A $5,000 trip to Europe for $500 in actual cash. That's not clickbait—it's what credit card points can do when used strategically.
If you've felt overwhelmed by the points and miles game, you're not alone. The jargon is confusing. The rules seem arbitrary. And there are plenty of misconceptions floating around: "I don't travel enough." "It'll ruin my credit." "Only rich people can do this."
None of that is true. Using credit card points for travel doesn't require flying every week or having perfect credit. It won't tank your score if you're responsible. And it can cut your travel costs dramatically.
This guide breaks down the basics in plain English. How travel credit cards work. Simple strategies to earn and use points. Which starter cards are worth getting. Common mistakes to avoid.
At Atlas Road Travel, we use points for our trips and help clients maximize theirs. This is everything we wish someone had told us when we started.
Why Credit Card Points Actually Matter
Travel is expensive. Americans are budgeting nearly double for travel in 2025 compared to last year, and about two-thirds plan to use points or rewards to help cover costs.
Here's what's possible with credit card points:
Round-trip business class to Europe: 60,000–80,000 points instead of $3,000+ cash
Luxury hotel in Paris: 50,000 points per night instead of $600
Domestic flight: 12,000–25,000 points instead of $300–500
One welcome bonus could cover a $3,000 business class seat or a hotel night that would normally blow your budget.
The math: A typical travel card welcome bonus ranges from 60,000–100,000 points. Each point is worth around 1–2 cents, depending on how you use it. That's $600–$1,500 in travel value from a single credit card signup.
Who Benefits Most
Anyone who travels can benefit, but it's especially valuable if you:
Have a big trip planned – Honeymoons, anniversaries, bucket-list vacations. Points shine for expensive once-in-a-lifetime trips.
Want to upgrade your travel – Business class or luxury hotels without the luxury price tag.
Have a family – Flights for four people add up fast. Points can make family trips affordable.
Use credit cards for everyday spending – If you're using a debit card or a no-rewards credit card, you're leaving money on the table.
What This Isn't
This isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. There's no "gaming the system" required. You're taking advantage of rewards programs the way they're designed to work.
You do need decent credit—usually 700+ FICO—to get approved for the best cards. But you don't need a perfect score or six figures in income.
The key: Always pay your card in full each month. If you can commit to that, banks will essentially pay you in free travel.
The 3 Types of Travel Credit Cards
Not all travel cards are the same. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right one.
Type 1: Airline Cards – Loyalty to One Airline
Co-branded cards with a specific airline: Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, American AAdvantage. You earn miles with that airline and redeem them for flights.
Pros:
Simple – your points equal miles on one airline
Great if you're already loyal
Cardholder perks: free checked bags, priority boarding, discounts
Cons:
Locked into one airline
Limited flexibility if a better deal exists elsewhere
Award availability can be frustrating
Best for: People near a major hub who fly one airline frequently. If you're in Atlanta and always fly Delta, a Delta card makes sense.
Type 2: Hotel Cards – Points at One Hotel Chain
Cards affiliated with hotel brands: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG. You earn hotel points and redeem them for free nights within that chain.
Pros:
Free nights add up quickly
Elite status perks: room upgrades, late checkout
Predictable value
Cons:
Locked into one hotel chain
Not every destination has your chain
Point values vary wildly by property
Best for: Travelers who prefer a certain chain or aspire to luxury stays. If you're a loyal Marriott fan or always stay at Hiltons, co-branded cards pay off in free nights and upgrades.
Type 3: Flexible Points Cards – Maximum Flexibility
General travel rewards cards: Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, Capital One Venture X, American Express Gold/Platinum. Points aren't tied to one airline or hotel.
You can transfer points to various airline/hotel partners or redeem directly for travel through the card's portal.
Pros:
Not locked in – your points work with multiple programs
Easy to use – book through the portal like any travel site
High upside if you learn transfer partners
Cons:
Slightly more complex to maximize
Annual fees (usually $95–$695)
Learning curve for optimal use
Best for: Beginners and general travel planners. If you want one card for any travel opportunity, start here.
Our Recommendation
Start with a flexible points card. Master it. Later, if you see a need, add an airline or hotel card for a specific goal.
Our Recommended Starter Cards
These recommendations are based on value, not affiliate commissions. We're telling you what we'd tell a friend.
