How we turned our honeymoon into 150,000+ credit card rewards points

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Picture this: you’re sipping a margarita, lounging on a white-sand beach, soaking up the sun at a luxury all-inclusive resort. Sounds like a dream honeymoon, right?

Now, imagine being able to fund your next three adventures with the rewards you earned from the same honeymoon. This is exactly what my wife and I did.

When we tell people about our travel experiences, we often hear, “Wow, that must have been a once-in-a-lifetime trip!” or “It must be nice to travel so much.” But here’s the thing: travel doesn’t have to be a rare luxury or an unattainable goal.

In fact, credit cards—yes, you read that right—can be your ticket to more frequent and affordable travel. Here’s how.

Maximizing our honeymoon with credit card rewards

As budget travelers, my wife and I usually opt for cost-effective accommodations like hostels and Airbnbs. However, we wanted to indulge in a more luxurious experience for our honeymoon.

We decided to book a seven-night stay at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, through a travel agent. The total cost, including lodging and travel expenses, was about $8,000.

While we wanted to go on our honeymoon, we couldn’t completely suppress our keen instincts. That’s when we discovered the power of credit card welcome rewards and rewards programs, especially with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Hitting the jackpot with welcome bonuses

When my wife and I first opened the Sapphire Preferred card, it was offering a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. My wife and I each opened a card and split the honeymoon payment, immediately meeting the minimum spending requirements.

In addition to the 120,000 points we earned from the welcome bonuses, we registered the second card through the referral program. This got us 15,000 extra points.

The card also offers 2X points on “other travel purchases.” That way, we racked up another 16,000 points just by paying for our honeymoon.

When all was said and done, we had accumulated 151,000 reward points. Those points covered our round-trip flights for the next three trips to Chicago, Nashville, and Phoenix—all without touching our bank accounts. And believe it or not, we still have points left!

Using your rewards the right way

Most cards let you exchange your points for cash, but you’ll generally only get one cent per point (eg, 60,000 points equals $600). To get more cash, consider purchasing travel through your credit card’s rewards program.

For example, when you redeem points through Chase Travel with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card, your points are worth 25% more. Using the example above, our 60,000 points equaled $750 in travel.

To get the most out of your points, research the specific airlines, hotels and travel partners available with your card’s rewards program before applying.

The best credit cards for welcome bonuses

With countless cards vying for your attention, focus on the ones with good welcome bonuses, achievable minimum spending requirements and reasonable annual fees. Here are three prominent options:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card it’s an excellent choice for travelers who value flexibility. This card comes with a generous welcome bonus, multiple travel partners, and a 25% points boost when used through Chase Travel. Plus, the card offers travel protection, making it a perfect option for frequent travelers.
• Citi Premier® Card it’s a great choice for those who love to eat out and spend on travel. With 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels, this card lets you rack up rewards on everyday purchases and travel spend. The card also has a solid welcome bonus. You can transfer points to various airline and hotel partners, providing flexibility.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who want a simple rewards structure. It offers 2X miles on every purchase, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of bonus categories. The card’s welcome bonus is one of the most attractive among travel rewards cards. You can redeem miles for a variety of travel purchases, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more.

How to make your credit card work for you

Credit card welcome bonuses and rewards are designed to be enticing. But it is essential to understand the rules of the game to reap the benefits without falling into the potential pitfalls. Here are three tips to get the most out of your cards.

1. Make payments on time

The golden rule of credit card rewards hacking is to always make your payments on time. Many of these credit cards have high APRs, often over 20% and sometimes close to 30%. However, if you pay your bill in full and on time, you’ll pay zero interest.

Nationwide credit card debt has soared to over $1 trillion, setting an alarming new record. To make sure the cost of carrying the card doesn’t outweigh the rewards, spend only what you can afford to pay on your card and never carry a balance.

2. Maintain a good credit score

Credit card issuers rely heavily on your credit score when determining your eligibility for any given card. A FICO score of 670+ will qualify you for most credit cards, while options may be more limited if you fall in the 580 to 669 range. If your score is below 580, it’s smart to improve it before dive into hacking rewards.

Opening a new credit card can temporarily lower your credit score. But using your card smartly can help it grow in the long run. By making on-time payments, managing debt and diversifying your credit mix, you can improve your score.

3. Meeting minimum spending requirements

Failure to meet minimum spending requirements within the time frame may forfeit your credit card welcome bonus. However, there are some creative ways to make sure you reach your goal on time:

• Plan big expenses: Use large future expenses, such as vacations, medical bills, or holiday shopping, to meet your minimum spending requirements.
• Use daily expenses: Load groceries, gas, dining and subscriptions to your credit card to maximize your rewards.
• First money for friends or family: Offer to cover expenses for someone using your credit card and let them reimburse you through third-party payment apps like Venmo or Zelle.

What to do with your card after earning the welcome bonus

Once you’ve earned your welcome bonus and redeemed your rewards points, you have three options for your credit card:

• Hold the card: Keeping your credit card open can be smart if the benefits outweigh the annual fee. These benefits can include bonus points in specific spending categories, access to airport lounges and more.
• Cancel the card: It is recommended that you keep your credit card for at least a year to avoid the issuer returning unused points. You can also get a savings offer — like free points or a waiver of your annual fee — by calling the issuer before you cancel. Remember that many issuers require a 48-month waiting period after cancellation before re-qualifying for a welcome bonus.
• Lower the card category: Many credit cards have tiers with different benefits and annual fees. Choosing to downgrade can help you keep your points while lowering your annual fees.

conclusion

Credit cards are often associated with overwhelming debt. But using your card in the right way can be really profitable. By taking advantage of welcome bonuses and rewards, you can turn your honeymoon expenses into funding for your next adventure.

If you’re ready to start your credit card rewards hacking journey, remember to make on-time payments, maintain a good credit score, and meet minimum spending requirements. With a little planning, you’ll be well on your way to making your travel dreams come true.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, endorsed or otherwise approved by any of the entities involved in the post.