Maximizing Travel Perks: How I Use Credit Card Rewards for Luxury Trips

Traveling in Style Without Breaking the Bank

As a frequent traveller who embarks on a journey at least once a month, I know the importance of flying with comfort and style without straining my budget. Surprisingly, I achieve this by spending almost a thousand dollars on credit card fees annually. These travel rewards cards offer amazing benefits that significantly elevate my travel experiences and provide excellent value for money.

Maximizing Travel Rewards Cards for Luxury Travel

Each year, I spend $940 on the annual fees for three premium credit cards, including the American Express Platinum, United Explorer, and Chase Sapphire Preferred. These cards come with numerous perks, which I believe justify their cost. Here are four of my favorite benefits:

Unlimited Access to Airport Lounges: The Ultimate Perk

One thing I value the most during long travel days is access to airport lounges. Having visited dozens of lounges worldwide through my American Express Platinum card, I enjoy the comfort, complimentary food and drinks, showers, and unique features some lounges offer. Although the annual fee of $695 might seem steep, I find that the lounge access, which saves me from crowded terminals and expensive airport food, is priceless.

Amex Platinum’s $200 Hotel Credit: A Perfect Excuse for a Getaway

Another perk I love about the American Express Platinum card is the $200 hotel credit. This credit can be used for bookings through the American Express Travel Fine Hotels + Resorts program, offering discounts, early check-in, late checkout, complimentary breakfast for two, among other benefits. This feature is one of the reasons I look forward to my next travel adventure.

United Airlines Card: Say Goodbye to Baggage Fees

The United Explorer card, the latest addition to my wallet, offers benefits that outweigh its annual fee of $150. One of the best perks is the free checked bag on every United flight for both myself and a companion, saving me more than the card’s annual fee in a single round-trip flight.

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Travel for Free with Points

Finally, my most utilized travel card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. With a moderate annual fee of $95, this card provides excellent point-earning opportunities on travel and dining, allowing me to accumulate thousands of Chase Ultimate Rewards points quickly. I’ve even used these points to cover the cost of flights to Japan, Italy, and various domestic destinations within the US, making my dream of traveling for free a reality.