This post originally appeared onMillennial Venture.
Rewards credit cards aren’t for everybody.
Instead, focus onbreaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycleand revisit this later.
A flight that you paid $400 for would take 40,000 points to remove from your credit balance.
This is the same value as getting cash back for your points and buying the ticket with cash.
The most popular cards in this category are the Capital One Venture card or the BarclayCard Arrivals+.
Some examples of these are the United Explorer Card or the Marriott Rewards Premier Card.
The most popular Hybrid cards are the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Starwood Preferred Guest cards.
The jot down of travel program you choose can be important.
For example, an upgrade that costs $600 might only cost 20,000 miles.
When considering a Hybrid card, it’s important to understand cash vs. point value.
This is helpful when comparing a points flight to a cash flight.
This is helpful when comparing two different points flights.
If you’re interested in churning,The Points Guyis my favorite authority figure in the rewards travel realm.
A very helpful tool to get started isCredit Card Tune Up.
The Points Guy also hasa toolto determine the best cards for your spending, asdoes MileCards.com.
For example, my first card earns 5x points in categories that change quarterly.
Choosing cards in a wide variety of bonus categories lets you maximize points on things you already purchase.
Don’t let an annual fee dissuade you from getting a card, because it’s often worth it.
Other benefits: some cards offer a concierge service.
Most cards also have all sorts ofside benefitslikepurchase protectionorextended warranties, so watch for those as well.
Second, be aware of the requirements for a sign-up bonus.
Here are a few ways to start racking up those points for your dream trip.
Groceries for the week?
On one credit card.
A pack of gum at the gas station?
On another credit card.
An extension likePick2Pay can also helpdetermine which cards will get you the best bonuses on specific transactions online.
If you are able to pay rent with a credit card, definitely take advantage of that.
Keep your eye out for these types of bonuses to get that little extra bump in your points.
It has a great site and a great mobile app, along with the ability to set notification thresholds.
you’re free to actually change your credit card statement date to work best with your payment schedule.
so that avoid interest charges, I prefer to set my cards to auto-pay the statement balance in full.
Now it’s time for you to pick your destination,use your points effectivelyand enjoy your relaxing vacation!
Photos byWonderlane,Anthrocopy,Kristopha HohnandJorge Franganillo.
