Welcome to

Unfading Voyages,

where I teach you the basics of travel hacking using credit card points. My goal is to help you feel confident in using points and miles to travel for almost free.

Here, you'll find step-by-step guides, tips, and strategies to earn and redeem points efficiently. From choosing the best credit cards to optimizing your spending, I cover everything you need to get started.

Join me and turn your travel dreams into reality through the power of points and miles!

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What is Travel Hacking?

Travel hacking involves using credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, and other loyalty programs to earn free or discounted travel. By strategically signing up for credit cards, optimizing spending, and taking advantage of promotions, you can accumulate points and miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

Getting Started

One of the most effective ways to travel at little to no cost is by using sign-up bonuses from travel credit cards. The more cards you open, the more points you accumulate. To maintain a strong credit score, it's generally wise to wait around 90 days between applications, though occasionally I’ll apply as frequently as every 30-45 days. These sign-up bonuses can deliver incredible value, especially when transferred to airline or hotel partners, far exceeding the standard 1-cent-per-point rate.

Types of Travel Credit Cards

Understanding the different types of travel credit cards can help you make the most of your points and miles. Here are two main categories to consider:

Flexible Points Cards

Flexible points cards earn rewards that can be used in a variety of ways, including transferring to airline and hotel partners. These cards are ideal for travelers who want versatility in how they redeem their points.

Examples:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card allows you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be transferred to partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt. You can also use points directly through the Chase travel portal for increased value.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: With this card, you earn Capital One miles, which can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners. The flexibility in redemption options makes it a favorite for many travelers.

Co-Branded Cards

Co-branded cards are tied to a specific airline or hotel chain. The points or miles you earn with these cards can typically only be redeemed with that particular brand, but they often come with brand-specific perks and benefits.

Examples:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card earns Southwest Rapid Rewards points, which can only be used for Southwest flights. However, it offers valuable perks like early boarding and an annual travel credit.

• World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card earns Hyatt points, which can be redeemed for stays at Hyatt properties. Cardholders enjoy benefits like complimentary elite status and free nights.

• United Explorer Card: This card earns United MileagePlus miles, which can be redeemed for United flights and partner airlines. I particularly like this card because United is a hub at IAH (George Bush Intercontinental Airport), and we get our baggage fees waived.

The Power of Business Credit Cards: Why They’re a Game Changer for Travel Hacking

Bigger Bonuses: Business credit cards often come with larger sign-up bonuses compared to personal cards. These bonuses can jumpstart your points balance, helping you reach your travel goals faster. For example, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers up to 90,000 bonus points, which can be worth $1,125 in travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program.

No Business Required: You don’t need a formal, registered business to apply for a business credit card. If you have a side hustle, freelance work, or even a hobby that generates income, you can apply as a sole proprietor using your Social Security number and personal name. This includes businesses like MLM (Multi-Level Marketing), selling on Etsy, or real estate investing.

Earning Points

Unlock the full potential of your travel rewards by mastering the art of earning points. Whether you're new to travel hacking or a seasoned pro, understanding how to accumulate points efficiently can significantly enhance your travel experiences. Here are three key strategies to help you earn points quickly and effectively.

Welcome Bonuses

Everyday Purchases

Bonus Categories

One of the fastest ways to earn a substantial amount of points is through credit card welcome bonuses. Many travel rewards cards offer large bonuses when you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of opening the account. To maximize this strategy, open a new credit card, hit the minimum spend, and then apply for another card with a big sign-up bonus after 90 days. Rinse and repeat. You can also earn points by referring friends and family to the same card, typically earning bonus points for up to five referrals.

Regular spending on your travel rewards credit cards is another excellent way to accumulate points. By using your card for everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, dining, and utilities, you can steadily build up your points balance. To maximize this strategy, we switch all our bills and spending to the latest card to meet the minimum spend requirements. I keep a list of all our autopay bills, so it doesn't take me very long to switch over to the new card. Always use your credit card instead of a debit card and ensure you pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Many travel rewards cards offer bonus points for spending in specific categories, known as bonus categories. For instance, you might earn 2x points on all spending with the Capital One Venture X or 3x points on dining with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. To take full advantage of these multipliers, plan your spending around these bonus categories whenever possible. Additionally, some cards offer elevated points earning rates for purchases made through their online shopping portals or partnerships, providing even more opportunities to maximize your points.

