A beginner’s guide to travel hacking using rewards

1043. Dreaming of your next getaway, but need to do it on a budget? Laura demystifies the world of “travel hacking” for complete beginners. You’ll learn how to leverage everyday spending to earn valuable reward points, maximize their redemption value for free travel, and strategically use credit cards without hurting your credit scores or accumulating debt. This is your secret weapon to travel more for a fraction of the cost.

Key Takeaways:

• Travel hacking isn’t about buying things you don't need, but routing daily bills, groceries, and gas through rewards cards to earn a "rebate" on your regular budget.
• High interest rates on rewards cards can wipe out the value of any points earned.  If you carry a balance, travel hacking doesn't work.
• Various bank currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One Miles are transferrable, giving you freedom.
• Instead of shopping directly on a retailer's site, use a shopping portal that allows you to stack rewards on top of card points.
• Redeeming points for cash back or merchandise usually yields less than 1 cent per point, which gives you a low value.
• Transferring points directly to airline and hotel loyalty programs, especially during bonus promotions, can boost their value significantly.
• Once you have bank cards with flexible rewards, add specific airline or hotel cards (like Hyatt or Delta) to unlock status, free checked bags, and annual free-night certificates.

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