How to travel on credit card points and miles
Quick insights
- Points and miles can be used to pay for trips and travel-related expenses.
- Travel rewards may be accrued in the form of credit card points, hotel points and airline miles.
- Points can be redeemed by booking directly through a credit card’s travel portal or by transferring points to a partner program.
One of the most common ways to gain benefits on travel is through travel rewards programs. In this article, we’ll explore how to earn credit card points and miles and how to redeem them for travel.
Understanding travel rewards points
Travel rewards points are a form of currency, different from cash, that can be used to pay for trips. Points can be redeemed to cover part or all of the cost of travel-related purchases like airfare, hotel stays and rental cars, among others.
Unlike cash back rewards, points cannot be turned into money. When you transfer points to a travel operator, like an airline carrier or hotel, they may provide a cash equivalency of what your points represent in a dollar amount. Bear in mind this is just representative. Points have no cash value.
Different types of travel rewards
There are three common travel rewards categories. They include:
- Airline miles
- Hotel points
- Credit card points
Each type of reward can be redeemed at different rates. The value of redemption is not the same for all cases. Check with the rewards partner to determine what your best transfer and redemption options are.
Earning travel points on credit cards
Everyday purchases put on a travel credit card may earn points that can be redeemed for travel. Reward points also can be earned through sign-on bonus offers or promotions. Often a sign-on bonus will require a minimum spend within the first few months of opening the card. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to ensure you know the eligibility requirements.
You’ll also want to consider the different rewards categories associated with your card. For example, a card may offer 1x points on most purchases but 3x points on eligible dining or travel purchases.
Some credit cards are geared specifically toward earning travel rewards. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is considered a premium travel credit card in part because it includes an annual $300 travel credit after qualifying purchases, 3x points on worldwide travel and 5x points on flights booked though Chase Travel. All points are to be earned after the first $300 is spent on travel purchase annually. Bear in mind that the credit card is subject to an annual fee.
How to use your credit card travel points and miles
Miles and travel-specific points may be redeemed for rewards available through a credit card issuer, their respective partner brand or travel booking portals. You can usually redeem these rewards in one of two ways:
- Booking directly through a travel portal
- Transferring your points to a partner program
When transferring your points, partner programs may provide a higher value per point than the card issuer. You may want to compare offers to determine where you can get the most bang for your rewards points.
In the case of Chase credit cardmembers, you can access the Chase Travel portal to redeem points and book travel.
Using Chase Travel to book with credit card points
If you decide to redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards to book travel, you may want to consider your options through the Chase Travel portal. There, you can directly find, book and pay for travel purchases such as flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, tours and other. You may also have access to exclusive benefits only available in the portal.
How to choose the right type of points or miles for you
When considering travel rewards, you’ll want to think about the type of travel you have on the horizon or the type you do most often. If you’re frequently booking hotel rooms, a rewards system that centers around accumulating hotel points through your preferred hotel chain might be beneficial.
Flexibility is another consideration. The ability to easily transfer your points might be relevant to you. You may prioritize being able to transfer your points to cover airfare, car rentals or lodging depending on the trip you’re taking.
Maximizing your travel rewards
There are a few ways to maximize the points you can earn:
- Know which cards have higher rewards points in any given spending category. For example, if one of your cards offers higher points on dining, you may want to use that card when you eat out.
- Utilize loyalty programs. If you’re a frequent airline traveler and typically travel on the same airline, enter your loyalty number with each flight you take.
- Take advantage of welcome and sign-on bonuses. If you sign up for a card with an introductory offer, know the terms and conditions and make sure to meet the requirements to earn your bonus points.
In summary
You can earn travel rewards in the form of credit card points and miles. How you redeem those rewards and how they are valued will depend on a variety of factors. They can be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel stays, cruises, car rentals and many other travel related expenses. Points can be redeemed by booking directly through a credit card’s travel portal or by transferring points to a partner program. If you redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards to book travel, you may want to consider your options through the Chase Travel portal.
