- Cheap flights exist, if you know how to make the most of credit card rewards.
- Alex Miller of UpgradedPoints.com completed a trip around the world aboard luxury airlines with his wife Erin using the rewards programs from six primary cards.
- Below, those cards are listed along with his insight on which is best for hotels, dining, and airports.
Any experienced fare hacker knows that strategically cashing in credit card rewards is the key to massively discounted airfare.
But with so many credit card rewards programs out there, where do you begin?
Business Insider spoke with Alex Miller of UpgradedPoints.com, who recently completed a trip around the world aboard luxury airlines with his wife Erin. Their eight-leg trip, valued at more than $55,000, cost the couple just $1,087 each.
Miller shared the six cards he used to pull off the trip of a lifetime, and wrote about his experience on his website. Read on to learn more about all six cards — and decide which one could work best for you.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $95 a year.
Sign-up bonus: 50,000 points
Rewards rate: 2x the points on travel and dining
Upgraded Points says:"This is our #1 go-to card without question, because you earn 2pts/$1 spent on all travel and dining purchases worldwide. There are no foreign transaction fees either, so we continue to earn these bonus points when traveling."
More information on Chase Sapphire Preferred »
Chase Ink Business Preferred
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Rewards rate: 3x points on the first $150,000 you spend each year in six business-oriented categories — travel, cable, shipping, Internet, phone, and advertising
Upgraded Points says:"As a small business owner, these are the categories you'll want for earning points. Plus, the points can help offset the card’s $95 annual fee."
More information on Chase Ink Business Preferred »
Platinum from American Express
Annual Fee: $550
Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Rewards rate: 5x the points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and five times the points on eligible hotels booked on amextravel.com.
Perks: Access to Global Lounge Collection at airports, $200 in Uber credit
Upgraded Points says:"It's important to note that this card’s benefits are in the luxury category. If you aren’t interested in luxury perks, then you may want to stick with the Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card."
More information on Platinum from American Express »
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