My Favorite Travel Reward Cards

These are two essential personal credit cards for everyone.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card offers 60,000 points, worth $750 in the travel portal or even more when transferred to partners. With a $95 annual fee, it includes a $50 hotel credit for bookings through the travel portal. A standout feature is its ability to transfer points to numerous partners, with United, Southwest, and Hyatt being among the favorites.

Capital One Venture X

The Venture X card offers 75,000 points, worth a minimum of $750, with potential for more when transferred to partners. With a $395 annual fee, you receive $300 back in travel credits for bookings through the travel portal. Additionally, you earn 10,000 points each year on your anniversary. The card also allows transfers to various airline and hotel partners, maximizing your travel rewards.

TIPS: Use your credit card instead of a debit card and be sure to pay it off monthly. Stay organized by tracking all your cards. I personally use the Travel Freely app to keep my cards organized. Please also make sure you understand the 5/24 Rule before you start applying.

Maximizing Points Together and Navigating the Chase 5/24 Rule

Learn how to maximize points by referring each other to new credit cards and navigate the Chase 5/24 rule effectively for optimal travel hacking success.

Chase 5/24 Rule

The Chase 5/24 rule limits you to opening five new credit cards in a 24-month period, including cards from all issuers. Staying mindful of this rule is crucial for getting approved for Chase cards and optimizing your travel hacking strategy.

2 Player Mode

Leverage a partner or friend to maximize your points by referring each other to new credit cards, earning referral bonuses along the way. This strategy can significantly boost your points balance and help you both achieve your travel goals faster.

How to Use Your Points

When it comes to using your travel points, you have several options. However, not all redemptions offer the same value. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to maximize the value of your points.

Common Redemption Options

1. Cash Back: Redeeming your points for cash back is straightforward but often provides the least value. Typically, points are worth only about 1 cent each when redeemed this way.

2. Gift Cards: Similar to cash back, redeeming points for gift cards usually doesn't maximize their value. While convenient, the value per point is generally low.

3. Statement Credit: Using points as a statement credit can help reduce your credit card balance, but again, the value per point is often minimal.

Maximizing Your Points

For the best value, consider these strategies:

1. Transfer to Travel Partners: This is my favorite way to use points, especially with flexible points cards like those from Chase. Transferring points to travel partners can significantly increase their value. For example, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to partners like United, Southwest, or Hyatt, where they often provide much higher value than cash back or gift cards.

   • United Airlines: Use points for flights, often getting 1.5 to 2 cents per point in value.

   • Southwest Airlines: Great for domestic travel with flexible cancellation policies.

   • Hyatt Hotels: Hyatt points can offer incredible value, especially at high-end properties.

2. Book Through Travel Portals: Another option is to book travel directly through your credit card's travel portal. While this can sometimes yield good value, transferring points to travel partners usually provides a better deal.

3. Purchase Eraser: Some cards, like the Capital One Venture X, allow you to use points to "erase" travel purchases. This can be a flexible option if you prefer to book travel independently.

Example of Maximizing Points

Imagine you have 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points:

• Cash Back: You could redeem these for $600.

• Travel Portal: Booking through the Chase travel portal could give you $750 in value.

• Transfer to Partners: Transferring to United, Southwest, or Hyatt might provide you with travel worth $900 or more, depending on how you use the points.

Understanding Your Credit Score

1. Payment History (35%)

Your payment history is the most critical component of your credit score. It reflects how reliably you pay your bills on time. Lenders want to see a track record of timely payments to gauge your likelihood of repaying future debts.

• Tip: Set up automatic payments for your credit cards and other bills to avoid missed payments.

2. Amounts Owed (30%)

This factor looks at the total amount of debt you owe, including credit card balances and loans, in relation to your available credit. It’s also known as your credit utilization ratio. Keeping your balances low relative to your credit limits shows that you’re managing your credit responsibly.

• Tip: Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30%, and ideally below 10%, to positively impact your score.

3. Length of Credit History (15%)

The length of your credit history accounts for 15% of your score. It considers the age of your oldest account, the age of your newest account, and the average age of all your accounts. A longer credit history generally improves your score because it shows a long track record of responsible credit use.

• Tip: Keep your oldest credit accounts open, even if you don’t use them frequently, to maintain a longer credit history.

4. Credit Mix (10%)

Your credit mix refers to the variety of credit accounts you have, such as credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans. Having a diverse mix of credit types can positively affect your score, as it demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.

• Tip: While you shouldn’t open new credit accounts solely to diversify your credit mix, having a balanced mix of credit types can be beneficial.