Chase Sapphire Preferred – The Best First Travel Card
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months
Earning: 5x on Chase travel portal, 3x on dining/streaming/online grocery, 2x on other travel, 1x everything else
Why we recommend it: The Sapphire Preferred hits the sweet spot for beginners. Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to 14 airlines and 3 hotel programs, or you can book any travel through Chase's portal at 1.25¢ per point.
The 75,000-point bonus is worth $937 through Chase's site, or potentially $1,500 if you transfer wisely. No foreign transaction fees. Solid travel protections. All for $95.
Best for: First-time points collectors planning a trip in the next 6–12 months. The 75k bonus can cover two domestic round-trips or a chunk of international travel.
Chase Sapphire Reserve – The Premium Upgrade
Annual Fee: $795 (with $300 travel credit, effectively $495)
Sign-up Bonus: Varies—recently up to 125,000 points
Earning: 5x on flights, 10x on hotels/cars through Chase, 3x on dining and travel, 1x everything else
Why it's worth the higher fee: Priority Pass lounge access (1,300+ lounges worldwide). $300 annual travel credit that's easy to use. Points worth 1.5¢ each in Chase's portal. Top-tier travel insurance.
Best for: Frequent travelers who will use lounge access and premium perks. Consider it after you've mastered the Sapphire Preferred.
American Express Gold – Best for Foodies
Annual Fee: $250 (with up to $240 in dining/Uber credits)
Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend
Earning: 4x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights, 1x everything else
Why we like it: The highest dining rewards of any card. Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to 17+ airline partners. Credits offset most of the fee if you use them.
Best for: Anyone who spends significant money on dining and groceries. Great as a second card paired with Chase Sapphire.
Capital One Venture X – Simple Earning + Premium Perks
Annual Fee: $395 (with $300 travel credit, effectively $95)
Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend
Earning: 2x on everything, 5x on flights, 10x on hotels/cars through Capital One portal
Why it's appealing: Flat 2x on all purchases—no mental math required. Transfer to 15+ partners or book through Capital One's portal. Priority Pass lounge access. Free authorized users who also get lounge access.
Best for: People who want maximum simplicity with premium benefits. Great for families.
Quick Comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Best For | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | Best first card | Low |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 ($495 effective) | Frequent travelers | Medium |
| Amex Gold | $250 | Dining & groceries | Medium |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 ($95 effective) | Simple earning | Low |
For most beginners, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X are ideal first picks.
How to Earn and Use Points
Earning Strategy
1. Focus on Sign-Up Bonuses
The welcome bonus is your fastest path to big points. A 60,000-point bonus equals months of regular spending. Time your application around big expenses so you can meet the minimum spend naturally.
2. Use the Right Card for Each Purchase
Once you have a card or two, maximize every purchase:
Amex Gold at the supermarket: 4x points
Chase Sapphire for travel or dining: 3x points
Venture X for everything else: 2x points
Only spend what you'd normally spend. Don't buy extra stuff to earn points.
3. Always Pay in Full
Non-negotiable. Credit card interest rates are 20%+. Your points are worth 1–2%. One month of interest wipes out a year of points. Treat your card like a debit card with rewards.
Redeeming Strategy
Not all redemptions are equal.
Good uses (1.5–2+ cents per point):
Business/first class international flights
Luxury hotels
Last-minute or peak-season flights
Okay uses (1–1.5 cents per point):
Economy flights
Mid-range hotels
Domestic travel
Bad uses (under 1 cent per point):
Gift cards
Amazon purchases
Statement credits for non-travel
Shopping portals
Our philosophy: Save points for expensive travel where the value is highest. Use cash for cheap stuff.
The Transfer Partner Strategy
This is where real value lives. Flexible points can transfer to airline/hotel programs at 1:1 ratios.
Example: You have 60,000 Chase points. A business class flight to Europe costs $3,000 or 60,000 United miles. Transfer your Chase points to United and book the flight. You just got $3,000 in value—5 cents per point versus 1.25 cents booking through Chase's portal.
Transfers are usually one-way and irreversible. Only transfer when you're ready to book something specific and you've confirmed availability.
This gets advanced quickly. Start simple—use your card's travel portal. Graduate to transfers as you learn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Too Many Cards at Once
Hurts your credit score. Can't meet all the minimum spends. Gets overwhelming.
Fix: One card at a time. Wait 6 months before the next.
Mistake #2: Not Meeting Minimum Spend
You miss the bonus—the whole point.
Fix: Only apply when you have $3-4k in planned spending coming up.
