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Picture this: you’re sipping on a margarita, lounging on a white sand beach, soaking up the sun in a luxurious all-inclusive resort. Sounds like a dream honeymoon, right?
Now, imagine being able to fund your next three adventures with the rewards you earned from that very same honeymoon. That’s exactly what my wife and I did.
When we tell people about our travel experiences, we often hear, “Wow, that must have been a once-in-a-lifetime trip!” or “It must be nice to travel so much.” But here’s the thing: travel doesn’t have to be a rare luxury or an unattainable goal.
In fact, credit cards — yes, you read that right — can be your ticket to more frequent and affordable travel. Here’s how.
Maximizing our honeymoon with credit card rewards
As budget travelers, my wife and I usually opt for cost-effective accommodations like hostels and Airbnbs. However, we wanted to indulge in a more luxurious experience for our honeymoon.
We decided to book a seven-night stay at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, through a travel agent. The total cost, including accommodations and travel expenses, was around $8,000.
While we wanted to splurge on our honeymoon, we couldn’t completely suppress our penny-pinching instincts. That’s when we discovered the power of credit card welcome bonuses and rewards programs, specifically with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
Hitting the jackpot with welcome bonuses
When my wife and I first opened the Sapphire Preferred card, it was offering a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. My wife and I each opened a card and split our honeymoon payment, instantly meeting the minimum spending requirements.
In addition to the 120,000 points we earned from the welcome bonuses, we registered the second card through the referral program. This got us an extra 15,000 points.
The card also offers 2X points on “other travel purchases.” That way, we racked up another 16,000 points just by paying for our honeymoon.
When all was said and done, we had amassed a staggering 151,000 reward points. These points covered our round-trip flights for three upcoming trips to Chicago, Nashville, and Phoenix — all without touching our bank accounts. And believe it or not, we still have points left over!
Using your rewards the right way
Most cards allow you to exchange your points for cash back, but you’ll generally only get one cent per point (ex, 60,000 points equals $600). To get more bang for your buck, consider purchasing travel through your credit card’s reward program.
For example, when you redeem points through Chase Travel with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card, your points are worth 25% more. Using the example above, our 60,000 points was equal $750 in travel.
To get the most out of your points, research the specific airlines, hotels, and travel partners available with your card’s rewards program before applying.
Best credit cards for welcome bonuses
With countless cards vying for your attention, focus on those with solid welcome bonuses, achievable minimum spend requirements, and reasonable annual fees. Here are three standout options:
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Cardis an excellent choice for travelers who value flexibility. This card comes with a generous welcome bonus, numerous travel partners, and a 25% point boost when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, the card provides travel protections, making it a well-rounded option for frequent travelers.
- The Citi Premier® Card is a great pick for those who enjoy dining out and spending on travel. With 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, this card allows you to accumulate rewards on everyday purchases and travel expenses. The card also has a solid welcome bonus. You can transfer points to various airline and hotel partners, providing flexibility.
- The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option for those who want a simple rewards structure. It offers 2X miles on every purchase, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of bonus categories. The card’s welcome bonus is one of the most attractive among travel rewards cards. You can redeem miles for various travel purchases, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card | Citi Premier® Card | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | |
| Rewards | 5X points on travel through Chase Travel℠, 5X total points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025), 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2X points on other travel, and 1X points on other purchases | 3X points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, hotel, and air travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases | Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles per dollar on all other purchases |
| Welcome bonus | 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months | 60,000 bonus ThankYou® points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening | Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, equal to $750 in travel |
| Annual fee | $95 | $95 | $95 |
How to make your credit card work for you
Credit card welcome bonuses and rewards are designed to be enticing. But it’s crucial to understand the rules of the game to reap the benefits without falling into potential pitfalls. Here are three tips to make the most of your cards.
1. Make payments on time
The golden rule of credit card rewards hacking is always making your payments on time. Many of these credit cards have high APRs, often over 20% and sometimes close to 30%. However, if you pay your bill in full and on time, you’ll pay zero interest.
Nationwide credit card debt has surged to over $1 trillion, marking a concerning new record. To make sure the cost of carrying the card doesn’t outweigh the rewards, only spend what you can afford to pay off on your card and never carry a balance.
2. Maintain a good credit score
Credit card issuers heavily rely on your credit score when determining your eligibility for any given card. A FICO score of 670+ will qualify you for most credit cards, while options may be more limited if you fall into the 580 to 669 range. If your score is below 580, it’s smart to improve it before diving into rewards hacking.
Opening a new credit card may temporarily lower your credit score. But using your card smartly can help boost it in the long run. By making timely payments, managing debt, and diversifying your credit mix, you can improve your score.
3. Meeting minimum spend requirements
Failing to meet the minimum spend requirement within the timeframe may forfeit your credit card’s welcome bonus. However, there are several creative ways to ensure you hit your target on time:
- Plan big expenses: Use big upcoming expenses, such as vacations, medical bills, or holiday shopping, to meet your minimum spend requirement.
- Utilize everyday expenses: Charge groceries, gas, dining out, and subscriptions to your credit card to maximize your rewards.
- Front money to friends or family: Offer to cover expenses for someone using your credit card and have them reimburse you via third-party payment apps like Venmo or Zelle.
What to do with your card after earning the welcome bonus
Once you’ve earned your welcome bonus and redeemed your reward points, you have three options for your credit card(s):
- Keep the card: Keeping your credit card open can be smart if the perks outweigh the annual fee. These perks may include bonus points in specific spending categories, access to airport lounges, and more.
- Cancel the card: It’s recommended to keep your credit card for at least a year to avoid the issuer clawing back unused points. You may also receive a retention offer — like free points or waiving your annual fee — by calling the issuer before canceling. Remember that many issuers require a 48-month waiting period after cancellation before requalifying for a welcome bonus.
- Downgrade the card: Many credit cards have tiers with different perks and annual fees. Opting to downgrade can help you retain your points while reducing your annual fees.
The bottom line
Credit cards are often associated with overwhelming debt. But using your card the right way can actually be profitable. By leveraging welcome bonuses and rewards, you can turn expenses like your honeymoon into funding for your next adventure.
If you’re ready to embark on your credit card rewards hacking journey, remember to make timely payments, maintain a good credit score, and hit those minimum spend requirements. With a little planning, you’ll be well on your way to making your travel dreams a reality.
Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.