If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love finding ways to make beautiful things happen without spending a fortune.
That same mindset applies to travel.
This post contains affiliate links. If you apply for a credit card or make a purchase through one of my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products, services, and resources I use and believe may help my readers. The information below is educational and not financial advice. Credit card offers, terms, and benefits change, so always check current details with the card issuer before applying. Pursue credit card rewards only if you can pay your balances in full every month and use credit responsibly.
Back in 2023 our family planned a bucket-list trip to Sweden to visit relatives. When I priced flights for four people, the total made me do a double take.
I wasn’t chasing luxury or trying to become a professional travel hacker. I simply wanted to make a meaningful family trip possible without draining our savings.
I started researching. One Google search led to another, and soon I was hearing about points and miles from friends and bloggers. Before long I’d stepped into the world of credit card points and miles.
At first I assumed this only worked for people who travel constantly or spend huge amounts each month. I was wrong. We earned points simply by using cards for everyday purchases—groceries, utilities, projects at Home Depot, and the like—and paying the balances in full each month.
Since then, our family has used points and miles to travel to Sweden, Aruba, Paris, London, Mexico, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, New York City, Charleston, San Diego, and more, saving tens of thousands on flights and hotels in just a few years.
We’ve also used points to help family and church members in a pinch. Because many of you have asked how we do this, here’s a beginner-friendly overview of our approach.
Before We Go Any Further…
Quick responsible reminder: only pursue credit card points and miles if you pay credit card balances in full every month, have good credit, aren’t carrying problematic debt, and can stick to a budget. If you’re paying down debt or tend to overspend when chasing rewards, skip this for now. The last thing I want is for anyone to accumulate debt trying to earn “free” travel.
For our family, the key has been treating credit cards like debit cards—we only charge purchases we would otherwise make and always pay the statement balance in full. This isn’t financial advice, just what’s worked for us. Do your own research and make choices that match your financial goals.
How Credit Card Points & Miles Actually Work
Many travel credit cards offer substantial welcome bonuses when you open a new card and meet a minimum spending requirement in the first few months. Those bonuses can translate into several free flights or hotel nights once earned.
The important part is using the card for normal household spending you would make anyway—groceries, gas, utilities, gifts, and household projects—then paying the full balance each month. Points accumulate and can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel expenses. Think of it as couponing for travel, but instead of clipping coupons you’re earning strategic rewards that reduce vacation costs.
Common Misconceptions About Points & Miles
“You Have to Spend a Ton of Money”
Not necessarily. Much of our points came from welcome bonuses rather than everyday spending alone.
“You Have to Travel All the Time”
Nope. Points and miles are especially valuable for families who take one or two major trips a year.
“It’s Too Complicated”
It can be, if you make it so. Some people treat points as a hobby; I don’t. We keep things simple and learn a bit more each trip.
The Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners
If you’re starting out, consider cards known for flexible rewards and straightforward benefits. Two we used early on:
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Chase Sapphire Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed through Chase travel or transferred to airline and hotel partners. It’s a versatile starter card that helped us begin earning transferable rewards.
Capital One Venture
Capital One Venture is another favorite due to flexible redemption options, including the ability to erase travel-related purchases. Before applying for any card, review the current welcome offer, annual fee, benefits, and terms to see if it fits your situation.
How We Actually Use Our Points
We don’t chase first-class luxury. Mostly we use points for practical family travel: international economy flights, family-friendly hotels, weekend getaways, spring break theme park trips, and bucket-list vacations that expose our kids to new cultures. The aim is to stretch our travel budget so we can create more memories together.
How Much Have We Saved?
I haven’t tracked every redemption down to the penny, but points and miles have saved our family tens of thousands of dollars over the last few years.
Some of our favorite trips made possible by points and miles include:
- Aruba – $12,816 saved
- Paris / London / Sweden – $11,272 saved
- Mexico – $5,416 saved
- Disneyland LA – $6,195 saved
- Universal Orlando – $9,501 saved
- New York City – $2,584 saved
- Charleston & Isle of Palms – $3,077 saved
- Washington DC – $2,075 saved
Total Saved: $52,936
Many other trips aren’t included in that total, but overall points and miles enabled travel we likely couldn’t have afforded otherwise. They helped us visit out-of-town family, give experience gifts for birthdays, travel with my parents to honor a family veteran, and offer hotel stays to friends during hardship. Travel has strengthened our family bonds and exposed our children to art, history, and new foods.
Resources That Helped Me Learn
I’m not an expert, but these resources helped me learn the basics:
- Points Talk Squad
- Jen Woodhouse
- The Points Guy
- Upgraded Points
Those sites and blogs are good places to continue learning. I especially appreciated resources that explain points and miles from a practical family perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Really Travel for Free Using Credit Card Points?
Sometimes. Often you’ll still pay taxes, small fees, or out-of-pocket expenses, so I prefer to say “nearly free.” Some cards carry annual fees that are offset by benefits like travel credits and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursements. For beginners, consider starting with $0 or low-fee cards until you understand if this approach suits you.
Will Opening Credit Cards Hurt My Credit Score?
Results vary. Responsible credit use can improve credit over time. My score started in the mid-700s and has remained strong since we began. Always research how new accounts may affect your own credit profile before applying.
What Is the Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners?
For many beginners, a flexible rewards card like Chase Sapphire Preferred is a solid place to start because its rewards are transferable and simple to use. Choose a starter card that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about credit cards or travel — it’s about making room in your budget for what matters. For us, that meant visiting family in Sweden, exploring cities together, and giving our girls memories that will last a lifetime. Points and miles were the vehicle that made those experiences possible.
If you’re curious, start small: open one card, learn the basics, and book a first trip. If it isn’t for you, at least you’ll have enjoyed a discounted or nearly free getaway. That’s how we began—what started as a way to afford a family trip to Sweden became some of our favorite memories.
If you have questions, ask away. I’m happy to point you to the resources I used.
