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A Beginner’s Guide to Free Travel Using Credit Card Points and Miles

A Beginner’s Guide to Free Travel Using Credit Card Points and Miles (Especially from Houston, TX like US)

Traveling for free (or nearly free) using credit card points and miles can seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basics, it can be life-changing. This guide is designed for beginners looking to get started, especially those based in Houston, TX, where we have great flight options with airlines like Southwest, United, and American Airlines.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Family Beach Vacation on points and miles

The First Step: Financial Responsibility

Before diving into this hobby, there are a few financial considerations:

  • You must pay off your credit card statement balance in full every month. The interest rates on these cards are high, and carrying a balance negates any benefits from points.
  • A good credit score (700+) is often required for premium cards.
  • If you plan to take out a home or car loan soon, avoid opening multiple new credit cards within six months of applying

Getting Started: The Best Beginner Credit Card

The most commonly recommended starter card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

  • It has a $95 annual fee.
  • The standard offer is 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in three months, but it occasionally increases to 75,000-100,000 points (last seen in May 2024).
  • It earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to travel partners for maximum value.

If you’re considering getting this card, it’s often worth waiting for a higher welcome bonus and applying through a referral link so you or a friend can earn extra points.

Saving Money at Disney World Using Marriott Free Nights to stay at the Swan Reserve on Property

Maximizing Points as a Couple: The Player 2 Strategy

One of the best ways to accumulate points is to use the Player 2 (P2) strategy, where both partners sign up for cards separately.

  • Step 1: One spouse applies for a card and earns the bonus.
  • Step 2: Instead of adding the other spouse as an authorized user, refer them to the same card so they can earn their own bonus.
  • Step 3: You both earn referral bonuses and maximize your points.

Example: If the Chase Sapphire Preferred has a 75,000-point bonus, you could apply and earn 79,000 points (including the $4,000 spend). Then, you refer your spouse, who also earns 79,000 points, plus you earn a referral bonus of 20,000 points. That’s a total of 178,000 points, enough for 7 free nights at a luxury Hyatt hotel!

Family Vacation with young kids at Grand Hyatt Kauai using Chase Credit Card Points and Southwest Miles Our Long life Blog

Where to Use Your Points: Best Redemptions

Once you start earning, you’ll want to maximize redemptions:

  • Hyatt hotels: Some of the best value for points. Luxury hotels that cost $500+ per night can often be booked for 25,000 points per night.
  • Southwest Airlines: Great for Houston travelers since Hobby Airport is a major hub.
  • Other airline transfers: United, American Airlines, and international carriers like Singapore Airlines.
  • **Make sure you are transferring points to your travel partners, not booking in the Credit Card Travel portal** to maximize point value!
  • Family Vacation at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines near Austin, TX staying on Points

When to Book and Tips for Availability

  • Hyatt points rooms can go fast at top resorts, so book 6-12 months in advance for the best options.
  • Before transferring Chase points to Hyatt, check that a standard points room is available.
  • Spouses can combine Hyatt points via email, but it may take a couple weeks.

Amazing Family Vacation to the Andaz Papagayo Costa Rice using Hyatt Points and Southwest Points

Alternative Cards to Consider

If you want to start now but wait for a better Chase Sapphire Preferred offer, consider:

  • Southwest Personal Card (good for earning Southwest points, especially when they offer high welcome bonuses like 85,000 points).
  • American Express Membership Rewards cards (great for transferring to international airlines but cards with higher annual fees and sometimes spends).
  • Capital One and Citi cards (good options, but not as beginner-friendly as Chase and Amex).

Our Favorite Free Stays Using Points

  • Hyatt Regency Lost Pines (TX) – A great family-friendly resort close to Houston.
  • Hyatt Ziva Cancun – An all-inclusive paradise with points redemptions.
  • Grand Hyatt Kauai – One of the best beach resorts in Hawaii.
  • Hyatt Regency Maui – A classic luxury resort in Hawaii.
  • Andaz Papagayo (Costa Rica) – A hidden gem for a relaxing getaway.
  • Hyatt Regency Coconut Point (FL) – Great for a domestic escape with family.

For couples, consider Secrets Moxché in Mexico or Andaz Maui, both of which require early booking due to limited availability.

Maui Travel Hacking on Points and Miles

Final Thoughts

Credit card points and miles can open up travel opportunities you never thought possible. Whether you’re looking to stay at five-star resorts, book free flights, or simply reduce travel expenses, learning how to earn and redeem points is a game changer.

If you have a destination in mind, I’d love to help guide you toward the best card strategy! Feel free to reach out with any questions, and happy travels!