Free course on how to do this here:

https://wealthadvisortraining.com/course/how-advisors-can-use-credit-card-points-to-travel-the-world-for-free/

As a frequent traveler, I always look for ways to save money while exploring new destinations. One of the best ways to travel for free is by using credit card points. Credit card companies offer reward points for every purchase you make using their card, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. In this blog, I will share some tips on how to travel for free using credit card points. 

1. Choose the right credit card: The first step to earning travel rewards is to choose the right credit card. Look for a card that offers a generous sign-up bonus and rewards points for every dollar spent. Some popular travel credit cards include Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, and Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card.

2. Take advantage of sign-up bonuses: Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, which can be worth thousands of dollars in travel rewards. To earn the bonus, you typically need to spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the card. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and plan your spending accordingly. As a financial advisor, this can be accomplished through paying taxes on your credit card. There are 3 links available to do this: https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card and all available for around a 2% fee. 

If you owe 10k in taxes and pay 2% (or 200 fee), would this be worth it for earning 10k points on an existing card? NO

But if you use the 10k you need to already pay in taxes to earn 2 sign on bonuses (worth 150k in introductory points) and then use this to book a first class international flight for free (that would otherwise cost 8k), then is it worth it? YES. 

Will pay a $200 fee to save 8k any day!

4. Redeem your points wisely: Once you have accumulated enough points, it's time to redeem them for travel rewards. The best value for your points is often for flights and specifically international flights that are business or first class. 

5. Use airline and hotel loyalty programs: Many credit card companies partner with airlines and hotels to offer additional rewards and benefits. Make sure to sign up for loyalty programs and link them to your credit card to earn even more points and perks. 

6. Keep track of your points: It's important to keep track of your points and their expiration dates. You can find our free tracker in the link above in the course we built for financial advisors. Some points expire after a certain period, so make sure to use them before they expire. Also, make sure to check for blackout dates and restrictions on using your points. 

In conclusion, traveling for free using credit card points requires some planning and strategy, but it's a great way to save money and explore new destinations. By choosing the right credit card, using it for all your purchases, and redeeming your points wisely, you can earn enough rewards to cover your travel expenses. 

Trip To London! How we did it:

Here is an example of a trip we went on taking full advantage of using Credit Card Points for. Pittsburgh to London, and then London back to Pittsburgh all on business class. (Throughout the trip we used EZ JET cash prices to bounce around Switzerland, Spain etc.

All in the credit card points saves us around 20k in flights, and 6k in hotel costs.

The rest of the trip we used cash (which all in was under 3k). 

1. British Airways Visa Signature® Card on your name and SSN. Earn up to 100,000 Avios. Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening and earn an additional 25,000 Avios after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months of account opening.
   1. https://milevalue.com/creditcards/british-airways-visa-signature-card/?aff=ewa
   2. Details:
      1. Put 5k on it to earn 75k welcome points.
      2. Another 15k (to earn another 25k points)
      3. And then another 10k (so 30k total) to earn the following:
         1. Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa Signature card, you will earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
         2. This will earn you enough points to book a business class free
         3. Then also bring your counterpart with you as your companion for free
2. Then open the following:
   1. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
   2. Earn 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
   3. Transfer them to your Ink Business Preferred Card to earn your Ultimate Rewards points.
   4. Then transfer to world of hyatt (to get 25k/night Park hyatt) in Zurich for free …this will be 4 night free. With cash price around 4k – 6k for same thing (but this free)

What this will cost:

• Annual fees for all 3 credit cards combined = $300
• Fee to pay taxes to earn intro bonuses and earn the companion passes immediately (which will show up in 1 month cycle):  2% x 75k = $1,500
• The total you will pay in fees will be to Chase and the US government for taxes = $1,800
  • you will save a minimum of 26k back in free travel 

Link to pay the taxes online: https://www.payusatax.com/

1. Make a personal payment.
2. Select 1040 ES payment for 2023. 
3. Put in your info. 
4. Pay on credit card.
5. Use bank account cash to pay off credit cards.

*Then you will earn points in 1 cycle. 

Happy travels!

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.