Travel credit cards are one of the best-kept secrets for scoring free flights and making your travel dreams come true without blowing your budget.
If you’re smart about how you use them, you can rack up points or miles and redeem them for flights, hotels, and more. But let’s face it—credit card rewards can be a little confusing.
Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
We’re going to walk through how to use travel credit cards to earn free flights step by step. Think of this as advice from a friend who’s figured out the hacks and wants to help you fly for free, too. Let’s dive in!
1. Choose the Right Travel Credit Card for You
First things first, not all travel credit cards are created equal. It’s important to find one that fits your travel goals and spending habits.
Understand the Types of Travel Credit Cards
There are two main types of travel credit cards:
- Co-branded airline cards: These are linked to specific airlines (like Delta or United) and let you earn miles with that airline’s frequent flyer program. They often come with perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.
- General travel rewards cards: These cards let you earn points that can be used for a variety of travel expenses, not just one airline. They’re usually more flexible because you can redeem points for flights, hotels, car rentals, and even travel statement credits.
Look for a Big Sign-Up Bonus
The best travel credit cards often come with a sign-up bonus that can give you a ton of points or miles if you spend a certain amount in the first few months. This can be enough for a free flight right off the bat! Just make sure the spending requirement fits your budget.
2. Meet the Minimum Spend Requirement (Without Overspending)
Most sign-up bonuses require you to spend a certain amount within the first three months. But don’t go splurging on things you don’t need just to hit that minimum spend.
Use Your Travel Credit Card for Everyday Purchases
Put all your regular expenses on your travel card, like groceries, gas, and utility bills. This way, you’ll meet the spending requirement naturally, without going overboard.
Pay for Group Expenses and Get Reimbursed
If you’re out with friends or family, offer to pay the bill on your card and have everyone pay you back. It’s an easy way to hit the minimum spend faster and rack up points without extra spending.
3. Earn Bonus Points by Spending in Certain Categories
Many travel credit cards offer bonus points for spending in specific categories, like dining, travel, or groceries. This is a great way to maximize the number of points you earn on everyday purchases.
Take Advantage of Category Bonuses
For example, if your card gives 3x points on dining, use it every time you go out to eat. Some cards also have rotating categories that change every quarter, so keep an eye out for those bonus opportunities.
Pair Cards for Maximum Points
If you have more than one travel credit card, you can use them strategically. For example, use one card for dining if it offers higher points in that category, and another for travel expenses. This way, you can make the most of each card’s bonus categories.
4. Pay Off Your Balance in Full Every Month
This step is super important. The trick to travel hacking with credit cards is to avoid paying interest charges. If you’re carrying a balance and getting hit with high interest rates, you’re losing out on the benefits.
Set Up Automatic Payments
Set up auto-payments to make sure your balance is paid off in full every month. This will help you avoid interest charges and keep your credit score healthy.
Stick to a Budget
Only use your credit card for purchases you can afford to pay off. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of earning points, but the goal is to save money on travel, not to get into debt.
5. Use the Points or Miles Strategically
It’s tempting to redeem points as soon as you’ve earned enough, but if you’re patient and smart about it, you can get a lot more value out of your points.
Book Flights During Off-Peak Times
Airline reward flights usually require fewer points during off-peak times. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you’ll save a ton of points by avoiding peak seasons like summer and the holidays.
Transfer Points to Airline Partners
Some travel rewards cards allow you to transfer points to partner airlines. This can help you get better value for your points, especially if you find a sweet spot in the partner’s reward chart. Check your card’s transfer partners to see where you can stretch your points the most.
6. Take Advantage of Travel Credit Card Perks
It’s not just about the points and miles—many travel credit cards come with other perks that can help you save on travel.
Get Free Checked Bags and Priority Boarding
If you’re using a co-branded airline credit card, it might include perks like a free checked bag or priority boarding. This can save you money and make your travel experience a little smoother.
Use Travel Credits and Lounge Access
Some premium travel cards offer annual travel credits that can reimburse you for things like airline fees, baggage charges, or even ride-shares. Lounge access is another awesome perk, giving you a comfortable place to relax at the airport with free food and drinks.
7. Keep Your Credit Score Healthy
Using travel credit cards to earn free flights is a lot easier if you have a good credit score. Plus, a healthy score can help you qualify for the best cards with the biggest sign-up bonuses.
Don’t Open Too Many Cards at Once
Applying for several credit cards in a short period can hurt your credit score. Be strategic about when you open new cards, and wait at least three to six months between applications.
Monitor Your Credit Score Regularly
Keep an eye on your credit score to make sure it’s not dropping. There are free tools like Credit Karma or your bank’s credit score monitoring service that can help you stay on top of it.
8. Use Shopping Portals and Dining Programs for Extra Points
You can earn even more points without spending extra money by using shopping portals and dining programs linked to your travel credit cards.
Shop Through Online Portals
Many credit cards have online shopping portals where you can earn bonus points just for shopping at your favorite stores. It’s like getting extra points for stuff you were going to buy anyway.
Sign Up for Dining Rewards Programs
Some credit card companies partner with dining rewards programs that let you earn extra points when you eat at participating restaurants. Just register your card, and you’ll earn points automatically when you pay with that card.
9. Use Your Travel Credit Card Abroad (But Watch Out for Fees)
Travel credit cards are great for international travel, but make sure you’re not getting hit with foreign transaction fees.
Choose a Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Some credit cards charge a fee for purchases made outside your home country, which can add up fast. Look for a travel card that waives these fees to avoid those extra charges.
Use Your Card for Large Purchases Overseas
When traveling abroad, use your travel credit card for bigger expenses like hotel stays or tours. This way, you can earn more points while taking advantage of the no-fee benefit.
10. Don’t Let Your Points Expire
Some rewards programs have expiration dates for their points or miles. Keep track of your accounts to make sure you don’t lose your hard-earned rewards.
Keep Your Account Active
Even if you’re not traveling, you can keep your points from expiring by making small purchases with your card. Some programs reset the expiration date every time you earn or redeem points.
Combine Points Across Programs
If you have multiple cards from the same bank, you may be able to combine points into one account. This can help you reach your redemption goals faster and make it easier to keep track of your points.
Conclusion: Fly for Free, the Smart Way
Travel credit cards are a fantastic tool for scoring free flights if you use them wisely. By choosing the right card, taking advantage of bonus categories, and redeeming your points strategically, you can fly to your dream destinations without spending a fortune. Remember, the key is to stay on top of your spending, pay off your balance, and maximize every point-earning opportunity.
So go ahead, start earning those miles, and get ready to see the world. Your next flight could be on the house!