Travel With Points: A Simple Strategy
A few years ago, I started using a rotating credit card strategy to maximize travel rewards. The idea is to open new travel cards for their generous sign‑up bonuses, earn the points quickly, and then move on to the next card while keeping costs low. Here’s how the system works:
Key points:
- Focus on one card at a time: Use only that card for everyday purchases until you hit the required spending for the sign‑up bonus.
- Use points quickly: Redeem the bonus points within a year to get the most value.
- Rotate to a new card: Once the bonus is earned, switch to a new card to work toward another sign‑up bonus.
- Manage annual fees: Cancel cards after using the bonus points to avoid multiple annual fees at once.
- Time cancellations wisely: Canceling restarts the two‑year clock for qualifying for another bonus on the same card.
- Pay in full each month: This strategy works best if you never carry a balance, avoiding high interest rates.
- Limit openings to 2–3 cards per year: Helps reduce impact on your credit score if you already have good credit.
- Reconsider cancellation timing: Keeping a card for just over a year often makes sense because the free night reward can outweigh the annual fee.
- Leverage spouse referrals: Instead of adding your spouse as an authorized user, refer them to apply separately using your referral link to earn both a referral bonus and their own sign‑up bonus.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Sign‑up bonus: Earn three free night awards (each night worth up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first three months.
This limited‑time offer is perfect for travelers who want to experience Marriott’s vast portfolio of hotels. After meeting the minimum spend requirement, you’ll receive three certificates redeemable at properties up to 50,000 points per night, and you can top up certificates with 15,000 additional points if needed.
- Earn up to 17x points per dollar spent on Marriott stays.
- Earn 3x points at grocery stores, gas stations and dining (up to $6,000 combined annually), then 2x points.
- Complimentary Silver Elite status; spend $35,000 per year to reach Gold Elite status.
- Annual free night award worth up to 35,000 points on your account anniversary.
World of Hyatt® Credit Card
Sign‑up bonus: Earn two Category 1–4 free night certificates after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus 25,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 total within the first six months.
This tiered welcome offer delivers immediate value for getaways at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts. Spend $4,000 to receive two free nights at Category 1–4 properties, and unlock an additional 25,000 points after $12,000 in spending within six months — enough points for an extra stay or room upgrade.
- Automatic Discoverist status and five elite night credits each year.
- Earn 2x Tier‑qualifying night credits for every $5,000 in purchases.
- Additional free night certificate each year on your account anniversary (Category 1–4).
- No foreign transaction fees and a reasonable annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card
Sign‑up bonus: Limited‑time offer — earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first five months from account opening.
Whether you fly Southwest frequently or only a few times a year, this generous welcome bonus can help you book award flights quickly. The points count toward the coveted Companion Pass, giving you and a companion unlimited flights (plus taxes and fees) for the rest of the calendar year and the following year when you earn 135,000 qualifying points.
- 2x points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases.
- 2x points at gas stations and grocery stores (on up to $5,000 in combined purchases per year).
- Anniversary bonus points and no foreign transaction fees.
- Generous travel protections and first checked bag free on Southwest flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a credit card sign‑up bonus?
- A sign‑up bonus is a one‑time reward — often in the form of points, miles or free nights — that issuers offer to new cardholders who meet a minimum spending requirement within a set time frame.
- Will closing a credit card hurt my credit score?
- Closing a card can impact your score by reducing the length of your credit history and your available credit. Before closing an account, consider the age of the card and whether the benefits outweigh the annual fee.
- How often can I apply for new cards?
- There’s no universal rule, but banks have their own limits on how many cards you can open in a certain period. Space out applications, monitor your credit and ensure you can meet spending requirements without overspending.
- Are annual fees worth paying?
- Annual fees can be worthwhile if the value of the sign‑up bonus and ongoing benefits outweighs the cost. Many cards offer perks like free nights, travel credits or elite status that can more than offset the fee.
Disclaimer
Offer details on this site are provided for informational purposes only and may change or expire without notice. Referral links are included for convenience; we cannot guarantee that the posted terms are still available when you visit. Always review the current terms and conditions on the issuer’s website before applying.