5. New Credit (10%)

The number of new credit accounts you’ve opened recently and the number of hard inquiries from applications make up 10% of your score. Opening several new accounts in a short period can signal to lenders that you may be taking on too much debt too quickly.

• Tip: Space out your credit applications and avoid opening multiple new accounts at once to minimize the impact on your score.

Your credit score is a crucial factor in your financial health and significantly impacts your ability to open travel rewards credit cards. Here’s a breakdown of the components that make up your credit score, along with their respective weights and a brief description of each:20

Annual Fees: Why They’re Often Worth It

Many people hesitate to open travel rewards credit cards because of annual fees. While it’s true that these fees can add up, they often come with significant benefits that can outweigh the costs, especially if you take full advantage of the perks offered. Here’s why paying an annual fee can be a smart move, using the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture X as examples.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee, but the benefits easily justify the cost:

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after meeting the minimum spend requirement. These points are worth $750 in travel when redeemed through the Chase travel portal or even more when transferred to travel partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt.

• Travel Credit: You get a $50 hotel credit when booking through the Chase travel portal, effectively reducing your annual fee to $45.

• Earning Rates: Earn 3x points on dining and 2x points on travel, which can quickly add up if you frequently spend in these categories.

• Transfer Partners: The ability to transfer points to a variety of travel partners allows you to maximize the value of your points, often getting more points in value.

Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X has a higher annual fee of $395, but it comes with substantial benefits that can make it worth every penny:

• Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 points after meeting the minimum spend requirement, worth a minimum of $750 but potentially much more if transferred to travel partners.

• Travel Credit: Receive $300 back in travel credit when booking through the Capital One travel portal, bringing the effective annual fee down to $95.

• Anniversary Bonus: Earn 10,000 points each year on your account anniversary, which can be worth $100 or more depending on how you redeem them.

• Earning Rates: Earn 2x points on all spending, making it simple to rack up points without having to worry about specific categories.

• Transfer Partners: The ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners offers flexibility and the potential for high-value redemptions.

Why It’s Worth It

When you consider the sign-up bonuses, travel credits, earning rates, and transfer partners, it becomes clear that the benefits of these cards can far exceed their annual fees. By strategically using these perks, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on travel each year.

Don’t let annual fees deter you from opening a travel rewards credit card. With thoughtful planning and utilization of the benefits, these fees can be a small price to pay for the significant value you receive in return.

Managing Credit Card Annual Fees:

Your Options

When it comes to managing credit card annual fees, you have several options. Here are three strategies you can consider, along with examples for each. Remember, it’s essential not to close any cards before the 12-month mark, as it might raise a flag with the issuer, and they reserve the right to take back your points.

1. Keep and Pay the Annual Fee

If the benefits you receive from the credit card outweigh the cost of the annual fee, it can be worth keeping the card and paying the fee. Additionally, you can call the bank and ask for a retention offer. They might waive the fee or offer some points to offset the annual fee. For example:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card comes with a $95 annual fee, but it offers substantial benefits, including 60,000 points after meeting the minimum spend, which can be worth $750 or more if transferred to travel partners. Additionally, it provides a $50 hotel credit when booking through the Chase travel portal, and the ability to transfer points to partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt, making it a valuable card to keep.

2. Downgrade the Card

If the annual fee becomes too much to justify, but you don’t want to lose the credit line or history associated with the card, you can often downgrade to a no-fee version of the card. For example:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® to Chase Freedom Unlimited®: If you decide the $95 annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is not worth it anymore, you can downgrade to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. This card has no annual fee and still earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. While it doesn’t offer the same travel benefits, it provides 1.5% cash back on all purchases and other bonus categories, which can be beneficial for everyday spending.

3. Cancel the Card

If the card no longer aligns with your spending habits and the benefits don’t justify the annual fee, you can choose to cancel it. However, be mindful of the potential impact on your credit score. For example:

Venture X Rewards Credit Card: If you find that the $395 annual fee for the Venture X Rewards Credit Card is not worth it, even with the $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary points, you might decide to cancel it. Before doing so, ensure that canceling this card won’t negatively impact your credit utilization ratio too much, and consider if there are other cards you can transfer your points to before canceling.

Managing credit card annual fees requires evaluating the benefits you receive versus the cost. By considering these three options—keeping and paying the fee (potentially with a retention offer), downgrading, or canceling—you can make a decision that best aligns with your financial goals and travel hacking strategy. Each option has its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks, so weigh them carefully to maintain a healthy credit profile and maximize your rewards.

"To travel is to live."

~ Hans Christian Anderson