If you work for an airline or have access to a buddy pass, you likely already enjoy the perk of free flights. While many of us are focused on credit cards that earn miles for travel, your unique situation calls for a different credit card strategy. Instead of accumulating points for flights, your focus should be on cards that offer perks like hotel stays, travel protection, dining credits, and overall convenience for non-flight expenses. This guide will help you build a smart credit card strategy that maximizes your travel benefits beyond flights.
Understanding the Basics of Credit Card Strategy
Before diving into a specific strategy for airline staff and buddy pass users, it’s essential to understand the foundational principles of choosing the right credit card:
- Chase’s 5/24 Rule: Since Chase limits new credit card approvals to five within 24 months, it’s best to prioritize applying for Chase cards early in your credit journey.
- Transferable Points Over Fixed-Value Points: Points that can be transferred to different travel partners, like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards, offer greater flexibility and value compared to points limited to one loyalty program.
- Pay Your Balance in Full: Always pay off your credit card balance monthly to avoid interest charges and maintain a strong credit score.
Once these fundamentals are in place, it’s time to build a customized credit card plan that aligns with your unique travel needs.
Building a Credit Card Strategy for Airline Employees
As an airline employee or someone with access to a buddy pass, you already have flights covered. Instead, your credit card strategy should focus on other travel-related expenses, such as hotels, car rentals, dining, and trip protection. Let’s explore key questions that will help you build a personalized credit card plan.
Key Questions for Your Strategy:
- What are your travel goals? Do you want to relax at luxury hotels, explore budget-friendly vacation rentals, or experience cruises? Your goals will help determine which type of rewards program best suits your lifestyle.
- Who are you traveling with? If you’re traveling with friends or family who also get free flights, you might want to consider how you’ll share other travel expenses, like hotels or dining. Having points that can be used for group expenses will maximize everyone’s experience.
- What’s your travel style? Consider whether you prefer saving points for a few luxury experiences or stretching your points to cover multiple stays at budget-friendly hotels or hostels.
Credit Cards to Consider
Your ideal credit cards will likely offer transferable points and perks that make non-flight travel easy and affordable. Here are some top options:
Transferable-Points Credit Cards
These cards allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel partners for high-value redemptions.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Benefits: $50 annual hotel credit, 10% annual points bonus, complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Benefits: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge membership, trip protection benefits, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.
- Annual Fee: $550
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months.
- Benefits: Centurion Lounge access, $200 annual hotel credit, Uber Cash, Hilton and Marriott Gold status, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement.
- Annual Fee: $695
These cards offer significant value for non-flight expenses like hotels, restaurants, and ground transportation, while providing valuable travel protections like trip cancellation or delay insurance.
Covering Other Travel Expenses: Fixed-Value Credit Cards
When you travel, there are always extra costs you can’t cover with traditional points, such as train tickets, Airbnb stays, or incidental fees. That’s where fixed-value credit cards come in handy. These cards allow you to redeem points for statement credits on nearly any purchase, making them perfect for covering everyday travel expenses.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Welcome Offer: Earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Benefits: Use points to cover travel expenses as statement credits.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Benefits: Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or transferred to travel partners.
- Annual Fee: $95
These fixed-value cards can help cover unpredictable expenses, like train tickets, local transportation, or unique travel experiences.
Add Hotel Credit Cards to Your Wallet
While your flights are free, you’ll still need somewhere to stay! Hotel credit cards are an excellent addition to your strategy, offering free nights, loyalty perks, and status upgrades.
- World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Welcome Offer: Earn up to 60,000 points with initial spending.
- Benefits: Annual free night, Discoverist status, bonus points for every dollar spent at Hyatt properties.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Welcome Offer: Earn three free nights after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
- Benefits: Automatic Silver Elite status, anniversary free night, 15 elite night credits.
- Annual Fee: $95
Hotel credit cards provide free night certificates, elite status perks, and make hotel stays more affordable and luxurious.
Consider Your Unique Travel Style
If your travel plans include cruising or unique adventures, general travel rewards cards may offer more flexibility than specific cards tied to a single cruise line or loyalty program. Choose cards that cover all travel expenses with bonus points or statement credits.
Final Thoughts
For airline employees and buddy pass users, the best credit card strategy is one that focuses on maximizing non-flight travel benefits. Prioritize cards that offer transferable points, fixed-value rewards, and hotel perks to enhance your travel experiences. With a well-rounded card portfolio, you’ll be able to enjoy luxurious stays, cover incidental costs, and protect your trips with comprehensive insurance, all while leaving your flight worries behind.
