Traveling Expats

Embarking on the quest to accumulate miles and points can be daunting. With countless cards available, it can be overwhelming to determine where to begin. However, with the right knowledge, you can swiftly navigate your way to flying for free, even in business class.

If you’re a novice seeking to begin your journey with airline miles and points, you’ve arrived at the appropriate destination. In this guide, we’ll enlighten you on the fundamentals of earning miles and points, with a primary emphasis on earning Chase Ultimate Rewards, known for their simplicity and transferability. We’ll also provide insight into the idiosyncrasies and characteristics of the miles and points game.

To begin, let’s discuss the importance of responsible credit use.

Credit cards that offer rewards, such as miles and points, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These cards can be a great way to earn rewards quickly, but they should be used with care. If you have a history of misusing credit, it is not recommended to apply for a rewards credit card. These cards often come with high interest rates and annual fees, which can cost you a lot of money in the long run if you don’t pay off the balance in full.

Credit cards are often a subject of debate, yet adopting a prudent approach by using them akin to a debit card—spending only within your means and clearing the balance monthly—can render them invaluable as travel aids.

It’s also important to avoid overspending just to earn points or meet a welcome offer. Only use your credit card for transactions that you would make anyway. Going into debt just to earn points is never worth it, and can lead to financial trouble down the line.

Overall, rewards credit cards can be a great way to earn perks and benefits, but they should be used responsibly. Be sure to always pay your balance in full and only use your card for transactions that you can afford. With these guidelines in mind, you can enjoy the rewards that come with a rewards credit card without falling into debt.

What is Travel Hacking?

One way to reduce the cost of travel is by utilizing credit card reward points and miles. The process is simple:

• Use a travel reward credit card for your daily purchases
• Accumulate points/miles with your spending
• Redeem your points/miles to cover travel expenses

It is worth noting that although different programs refer to their awards as either points or miles, they are essentially the same thing.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards Approach:

The market is filled with an abundance of credit cards that offer rewards. However, many of these cards are co-branded with specific airlines or hotel chains, which can be limiting. Users are restricted to redeeming points within the partner program, exposing them to program devaluations and reduced award availability.

We advise accumulating transferable points that can be used across various airline partners, offering flexibility and value. We highly recommend Chase Ultimate Rewards points due to their wide network of transfer partners, enabling users to book award flights with any airline alliance and enjoy complimentary stays at luxurious properties worldwide.

Why Chase Ultimate Rewards Points before any other rewards program?

To get a Chase credit card, you can’t have been approved for five or more credit cards in the past 24 months. When you apply, the new card will be included in this count. So, you should have been approved for four or fewer cards from any company in the last 24 months.

Typically, when you get approval for a business credit card, it doesn’t affect your Chase 5/24 score. This is because business cards are linked to a business, not to the person applying for the card. This applies to cards from AmEx, Bank of America, BBVA, Citi, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo.

Chase isn’t the only company that limits the number of cards you can have. Other companies like American Express, Barclays, and Citibank also have their own rules. Even though the rules are different for each company, the main idea is that they want to stop people from having too much credit and ending up in debt or misusing reward programs.

When you ask for a credit card, the bank checks your credit history. They get this information from one of three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

When Chase checks your credit history and sees that you’ve gotten five credit cards in the last 24 months, they will automatically reject your application for a Chase credit card. For example, if you were approved for a card on Jan. 15, 2020, by Feb. 1, 2022, it may no longer be considered as one of the five cards. Some people have been approved shortly after a card is no longer counted in the 5/24 rule, but it’s not guaranteed.

Note, if someone adds you to their credit card, that card will probably be included in your 5/24 score.

Before you apply for a Chase credit card, check your credit report to calculate your 5/24 score. You can get a free copy of your full credit report from each major credit bureau once a year.

To find your 5/24 score, just add up all the credit cards you’ve been approved for in the last 24 months.

Look at the sections with the lists of your open and closed accounts. Even if a account is currently closed, if it was opened within the past 24 months, Chase will consider that card.

When you total the cards you’ve been approved for in the past 24 months, if the number is four or less, you have space for one more Chase credit card approval. 

Plus Chase Ultimate Rewards give you access to 7 airline partners and 4 hotel partners.

One of the significant benefits of accumulating Chase points is the flexibility it provides. By transferring your points to various airlines or hotels, you open up a plethora of redemption options. This option also safeguards you against any potential devaluations and offers an array of choices, unlike earning on a single airline or hotel chain.

Moreover, the flexibility of Chase points means you can access all airlines within the three major alliances: Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld. Furthermore, you can even redeem points for free hotel nights by transferring to Marriott, IHG, or Hyatt or book award flights with some airlines outside of an alliance.

The accumulation of transferable points, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, offers the benefit of flexibility, avoiding the restriction of being confined to a single airline or hotel chain.

Best Chase Credit Card for beginners:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a standout option for those seeking a travel credit card. With an impressive signup bonus, reasonable annual fee ($95), and high point value, it’s an excellent choice for first-time users.

You will experience an array of benefits, including a $50 yearly Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5X points on travel bought through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining, and 2X points on all other travel expenses, among others.

Another significant advantage of this card is that it allows you to transfer Chase points. Thus, it can be combined with other Chase cards that are exceptional point earners to maximize rewards.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is especially advantageous because it offers comprehensive travel insurance, making it ideal for rental car bookings and award flight reservations. By using this card for fees and taxes, you can benefit from excellent luggage, delay, and other benefits.

If you choose to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, we kindly request that you utilize the link included in this post. This action significantly aids us in acquiring referral points without incurring any additional expense on your part. Your support is immensely valued.

If you have any inquiries, uncertainties, or if you feel overwhelmed, please feel free to contact us. Whether it’s to seek clarification, share achievements, or simply to connect, your engagement is highly valued and appreciated.

Betty and Lee