Credit Card Miles

Do you have a credit card that earns you points?

Years and years ago, when I was in my early 20's, I was strongly advised to never get a credit card that had an annual fee.   I followed this advise for a solid 15 years. I wouldn't even glance at the offers I received in the mail for credit cards if there was an annual fee.  OH, the time I missed out on points.

I also never really paid attention to frequent flyer programs or hotel loyalty memberships.  I always flew the cheapest airline and stayed wherever there was a cheap rate.   I have always traveled for work and over the years have stayed at countless Marriots, Hyatts, Hiltons... and never even listened when they told me about their programs.  But this blog isnt about frequent flyer or hotel loyalty, this post is about the BIG one... the credit card miles.

I am currently on a  direct flight from Bogota, Colombia to Madrid, Spain... for free.  I will fly from Barcelona to Paris... for free.  I will fly, FIRST CLASS, from Paris back to Bogota... you got it... without paying a penny.  We are using airline miles for all 3 of these flights.  Miles we earned using our credit card.

When we lived in the states, we exclusively used Southwest Airlines.  After two years of only flying Southwest, I was convinced by a friend to sign up for their rewards program and to get their credit card.  Within 6 months, I was A List, had free companion pass, and had so many points accumulated, I could take a weekend getaway whenever I wanted.

When we decided to move to Colombia, we researched the main airlines that fly between the US and Colombia and we decided that Delta was the best option, for a variety of reasons, one of which is their frequent flyer program.  Delta is also in partnership with American Express, so we acquired the associated credit card to purchase all of our Delta flights on.  This card has a $550 annual fee... quite the sticker shock for us. However, we quickly calculated the benefits of the card and disregarded this fee almost immediately. This card lets us into sky clubs all over the world. We relax, we eat their food, we drink their beverages, we use their wifi... and we have significantly improved our travel experience waiting for flights. On top of this benefit, we earn a TON of points.  How?  We fly Delta whenever possible; but, that isnt enough.  We pay all of our bills with this credit card and then pay off the credit card every month with the money we would have spent paying our bills directly.  We don't pay the credit card interest, we pay our bills on time, and we rack up tons of points for free flights every... single... month.

People are constantly amazed by the amount of travel we do. They question how we can possibly afford it. The secret is to know the system, understand the benefits, and maximize the use of both credit card points and loyalty programs.  

You can also get credit cards that give you cash back.  Some people prefer this option. I, on the other hand, live to travel. I would much  rather see airline and hotel points accumulating and dreaming of the next trip, than see dollars building up.

Spain, we are on our way! Thanks to our free international flights, we have more money to spend while in the country. Watch out world, here we come!