Best Travel Hacking Credit Cards for 2024 – My Top Picks!
Looking for the best travel hacking credit cards? In this guide to the best travel hacking credit cards 2024, I’ll show you how these cards make travel affordable and accessible.
I’m going to share the best credit cards that I personally have, use and love. Since discovering the magic of travel hacking, I’ve scored free flights, complimentary hotel stays, VIP lounge access, and so much more—all thanks to these cards!
Why Travel Hacking with Credit Cards is a Game-Changer
Ever since I learned about travel hacking, I’ve been obsessed about earning points! Travel hacking means strategically using credit cards to rack up points and miles that you can redeem for flights, hotel nights, and amazing travel perks. Imagine flying to your dream destination, skipping the line, relaxing in an exclusive airport lounge, and checking your bags for free—without spending a dime!
Here’s what you can expect in this guide:
- Top travel credit cards for maximizing points
- Insider tips on boosting rewards
- Best cards for lounge access, free flights, and hotel stays
So grab a coffee (or maybe your favorite airport lounge cocktail!) and let’s get into the best travel hacking credit cards that can make your travel dreams a reality.
Best Travel Hacking Credit Cards
1. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best travel credit card for beginner travelers
I’m obsessed with my Capital One Venture X card, it’s the first travel card that got me hooked on travel hacking! It comes with amazing travel perks that make travel smoother, and the credit card rewards system is super simple. You get 2x miles on every purchase, which means you don’t have to think twice about maximizing credit card points – just swipe and earn.
Why It’s Great:
- 2x miles on every purchase: No need to micromanage your spending categories—just swipe and earn! (This is the travel credit card I use when I’m not using my Amex gold!)
- 10x miles on hotels and 5x miles on flights (when booked through Capital One Travel).
- 75,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months, which is enough to cover multiple round-trip flights.
Extra Perks:
- $300 annual travel credit for Capital One Travel bookings. (I love seeing that travel credit hit my account every year!)
- Priority Pass Membership: Access to thousands of airport lounges for free! You can bring along two guests. I’ve used this to get into lounges here in NYC, Australia, Puerto Rico and more! Each lounge is different but you get free food and drinks which can really help when saving money at the airport.
- Access to the Capital One Lounge: The DFW location is AMAZING!
- TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit: Skip the line at airport security and make your travel experience hassle-free.
- 10,000 bonus miles every year: That’s like a free round trip right there!
Annual Fee: $395 (but the travel perks more than cover it, trust me!)
2. American Express® Gold Card
Best for foodies and frequent travelers
Easily the most used card in my wallet. I’m a big fan of the Amex Gold because it’s basically designed for foodies and travelers.
If dining out and groceries are a big part of your life, you’ll rack up points without even trying. Plus, it has tons of transfer partners (like Delta!), making it a flexible choice for travel lovers.
This was how I traveled roundtrip to Australia for 70,000 points (in peak season!! aka Australia’s summer) by transferring them to Delta! That alone saved me over $1000.
Why It’s Great:
- 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), so you’re constantly earning rewards on everyday buys. I rack up those points like no other! Especially living in NYC where stepping outside costs you $100 😅 might as well get some points for it!
- Flexible travel partners: Transfer points to airlines like Delta, JetBlue, and more.
Bonus Points:
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
Extra Perks:
- $120 dining credit: That’s $10/month for places like Grubhub and Seamless.
- Uber Cash: $10/month for Uber or Uber Eats (hello, free Uber rides!)
- Resy Dining Credit: Up to $100 back when you book exclusive dining experiences through Resy (broken up into $50 statement credit Jan-Jun & then $50 July-December)
- $7 Dunkin Donuts credit a month, and if you’re a coffee lover like me, you can easily use that!
Annual Fee: $325 (recently increased, but the perks make it worth it!)
3. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Best for Delta loyalists
This one’s for my Delta fans! The Delta Amex Gold is ideal for anyone who flies Delta, even a couple of times a year. This is a recent addition to my wallet! It covers a free checked bag on Delta flights, gets you priority boarding, and has a super low (or no) annual fee for the first year.
