How I’m Using Credit Card Points to Travel for (Almost) Free — And How You Can Too!
Disclaimer: Credit cards aren’t for everyone. I never recommend using credit cards unless you are actively monitoring your finances.
My #1 rule is simple: Always pay your credit cards off on time and in full every month.
If you can’t do that, this strategy isn’t for you — and that’s okay!
My Credit Card Journey: From Gift Cards to Free Vacations
I got my first credit card back in 2014. Like many people, I used it for everyday expenses and cashed in my points for Amazon gift cards or gifts for others. I thought I was being smart — and in some ways, I was. But looking back, I wish I had known about the power of credit card points for travel!
Fast forward to 2023, I started diving deep into the world of credit card rewards. Thanks to Facebook groups, podcasts, and articles, I discovered how to turn everyday spending into free travel. That’s when I opened my first true travel card — the Chase Sapphire Preferred®.
My goal? Simple. Use points to take my family on vacations without draining our bank account.
3 Vacations (So Far) Thanks to Points!
Since 2023, we’ve redeemed points for three family getaways. With two little kids, we’ve focused on fun, drivable destinations — staying completely FREE at Hyatt hotels using our Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. We’ve even brought the grandparents along, turning points into priceless memories.
Now, we’re stockpiling points for future trips to South America, the Grand Canyon, maybe even Disney World or the Europe when the kids are older!
And the best part?
👉 We’re earning these points just by paying for things we already buy every month.
No extra spending. Just smart spending.
Why I Love the Chase Sapphire Preferred®
I don’t keep many credit cards with annual fees — but this one stays in my wallet because it pays for itself over and over.
Right now, Chase is offering a limited-time 100,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. That’s the biggest bonus I’ve ever seen!
➡️ Grab the Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus Here
This is my referral link. If you're approved, I may earn a reward. Offer and perks are current as of the date this post was written.
What Can 100,000 Points Get You?
Here’s what those points have done (or could do) for my family:
🏨 1 Week at a Hyatt Regency (worth ~$2,000)
✈️ 7 Round Trips to Miami (worth ~$3,000)
🌎 2 Round Trips to Bolivia (worth ~$2,000)
✈️ 1 Round Trip to London (worth ~$1,300)
That’s serious value from a card with just a $95 annual fee.
Everyday Perks I Use Constantly:
3x points on dining, streaming, and online groceries
5x points on travel booked through Chase
$50 annual hotel credit
No foreign transaction fees
Built-in travel protections like car rental insurance and trip cancellation coverage
Every time we book a trip, we pay with this card and skip those pricey add-ons from airlines or rental companies.
Bonus: My Favorite Business Credit Card
If you're a business owner, like me, you can double-dip on points!
I recommend the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® — no annual fee and a $750 cashback bonus (or 75,000 points) when you spend $6,000 in 3 months.
➡️ Get the Ink Business Unlimited Here
(Referral link – I may receive a reward if you're approved.)
Final Thoughts
Credit card points aren’t magic — but if you’re disciplined, they can unlock huge savings on travel. For my family, it’s meant more adventures, more memories, and less financial stress.
If you’re ready to make your everyday spending work harder for you, check out the current Chase offers before they’re gone.
Got questions about how I use points or manage spending?
Feel free to reach out — I love chatting about this stuff!