How to Travel Free with Points & Miles
- chasingmemoriesco
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Beginner's Guide to Earning Free Travel with Credit Card Points
Your Quick-Start Strategy for Opening New Credit Cards and Racking Up Points
Why Use Credit Cards to Earn Travel Points?
When used wisely, credit cards with welcome bonuses are one of the fastest and smartest ways to earn nearly-free flights, hotel stays, and unforgettable adventures for your family. Instead of slowly earning 1 or 2 points per dollar on everyday spending, welcome offers allow you to instantly rack up 60,000 to 100,000+ points just by meeting a minimum spend in the first few months. With just one or two strategically chosen cards, you can earn hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars in travel rewards, often far exceeding the cost of the card's annual fee.
But First: Let’s Talk Responsibility 📆
Only use this strategy if you can pay off your balance in full each month.
Free travel isn't free if you're paying interest or going into debt. These cards are tools, not shortcuts. Used wisely, they can boost your credit, fund your travel dreams, and give you access to valuable perks. Used recklessly, they can create financial stress.
How Does It Work?
Most premium travel credit cards offer welcome bonuses when you spend a certain amount within the first 3 months of opening the card. For example:
Spend $4,000–$5,000 in 3 months
Earn 60,000–100,000+ points
Redeem those points for flights, hotels, rental cars, and more
Points can be used through the credit card’s travel portal or transferred to travel partners (like airlines and hotel chains) for even more value.
How Credit Cards Can Improve Your Credit Score
Contrary to popular belief, opening new credit cards doesn't automatically hurt your credit. In fact, it can help by:
Increasing your total credit limit (which lowers your credit utilization ratio)
Adding to your credit history length over time
Demonstrating responsible usage (on-time payments = gold star ⭐)
Hitting the Minimum Spend Without Overspending
Here are some everyday ways to hit the minimum spend without buying things you don’t need:
Groceries & gas
Dining out or takeout
Utility bills or cell phone service
Insurance premiums
School supplies or kids' sports fees
Medical bills or prescriptions
Gift cards (buy now, use later!)
Large planned expenses like car repairs, home maintenance, etc.
Top Starter Cards I Recommend
Current offer: 100,000 points (worth $1,250+ in travel!) using this referral code
Minimum spend: $5,000 in 3 months
Annual fee: $95
Why it’s great: Points transfer to partners like Hyatt, which gives amazing redemption value. You can often get hotel nights for as little as 8,000 points. It’s a favorite for beginners because the portal is easy to use and the perks are strong.
Other perks: Primary rental car insurance, trip delay protection, purchase protection, and more
Current offer: 100,000 points only if using this referral link
Minimum spend: $4,000 in 3 months
Annual fee: $95
Why it’s great: 2x miles on every purchase makes earning simple. Best used for flights when you transfer points to Capital One’s travel partners (like Turkish, Air Canada, and more).
Other perks: Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees.
Note: This card is a Mastercard and cannot be used in Costco stores, but it can be used on Costco.com.
Current offer: Varies, but usually 75,000+ points
Minimum spend: $4,000 in 3 months
Annual fee: $395
Why it’s great: Despite the higher fee, you get $300 in annual travel credit, lounge access (including Priority Pass & Capital One Lounges), 10,000 bonus miles every year, and more. Perfect for families who fly a few times a year.
Real-Life Example: Europe for 30,000 Miles
I recently booked roundtrip flights to Europe in peak summer for just 30,000 Capital One miles using transfer partners. That’s the power of points!
Another booked 3 nights at a luxury Hyatt property in Mexico for just 24,000 points total. Smart redemptions go so much further.
Final Tips
Only open one card at a time
Don’t add an authorized user unless you have a strategy
Track your spend and bonus deadlines (use the tracker from Step 1!)
Treat your card like a debit card: never carry a balance
You don’t have to spend more. You just have to spend smarter. And this strategy? It’s your first step toward traveling more for less—and chasing memories with the people you love most.
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