Mastering summer travel with your credit card: 10 essential tips

Jul 24 2024 Travel trends

Summer is one of the busiest times for travel, making vacation planning both time-consuming and costly. However, utilizing a travel credit card can streamline the process and save you money. From leveraging transfer partners to taking advantage of trip insurance, here are ten tips to make your summer travel more affordable and enjoyable.

1. Use your points (don’t hoard them!)

Summer travel often comes with peak prices due to high demand. If you have a travel credit card with flexible rewards, now is the time to use those points. Airlines and hotels frequently devalue their loyalty programs, so it's better to spend your points rather than hoard them. Points can help you find affordable—or even free—travel options, especially for last-minute bookings.

2. Utilize transfer partners (especially lesser-known ones)

Flexible rewards cards often partner with airlines and hotels, providing maximum flexibility and potentially better rates during peak times. Check award pricing and availability with lesser-known transfer partners like Iberia Plus or TAP Miles&Go, which may offer lower prices during busy U.S. travel periods due to different peak dates.

3. Register for benefits that require enrollment

Premium travel cards offer perks like elite status, airport lounge access, and TSA PreCheck®, but these benefits often require enrollment. Ensure you register for these perks in advance to avoid hassle when traveling.

4. Know all the additional perks

Many cards offer perks that don't require registration. For example, the American Express® Gold Card provides up to $120 in Uber Cash annually. Be aware of all your card’s bonus categories to maximize your vacation spending on dining, gas, entertainment, and travel.

5. Maximize airline co-branded cards

Airline credit cards often come with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access. For example, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card offers free checked bags for you and up to six companions. Such benefits can save significant money and provide more packing flexibility.

6. Maximize hotel co-branded cards

When using a hotel rewards credit card, charge all hotel expenses to the card to earn maximum points. Take advantage of points promotions, reward nights, and elite status perks. Some cards, like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, offer automatic elite status and elite night credits.

7. Check your cards for offers and promotions

Programs like Chase Offers and Amex Offers provide exclusive deals and discounts. Log into your credit card account to find offers on hotels, restaurants, and retailers. Register for these deals to receive statement credits or money back on your purchases.

8. Don't forget about travel credits

Certain cards offer annual travel credits that can reduce the cost of your vacation. For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides a $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 flexible annual travel credit.

9. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees can add up quickly, ranging from 1% to 3% on international purchases. Avoid these extra costs by using a credit card without foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad.

10. Take advantage of credit card trip protections

Many travel credit cards offer trip protections, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and trip delay insurance. Ensure you use the card to book your travel to activate these protections. Even if booking with points, charging taxes and fees to your card usually suffices to cover you.

By leveraging these tips, you can maximize the benefits of your travel credit card, making your summer travel more affordable and less stressful. Happy travels!