This is the synopsis of a recent email conversation with a reader edited for content and clarity. What do you think of my suggestions and what other tips would you have offered?
Reader A writes:
Hi Marshall,
I’m a high school teacher with a child in college and one in high school. I am researching the points system in hopes of finding a way to take my family on a big vacation, such as Hawaii, or similar. My credit score is excellent. What would your suggestions be of how I should get started. I main expenses are gas, groceries, dining, utilities, of course tuition and clothing. Thanks for your help.
MJ on Travel Responds:
Hi. Thanks for your note. Let me ask you a couple of questions…. What airport would you normally fly out of, and is there an airline where you already have a bank of miles? Do you have any airlines that you prefer over all others?
And the answer is:
First, I’m a big big fan of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. Ultimate Rewards points are very useful, with 1 to 1 transfer to some big mileage programs like United and Continental (soon to be just United), British Airways, Marriott Rewards, and more. You earn double points for travel and dining. If you got that card, which is currently offering a 50,000 point signup bonus AND the United MileagePlus Explorer Card (I’ve seen 40 and 50,000 mile bonus offers for that) you could have 90 to 100,000 United miles right there. Have your husband apply for the same 2 cards and you’ve got 180 to 200,000 miles.
What I’ve written here is by no means the only way to go at free travel. Just something to think about. Feel free to write back with questions, clarification, anything you need.
Chase Sapphire also offers double points for dining. There’s nothing inherently wrong with any of the Cap One cards….I just haven’t used them, so I don’t speak to them here, but I appreciate the comment. Here’s the scoop straight from Chase’s website on double point categories: “You will earn an additional 1 point for each $1 of net purchases made at merchants that classify their merchant location for Visa/MasterCard in any of the following categories: dining establishments (including caterers), airlines, airports, car rental agencies (including truck, trailer, and RV), cruise ships, hotels and motels, timeshares, local and commuter transportation (including… Read more »
I thought the Chase Sapphire card was great too, based on the reviews but once I actually got the card, I realized I could only earn points for purchasing travel or making online purchases. I wanted credit for day-to-day expenses and I think that’s what she wants as well. I have been really pleased with my Capital One Venture card. I have only had it a few months and already have over 60,000 points, just by using it to pay for daily expenses and Xmas presents. I also have an American Express Delta card that I use some – mainly… Read more »