How to get more bang for your buck with credit card travel rewards

If you’re new to Travel Rewards credit cards, you may be ready to transition from earning points to redeeming them. As soon as you get a decent balance of reward points, it’s time to make a plan on how to spend them on travel.

But figuring out how to redeem credit card points can take time, effort, and skill. Using the best strategies can help you get more “mileage” from your travel rewards.

We spoke with travel expert and podcaster Danielle Desir Corbett to see how you can get the most value when redeeming your credit card rewards points for travel. Let’s look at some ideas from experts to help you maximize your points for your next vacation.

Get the Chase Sapphire “Multiplier Effect” (25% or more)

Different credit cards offer different percentages of reward points or cash back. Some cards may offer 1% to 2% cash back on all purchases, or higher cash back percentages in certain categories. But if you want to maximize your travel rewards, consider applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card (terms apply).

Here’s how these credit cards make your Chase points worth more when redeemed for travel through the Chase travel portal:

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card gives your points 25% more value for travel, so if you have 50,000 points, you can use them to buy $625 in travel with Chase.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a high-end card that charges a $550 annual fee, however your points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel, so 50,000 points would be worth $750 in travel.

Be sure to check your flight or hotel prices using multiple search tools, not just Chase’s travel portal — the best offers may not always be available on all platforms. And do the math to make sure you understand whether you’re getting the best value for your points through Chase Travel or by transferring points to a travel partner.

Danielle Desir Corbett recommends using Chase Travel to make travel reservations when you have more advance notice, as the best last-minute travel deals may not always be available there. “Depending on your skill level at redeeming reward points and your overall turnaround time for booking travel, using points through the Chase travel portal can be a great way to get 25%-50% more on value when booking an airline ticket, hotels or car rental,” said Corbett.

Use credit card points across multiple “ecosystems”

Travel rewards credit cards typically have a few different “ecosystems” of banks and travel partners. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards has partnerships with United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, while American Express Membership Rewards has partnerships with Delta Air Lines and Hilton Honors. Choosing multiple travel credit cards can give you access to a wider range of airline frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs.

“Diversify your credit card portfolio with flexible rewards ecosystems to access multiple benefits,” said Corbett. “This not only gives you access to various benefits, but also protects you from unfavorable program changes and devaluations. While Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards share similarities, they also have unique features such as exclusive transfer partners, rates redemption for travel purchases, elite state eligibility, lounge access, transfer bonuses and a host of annual fees.”

Upgrade your flight to business class

Want to fly in style? After a few years of “revenge travel” and high demand for airline tickets, some airlines’ prices have been falling in 2024. Corbett has also noticed this trend in his travel business.

“Throughout 2024, I’ve noticed more business and first class price reductions, as well as points and miles sales,” Corbett said. “I’ve also seen cheaper last-minute summer flights to Europe and low-cost airfares to Europe for next spring 2025.”

When business class airfares drop, it’s easier to get extra value from your credit card points. Instead of using credit card points to book a low-cost economy class flight, you may be able to get a better deal by using points to upgrade your flight to business class or first class. Sometimes airlines offer better deals on upgrades as the flight date approaches. And using credit card points sometimes makes it feel easier to spend; What if you could upgrade to business class for 30,000 points, instead of $300 in cash?

bottom line

There are no wrong ways to redeem credit card points. “In general, the best redemptions are the ones you can successfully do to fuel your next adventure,” Corbett said. Do whatever suits you and your budget. But if you want to get the most vacation value for your reward points, it pays to plan ahead. The best travel credit cards can help you maximize your cost savings and enjoy a more convenient and elevated travel experience.