Anne and Carl Deane are travel enthusiasts and contributors to various blogs on the subject. In the following article, Anne and Carl Deane report that 2023 is the year that the travel industry will make a full recovery, and it will become more affordable than ever thanks to travel-reward credit cards. From discounted hotels to amazing bonuses, travel rewards can save you big money.
People from all around the world love to experience new places, and this year is looking like a good one for the hospitality and travel industries.
Sign Up for a Travel Credit Card
Anne and Carl Deane maintain that one of the easiest ways to save money with a travel credit card is to sign up for one in the first place! Many cards will offer what is called a welcome bonus, which means that the card owner will earn points after spending a certain amount of money within a specified time frame.
For example, the American Express Gold Card offers new members 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of activation.
Specific cards will vary in the number of points awarded and amount spent, but regardless, it's an easy way to quickly gain credit that can be used toward a trip.
Travel Hubs
Anne and Carl Deane report that another way to save money is to make purchases through the credit card's virtual travel hub. Many cards will offer additional points for booking a flight or hotel through them, which can range from doubled points up to even five times points. Some even offer the flexibility of using earned points, your card, or a combination of both.
Credit card travel hubs can also provide additional resources, such as travel tips or discounts on items in their own shop to make the flying experience easier and less costly. Previously, people would have to depend on travel agents to get advice, but credit card companies have now allowed individuals to be more self-sufficient in this manner.
Discount on Travel Adjacent Items
Anne and Carl Deane say that when planning a vacation, flights are usually the top priority, but there are also hotels, car rentals, or destination experiences to consider. Most cards will offer discounts on these related items or have beneficial partnerships with certain companies.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows customers to take advantage of upgrades on hotels, obtain complimentary meals, and receive extra amenities. Anne and Carl Deane say that these smaller benefits can add up and result in more savings overall annually.
Points Multiply with Purchases
The majority of travel reward programs make it easy to build up a large number of points with everyday purchases, which can then be used towards your trip, or while at the destination. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers five times points on travel purchased through the Chase travel hub, as well as three times the points for dining and two times points on all other travel-related purchases.
Some cards offer more points on certain purchases depending on the time of the year, such as more points on gas during the first quarter of the year. Depending on an individual's purchasing habits, it could be worthwhile to sign up for a card that rewards a variety of different purchases as opposed to one that only focuses on dining and groceries, for example.
No Fees Plus Travel Insurance
Anne and Carl Deane explain that many people apply for travel credit cards because they cut fees and additional smaller costs that can add up over time. The TD First Class Visa Signature Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees, something that can really add up unexpectedly when not accounted for. Fees can range from 1%-4%, and not having to pay those fees at all can save people thousands of dollars.
Another plus is the insurance, according to Anne and Carl Deane. From car insurance to general travel insurance, a large number of credit card companies provide some kind of coverage. Not only does this save the traveler money, but it also gives peace of mind because, let's face it, travel can be unpredictable, and anything can happen.
Research Partnerships
Some travel credit card companies have partnered up with other popular businesses, giving customers special discounts or memberships that might usually cost an extra several hundred dollars. Anne and Carl Deane say that the Capital One Venture Rewards card even offers members access to exclusive events, such as food festivals or music performances.
Chase gives individuals a free one-year membership to DashPass, DoorDash's membership that usually costs $9.99 per month.
With a little research, Anne and Carl Deane say that the right travel credit card can save a person thousands of dollars annually. Taking a vacation should be a relaxing experience, and with a travel credit card, money becomes one less thing to worry about.