Mistake #3: Paying Interest to Earn Points
Interest rates are 20-30%. Points are worth 1-2%. You lose.
Fix: Only use points cards if you pay in full every month.
Mistake #4: Hoarding Points Forever
Points can devalue. Programs change.
Fix: Earn with a trip in mind, 12-18 months out. Use them.
Mistake #5: Booking Through Third Parties
Many cards only give bonus points when booking direct.
Fix: Book directly or through your card's travel portal.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Annual Fees
Some cards aren't worth keeping after year one.
Fix: Set calendar reminders. Evaluate annually. Cancel if not worth it.
Mistake #7: Low-Value Redemptions
Don't use 20,000 points for a $200 flight (1¢ per point) when you could get a $1,000 flight for the same points.
Fix: Save points for expensive travel.
A Simple 12-Month Plan
Months 1-3: Foundation
Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred
Meet minimum spend naturally
Pay off in full each month
Track your points
Months 4-6: Learning
Research your dream trip for next year
Check award availability and costs
Understand your card's transfer partners
Continue earning on everyday spending
Months 7-9: Strategic Earning
Assess if you need more points
Consider adding a second card if needed
Use the right card for each purchase
Monitor total points vs. goal
Months 10-12: Redemption
Look for award availability
Transfer and book
Take the trip
Evaluate the experience
By this time next year, you could be taking a trip that cost very little out-of-pocket.
Tracking Your Points
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
| 1 | Card Name | Annual Fee | Renewal Date | Current Points | Planned Use | Status |
| 2 | Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | May 15, 2026 | 85,340 | Europe Trip - Summer 2026 | Active |
| 3 | Amex Gold | $250 | Aug 3, 2026 | 42,180 | Dining redemptions | Active |
| 4 | Capital One Venture X | $395 | Nov 22, 2026 | 78,920 | Flexible backup | Active |
| 5 | Chase Ink Business | $95 | Feb 10, 2027 | 61,500 | Business class to Japan | Review Soon |
| 6 | ||||||
| 7 | Summary | Value | ||||
| 8 | Total Annual Fees | $835 | ||||
| 9 | Total Points Balance | 267,940 | ||||
| 10 | Estimated Value (1.5¢/pt) | $4,019 | ||||
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | Upcoming Deadlines | |||||
| 13 | Chase Sapphire - Review by Apr 15 | 30 days before renewal | ||||
| 14 | Amex Gold - Review by Jul 3 | 30 days before renewal | ||||
Keep it simple. Track:
Cards you have (name, annual fee, renewal date)
Points balance per program
Minimum spend deadlines
Planned redemptions
Annual fee review dates
Use a Google Sheet or AwardWallet (free tool). Set calendar reminders for key dates.
We offer a free tracking template if you want it.
FAQ
Will this hurt my credit score?
Short term: maybe a small dip from the hard inquiry. Long term: often helps if you handle the card responsibly. Many people see their score go up after a year.
I don't spend enough—is it worth it?
Yes. The value is in sign-up bonuses, not everyday spending. One 60,000-point bonus is worth $600–$1,200 in travel.
What if I don't have a trip planned?
Better to have a goal, but not required. Start with a flexible card. Points can adapt when you do decide.
Should I get multiple cards at once?
No. One at a time. Wait 6 months between applications.
Can I use points for someone else's travel?
Yes. You can book tickets or rooms for anyone.
Do points expire?
Credit card points don't expire as long as your account is open. Airline/hotel programs vary, but most don't expire with regular activity.
What about business cards?
Great bonuses, but start with personal cards first. You don't need a formal business—even side hustles count.
Can I transfer points between programs?
Not between different banks (Chase to Amex). But you can often pool within households or transfer to shared airline/hotel accounts.
You've Got This
Credit card points can turn your normal spending into significant travel savings. Free flights, free hotels, upgrades you never thought possible.
Start with one good card—Chase Sapphire Preferred is our top pick for beginners. Hit that bonus. Use points for expensive travel. Pay in full, always.
Stay organized. Have a trip in mind. Take it one step at a time.
If you want help maximizing your points or planning a trip, we're here. At Atlas Road Travel, we help clients choose the right cards, devise earning strategies, and book those award flights and hotels.
Planning a trip and want to squeeze the most from your points? Book a free consultation to discuss your travel plans.
Also check out our other travel resources: our travel documents guide, ultimate packing checklist, destination guides, and luggage basics.
The world opens up when you travel on points. We can't wait to hear where yours take you.