Why It’s Great:
- 2x miles on Delta flights, dining, and groceries. Plus 1x points on everything else!
- 15% off Delta award flights this was my real reason to get this card, I’ll be able to get 15% off Delta points flights and if you stack that with a travel promo or Delta flash sale– that’s an insane way to save points and travel!
Bonus Points:
- Earn up to 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first six months.
Extra Perks:
- First checked bag free: Save up to $60 on each round-trip flight.
- Priority boarding: No fighting for overhead bin space!
- Delta Stays Credit: $100 off on prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays.
- No foreign transaction fees – which is a lifesaver when traveling internationally.
Annual Fee: $0 the first year, then $150 (definitely worth it if you’re a regular Delta flyer).
4. JetBlue Plus Card
Best for JetBlue fans
If you fly Jetblue even once a year & check bags, this card already pays for itself! The JetBlue Plus Card rewards you generously on JetBlue purchases, plus you’ll get perks like free checked bags and even a nice little bonus each year. I fly almost exclusively from NY to Florida on Jetblue so having this card is a no-brainer for me.
Why It’s Great:
- 6x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x on dining and grocery stores.
- 50% off in-flight food and drinks. (Now, I don’t even think twice if I want one of those snack-boxes)
Bonus Points:
- 60,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months—enough for multiple domestic flights. You can easily fly from NYC->FL from 5,000 points one-way on off-peak times. I do this often to visit my family down in FL!
Extra Perks:
- 5,000 bonus points annually.
- 10% back on redeemed points—stretch those points further every time you book.
- $100 Annual credit on Jetblue Vacation packages
- How to get a free checked bag with Jetblue card? Simple- it comes as a perk! free checked backs for you and 3 companions on your reservation.
Annual Fee: $99 (paid for if you check bags at least twice a year!)
Essential Travel Hacking Tips to Maximize Your Rewards
Now that you’ve got the best travel hacking credit cards in hand, here are some insider tips to make the most out of them.
1. Stack Rewards with Cashback Portals
If you reallyyy want to maximize points, use a cash back portal like Rakuten to earn more points when shopping online! Link an Amex card, and you can convert cashback to Membership Rewards points instead!
⭐️ Pro Tip: Sign up with Rakuten here to get $30 in bonus cash when you start.
2. Pay Off Balances Monthly
Avoid carrying a balance on these cards. High interest rates will offset any travel rewards you earn, so always pay off your balances in full each month.
3. Take Advantage of Transfer Partners
Many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel partners. For example, Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Delta, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to Hyatt or United.
4. Book Direct for More Perks
When booking flights or hotels, use the card’s portal to unlock more rewards. With Capital One Travel, for instance, you’ll get 10x points on hotels and 5x on flights!
5. Track Your Points and Rewards
Apps like AwardWallet can help you keep track of your points, miles, and travel benefits. Set reminders so you don’t miss out on your credits or rewards!
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Hacking Credit Cards
1. How many travel credit cards should I get?
- It depends on your travel goals and spending habits! A good rule of thumb is to start with one or two cards to earn sign-up bonuses without spreading yourself thin.
2. What’s the easiest way to earn points fast?
- Sign up for a card with a large bonus, use it for all your daily expenses, and make sure you meet the minimum spend to get the bonus.
3. Are travel credit cards worth the annual fee?
- Yes, if you maximize their perks! Many cards offer credits and perks that can far outweigh the fee.
Final Thoughts on Travel Hacking Credit Cards
So here you go, my ultimate lineup of the best travel hacking credit cards. With the right cards, you’re well on your way to scoring free flights, complimentary hotel nights, and endless travel perks.
Remember, travel hacking is all about using credit strategically to earn points and maximize rewards. And always stay organized with your rewards so you’re never leaving perks on the table. May your journey be full of points, perks, and unforgettable memories! Next up on my credit card travel list? I’ll be looking into the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards!
This post showed you travel hacking best credit cards.
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