For most of my early life, I was taught that credit cards were bad and that I should avoid them. While in college, it was normal to see credit card companies in the student union trying to get sign-ups. I remember my first $10,000 limit credit card and how fast I ran it up. Smh! Ok, enough with the negative energy.
Let’s fast forward to the present and how I haven’t directly paid for a flight or hotel in over a year because I travel exclusively on points.
The truth is with responsible credit card use; you can earn hundreds of dollars in free travel per year.
- Sign up for a travel rewards credit card
There are a few different options for travel rewards credit cards, but some of the most popular are the Amex Platinum Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. - Use the card to pay for all your everyday spending: gas, bills, groceries, and eating out.
- Pay your balance in full and on time every month to avoid interest and late fees.
- Rack up points and miles that can be used for free travel
Whenever I’m out eating with my friends, I jump at the opportunity to pay for the check with my rewards credit card and have everyone cashapp/zelle me their portion of the bill. I need those points! - Take advantage of sign-up bonuses by opening new credit cards and meeting the minimum spending requirements. Every credit card has its own benefits and perks, so it’s important to do your research to see which one is right for you.
- Use your rewards points to book free travel, including airfare, hotel stays, and rental cars.
Traveling is essential to a balanced modern life, and with the right rewards credit card, you could be on the beaches of Jamaica without directly paying for it.
