6 Tips for Using Credit Card Perks to Travel for Less
CreditUtilization.net
6 Tips for Using Credit Card Perks to Travel for Less
Traveling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing quality experiences. This article reveals expert-backed strategies for leveraging credit card perks to reduce travel costs significantly. Discover how to transform everyday spending and business expenses into valuable travel rewards, making your dream destinations more accessible than ever.
- Maximize Companion Vouchers for Discounted Flights
- Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees While Abroad
- Earn Miles Through Everyday Purchases
- Utilize Travel Credit for Small Expenses
- Accumulate Flexible Travel Points for Trips
- Redeem Business Expenses for Flight Savings
Maximize Companion Vouchers for Discounted Flights
One credit card perk we've seen leveraged very effectively to travel for less is the companion voucher. Many frequent-flyer program credit cards offer these.
We leveraged this benefit by redeeming points for one flight and then using the companion voucher to book a second ticket for a travel partner, either for free (just paying taxes) or at a significantly reduced points cost. This essentially cut the flight cost in half for two people traveling together. It's particularly valuable on expensive international routes. For example, using this strategy, it's possible to fly long-haul in Business Class for as little as 30,000 points and under $100 in taxes per person, often achievable through cards with accessible welcome bonuses and low fees.
Here are some examples of First Class flights we booked with these vouchers:
https://blog.awardfares.com/lufthansa-first-muc-bos/
https://blog.awardfares.com/sas-amex-2-for-1-2024/
Happy to give more information and expand on the details if needed.
Kind regards,
German
CMO, AwardFares
https://awardfares.com
Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees While Abroad
One credit card perk I've personally used to reduce travel costs is foreign transaction fee waivers. As someone who travels frequently--especially between Nepal and countries like Singapore or the U.S.--this benefit adds up quickly. I used a card with zero foreign transaction fees during my stay in Singapore, and it allowed me to pay for hotels, meals, and local transport without worrying about extra charges on every swipe. It may seem like a small detail, but over the course of an international trip, it can save a meaningful amount and simplify budgeting.
Earn Miles Through Everyday Purchases
The Everyday Trick That's Helped Me Score Cheaper Flights
One of my favorite credit card perks is using my United MileagePlus card with the MileagePlus X app. Honestly, it's a sneaky little hack. Basically, whenever I'm out shopping, looking for dinner plans with my partner, or even searching for gift ideas, I check the app first.
Why? Because every time I make a purchase through it, I'm racking up miles, not just from flying, but from regular daily spending. Here's another perk: since I have the United Plus card, I can stack those miles and get an extra bonus, even if I'm not paying with the card itself.
For example, I buy lunch every day at work, so I purchase gift cards to pay for it. Over time, those miles really pile up and have helped me offset the costs of trips or even snag free ones. (I'm currently saving for a trip to Brazil!) It's one of those perks many people overlook, but once you start using it, you realize how easy it is to turn everyday spending into travel rewards.
Utilize Travel Credit for Small Expenses
Credit Card Reimbursement Loophole
One underrated benefit is travel credit reimbursement that doesn't have to be for flights or accommodations. Many credit cards provide annual travel credits that cover the small expenses you might not have thought to budget for in advance. Rather than only using my card for big purchases, I consciously charge small travel expenses—such as metro cards or ride-shares—and have them reimbursed, saving me considerable cash. By strategically timing the purchases, I maximize the reward without adjusting my itineraries or changing the way I travel. It's a clever way to get the most out of each travel dollar.
Accumulate Flexible Travel Points for Trips
One perk that has saved me a lot on travel is using points from a credit card with a solid rewards program. I focused most of my everyday spending, such as groceries, gas, and bills, on one card that offered flexible travel points, and I paid it off in full each month to avoid interest.
After about a year, I had enough points to cover a round-trip flight and part of a hotel stay. I booked everything through the card's travel portal to get better redemption value. It felt great knowing the trip was mostly paid for just by being intentional with how I used the card. It's one of those perks that really adds up if you stick with it.
Redeem Business Expenses for Flight Savings
One credit card perk I've used to travel for less is earning and redeeming points for flights through the card's travel portal with bonus value—where every point is worth more when booking directly through their system.
I leveraged this by putting all business expenses—marketing, software, fuel, supplies—on a rewards card with a strong travel program. The points added up quickly, and I used them to book round-trip flights that would have cost hundreds in cash. On one trip, I saved over $400 just by using points with a boosted redemption rate.
The key is to treat the card like a debit card—paying it off monthly—and let the rewards work for you, especially if you're already spending for your business.
