Want to know my secret to affordable travel? Credit card points! I’ve flown round trip to Europe and Australia for less than $500 in total. If you’re wondering how, I’m here to share my strategy. But first, a disclaimer: this method only works if you can pay off your credit card balance weekly. If you rack up debt or let interest accumulate, you’ll end up paying for your perks many times over.
My Go-To Travel Credit Cards
The main cards I use are the United Explorer and AAdvantage (American Airlines) cards. Both offer incredible travel benefits and bonus point opportunities that can significantly reduce your flight expenses. For example, many cards offer sign-up bonuses—like 60,000 bonus miles with United after spending $3,000 in the first three months. I always wait for a major expense before opening a new card.
A great example? A few years ago, when my car’s transmission went out, I used the money I had saved for repairs to open an American Airlines card, charged the repair expenses, and then paid it off immediately. The result? 50,000 bonus miles for meeting the spending threshold, which later helped me book a dream trip!
Maximizing the United Explorer Card
I used this card to fly to Europe, traveling from Ireland to Italy on a three-month adventure, all for about 100,000 points. I’ve also redeemed miles for domestic trips, like Canada to Chicago, Vegas, and back to Texas. You can use your points for your ticket and they you just need to pay for taxes, fees, and sometimes you can’t use points for upgrades so you will have to pay for those. For international flights I like to spurge on extra legroom or United’s Premium Plus with reclining seats!
Travel Benefits
- Free First Checked Bag: Saves up to $140 per round trip for you and a companion. Perfect for those souvenirs or when I pack extra clothes. (Pro tip: I always carry a collapsible travel bag—sign up for my newsletter to see the one I love!)
- Priority Boarding: Get boarding Group 2 and secure that valuable overhead bin space—especially handy if you travel with just a carry-on.
- United Club Passes: Two complimentary lounge passes each year for free snacks, drinks, and a comfy seat before long-haul flights.
- 25% In-Flight Discount: Enjoy discounted food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United flights.
Randomly met the GOAT, Simone Biles in the lounge!
Earning Miles
- 2x Miles on United Purchases: Includes flights and in-flight purchases.
- 2x Miles on Dining and Hotels: Perfect for travelers who love eating out or staying in style.
- 1x Mile on All Other Purchases: Build your miles through everyday spending.
Travel Protection
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Peace of mind if unexpected events derail your trip.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Covers essentials if your bag is delayed over six hours.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: For damaged or lost bags.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Get up to $500 if your flight is delayed over 12 hours.
Additional Perks
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Get a $100 credit every four years. I used this for Global Entry, saving me tons of time at customs after returning from Australia.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: A must-have for international travelers.
Avoid airport lines like the above by using your cards benefits for TSA precheck or Global Entry!
Annual Fee
- $0 for the first year, then $95 annually.
Making the Most of the AAdvantage Card
I used 80,000 AAdvantage miles to book flights with American Airlines partner Qantas, flying from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Melbourne back to LA.
Travel Benefits
- Free First Checked Bag: Saves $30 per person, per flight. Ideal for checked luggage on long trips.
- Preferred Boarding: Board in Group 5 for early access to overhead bin space.
- 25% In-Flight Discount: Save on food and beverages during flights.
Earning Miles
- 2x Miles on American Airlines Purchases: Build miles faster with flights and services.
- 2x Miles on Dining and Gas: Everyday spending that adds up.
- 1x Mile on All Other Purchases: Great for building miles with routine expenses.
Travel Protection
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Helps you recover costs for eligible disruptions.
- Lost or Delayed Luggage Insurance: Get reimbursed for baggage hiccups.
- Car Rental Insurance: Secondary collision coverage on rental cars.
Additional Perks
- MileSAAver Awards: Access discounted award flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save while spending abroad.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Some AAdvantage cards include this perk, though I personally used my United card for Global Entry.
Annual Fee
- $99, often waived for the first year (for entry-level cards)
Why This Strategy Works
By strategically using credit cards, you can unlock incredible travel opportunities. I find the United Explorer card works best for my travel style, but I love how I was able to use the AAdvantage card for Australia through Qantas. The key is understanding your card’s benefits and redeeming them wisely.
Too many people overlook the perks their credit cards offer—don’t be one of them! Check your card benefits, plan strategically, and start earning points for your next adventure. Want to know how I saved enough to travel for a whole year? Check out my Savings and Tips post!
Happy traveling!
