two free passes a year (to use in airports where Priority Pass isn't around or isn't good) and to earn free bags!
No one needs a credit card, but if you're considering getting one, a travel credit card can be a great way to save money on future travel. Just be sure to use it wisely and pay your bill in full each month.
How to Use Points for Business Class Seats
If you're looking to upgrade to business class on your next flight, you can use your travel credit card points to do so. Many airlines allow you to transfer points to their loyalty programs, which can then be used to book business class seats.
The number of points needed for a business-class seat varies dramatically based on the airline, route, travel dates and award availability. The real magic can happen when you transfer flexible credit card points to an airline partner rather than simply redeeming them as cash toward a ticket.
Start by searching award availability directly with the airline or one of its loyalty-program partners before transferring any points. Transfers are generally final, so don't transfer points until you've found the flight you actually want to book.
Once you know how many points you need, you can start transferring them to the airline's loyalty program. The process for transferring points will vary from airline to airline, so be sure to check the airline's website for instructions.
Once your points have been transferred, you can start booking business class seats. You can do this directly through the airline's website.
While I’m not in the business of banking, I am in the business of ensuing my clients get the best price and experience. If you’re looking for a new card to help with travel I hope this helps! Chase Sapphire Preferred
Cheers to the good life and saving credit card points to create memories that last forever!
XO
Vic
*Affiliate codes linked above will provide agent with referral bonus points. Vic's Vacations does not condone unhealthy credit card usage.
Comments