How to use credit card points

Sharing my tips on how to use credit card points. See all the details here!

There are some things in my life that I regret. This time I moved to Tuson and had a crisis and got a bang. I left my MBA program when I was over more than halfway. Aaaaand does not register for credit cards for the earlier prize.

We often heard our friends talk about credit card points, but since we had a debt in the past, it was something we avoided. We continued to hear about free flights and access to the salon, so about 10 years ago we decided to do it. It was a total gamechanger. Since then, we have been traveling for free, enjoying the hotel upgrades, access to the salon, and we are rewarded for daily expenses through points.

How to use credit card points

How to use credit card points: maximize flights for flights, hotels and access to the salon

In this post I will share some tips on how to maximize your credit card prizes and share my experience with American Express Platinum CardIncluding its pros and cons. I will also share my favorite tips for getting the best airline ticket offers!

Ways to use credit card points

1. Free stay and upgrades of the hotel and upgrades

Many travel cards allow you to redeem points for free hotel dinners in large chains such as Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. Some cards also offer an automatic elite status, which can lead to room upgrades, a late box and a free breakfast. When I book through the Amex Travel Portal, we can see which prizes we will receive, whether it is a delay, early accommodation, resort loan or upgrading the room when there is. You also receive $ 200 loan each year for their Fine Hotels & Resorts collection.

(Free room service in our modernized Venetian apartment in Vegas. Our flight was also free)

Advice: Look for transfer partners where your points extend further. For example, American Express Reward members are transferred to a 1: 1 ratio to Hilton’s honors, but often have promotions offering extra value. Sometimes you can get 2 for 1 points so it’s worth it !! You can do this directly through the American Express website.

2. Reserve flights and deals for airline tickets

One of the best ways to use credit card points is to book flights. You can redeem the points directly through the travel portal on your card or transfer them to Airline Partners for even better value.

The best ways to find airline ticket deals:

Use Google Explore: If you are flexible to the destination, Google Flights Explore may show you the cheapest places to fly from your home airport. Do not be afraid to check every day, scroll around and play with flexible dates and places.

Be flexible on dates and location: Even shifting your departure by one day can lead to a major change.

Set price signals: Websites such as Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to track prices and get notification when tariffs drop.

Bonus transfer points: Some credit cards offer transfer bonuses when moving points to airline programs, giving you extra value. *See and see which airline manages the flight you want. For example, I booked a flight through Delta that day, which was run by Air France. Find the same flight to their website and transfer your points to their prize program to get a better deal.

3. Access to Airport Salon

Long loads? Flight delays? Airport sun beds can make your experience so better. American Express Platinum Card provides a free priority pass, Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Club Access (when flying Delta). This means free food, drinks, comfortable seating areas and sometimes even showers and spa services. Girls love the life of the salon and are quite accustomed to it lol.

Advice: Check which sun beds are available at your airport in advance using the Priority Pass or Amex Travel app.

The pluses and disadvantages of the American Express Platinum Card

Thehe Amex Platinum is one of the best credit cards for travel, but not for everyone.

Here’s what I love and what to look at before I register.

Pros:

A large -scale welcome bonus: It often costs enough for a free international flight.

Access to salon: Priority Pass, Centurion Louges, Delta Sky Club and others.

Hotel and car rental Perx: Elite status in Hilton and Marriott, plus car rental discounts.

Annual travel loans: $ 200 airline loan for $ 200, $ 200 credit, Uber’s loans and more.

There are no fees for foreign transactions: Great for international trips.

Monthly Advantages In Selected Retail Merchants: They have new benefits every month that you can add to your account, including Disocunts in Lululemon, Kendra Scott, Warby Parker and more. You also get SAKS loan twice a year.

They also cover the price of the global entrance/TSA preliminary check for each card holder. (You get a pre -check with a global entry.)

Cons:

High annual fee: $ 695 a year, which is steep unless you maximize the benefits.

Not the best for daily costs: Profit structure favors traveling during regular costs.

Overcrowding on a salon: Centurion Lounges can be borrowed and the latest restrictions limit guests’ access.

Final thoughts: If you travel often and can take advantage of the benefits, Amex Platinum is an excellent card. If not, it may be better with a lower travel card.

(I can always find protein and vegetable in the salon)

Final tips to increase your credit card points

Plan in advance and book rewards flights early. I find the sweet spot 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic flights and 8-12 weeks for international (although sometimes I can find deals when we approach the date).

Use transfer bonuses to get more value than your points. You can get crazy deals here !!

Take advantage of loans for statements to compensate for travel costs.

Use a combination of money and points strategically to stretch your rewards. Sometimes it’s more cheaper to buy the points you need instead of just paying in cash.

If you are interested in applying for American Express Platinum CardYou can use my Referring here. So far, we have had an incredible experience with him and this is our map # 1. (We use the Southwestern card for all my business expenses).

Do you use credit card points? What is your best redemption so far? Leave a comment below – I would like to hear your tips!

Some additional resources:

Just get out of town (The $ 7 e -book was worth every penny!)

The man with points

The post on how to use credit card points first appeared on the wanderings.

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