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Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. His work with Motley Fool Money and The Motley Fool has appeared syndicated in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.
Eric McWhinnie has been writing and editing digital content since 2010. He specializes in personal finance and investing. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
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As exciting as it is to travel, the experience is that much sweeter when you get to do it for free using credit card points.
You can take your trip without stressing out about how you're going to pay for it. Plus, you'll be able to do more at your destination since you saved money getting there. And let's be honest, you'll be the envy of your friends and family when they hear how little you spent on your vacation.
If you haven't used travel credit cards before, this might seem like a pipe dream. Fortunately, it doesn't take much time to learn how to turn your regular credit card spending into free travel.
Here's a basic breakdown of how you can travel for free with credit card points:
Apply for a travel credit card. Make sure you'll be able to use the points it earns for the travel you want.
Spend enough to earn the card's sign-up bonus.
Use the bonus to pay for your travel.
Put as much of your usual spending as possible on your credit card to continue earning points.
By using your card regularly, you'll keep earning points that you can use for more travel opportunities. If you're open to getting more than one card, you can also look for other top credit cards with sign-up bonuses that you like. After all, these bonuses are the fastest way to earn points.
That was a quick step-by-step look at the overall process. Next, we'll go into more detail on each step so you can choose the right travel card, earn as many points as possible, and get the most from those points.
TIP
Minimum credit score for travel hacking
Good credit is normally required to get the best travel rewards cards. If you don't know whether you'll qualify, learn how to find out your credit score so you can check yours. A FICO® Score of at least 670 is recommended before applying for a travel card. If you're not there yet, you may want to focus on improving your credit first.
Choosing a travel credit card
When you check out the best travel credit cards, you'll see a lot of options. What's most important is that you choose a card with points that you can use for the travel you want. So, for starters, let's look at the different ways you can book travel with points:
Redeeming points directly through an airline or hotel loyalty program. You can do this with airline credit cards and hotel credit cards. For example, if you have a United credit card, you can use your miles to book award airfare with United.
Redeeming points at a fixed rate (most often $0.01 per point) for travel purchases. Some travel cards let you book upcoming travel with points through their travel portals. Or, they may let you use points as a statement credit toward previous travel purchases.
Transferring points to airline or hotel partners, and then using them through the partner's loyalty program. Some travel cards have transferable points that you can send to travel partners for award bookings.
The most versatile travel rewards cards give you multiple options. Cards in any of the following rewards programs will let you transfer points to airline and/or hotel partners and redeem points at a fixed rate toward cash travel purchases:
I recommend starting with a card in one of those programs, because they give you much more flexibility. To explain why, let's say you have a Hyatt credit card. You'll only be able to use the points you earn through the World of Hyatt program.
On the other hand, if you have a Chase Ultimate Rewards card, you have far more options. You could transfer your points to the World of Hyatt program and use them there. But you could also transfer them to any of Chase's many other travel partners. Or, you could redeem them at a fixed rate for cash travel purchases through the Chase Travel portal.
Each of those rewards programs has its own lineup of airline and hotel transfer partners. Check to see which ones have partners you use regularly. Then, you can pick a card in that program. While it's important to compare the key features of each card, pay special attention to rewards rates. When a card earns bonus points in spending categories where you shop regularly, it's much easier to build your rewards.
Here are a few great cards that can help you earn points for travel. If you want check out more options, take a look at our guide to the Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Excellent (740-850)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Excellent (740-850)
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Welcome Offer:
75,000 Miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
75,000 Miles
Welcome Offer:
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
25,000 points
Welcome Offer:
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 bonus points
Rewards Program:
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
2X-10X miles
Rewards Program:
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
1.5 points per dollar
Rewards Program:
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases
Intro APR:
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Intro APR:
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Intro APR:
N/A
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
Regular APR:
18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Regular APR:
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
Annual Fee:
$395
Annual Fee:
$0
Annual Fee:
$95
Highlights:
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Highlights:
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Highlights:
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
Once you have your new credit card, it's time to earn points. You'll earn points on all your eligible purchases, so it makes sense to put as much of your normal spending as you can on your travel card. Many travel credit cards also offer lucrative sign-up bonuses, which you earn as a new cardholder if you spend a certain amount within a specific time frame.
For example, a card may offer 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. Make sure you spend enough so you don't miss out on your bonus opportunity.
Outside of sign-up bonuses, it can take a while to accumulate enough points for free travel. For those who aren't big spenders, there's only so much you can earn through your regular bills. But there are many ways to earn points more quickly:
Search for new credit card offers once or twice per year. Sign-up bonuses are usually the fastest way to earn points. If you open new cards with sign-up bonuses every now and then, it can really help with being able to travel for free.
Check if your credit card has an online shopping portal. Many credit card issuers offer these, where you can earn more points on purchases with certain merchants.
Open multiple cards with different bonus categories. Another benefit of having multiple credit cards is that you can pick cards that earn bonus points in different areas. For example, you could have a dining credit card that earns more on restaurant spending. You could then get another that earns more on gas and groceries.
Now we've reached the fun part: You have your points and you want to travel somewhere.
The process for redeeming your points will depend on the travel rewards card you have. Here's how it normally works for different types of cards:
Airline and hotel credit cards: Your points/miles will go to your account in that company's loyalty program. For example, if you have an American Airlines credit card, your miles will go to your AAdvantage® account. You can log in to your account with that loyalty program to redeem your rewards.
Travel cards in credit card rewards programs: Your points/miles will go to your account in your credit card's rewards program (Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, etc.). You can log into your credit card account and go to the "Rewards" section to redeem your rewards.
Make sure to learn how you can use your points and compare your options. Credit card rewards programs, in particular, offer several ways to redeem your points.
Let's say you have one of the Chase credit cards in the Ultimate Rewards program. You could transfer points to a Chase travel partner, which includes a long list of airlines and hotels. You could also use your points as cash for bookings with the Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
First, you'll need to see which option allows you to book what you want. If there's more than one way to do so, then see which one gets you the most value for your points. If booking airfare through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal would cost you 50,000 Chase points, but you could also book it by transferring 30,000 points to the airline, then you're much better off transferring your points.
Saving on every trip
If you have a good travel credit card and spend enough with it, you could significantly cut your travel spending -- or eliminate it entirely. Take your time comparing travel cards to find one that fits your needs, and then make it your main payment method. Try to shop for your travel early, too, as this often helps when you plan to pay with points.
FAQs
One way to travel overseas for free is by opening travel credit cards. These cards earn rewards that you can use to cover travel expenses, including airfare and hotels.
The smartest way to pay for a vacation is in full, using either your savings or travel rewards. It's almost never a good idea to go into debt for a vacation. Save money and consider getting a travel credit card so you can pay for your entire vacation in full and don't need to borrow money for it.
You typically need at least 5,000 to 10,000 points to get a free flight, but this depends on the airline and the flight you want to book. Some frequent flyer programs have award tickets available on select routes for well under 5,000 points. To know how many points you need, check flight prices in points for where you want to fly.
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