A few years ago, I was stuck in a cycle of overpriced economy flights and budget accommodation. Travel was something I loved—but it felt way out of reach most of the time. Then, I stumbled across the world of travel hacking. My first big win? A round-trip flight to Europe for under $100, courtesy of points and miles. That moment completely changed how I view travel.
If you’re rolling your eyes right now thinking, isn’t this just for rich people?—think again. Travel hacking isn’t about flashy lifestyles or spending your way into debt. It’s about using the right strategies to make travel possible for anyone. And here’s the good part—you can start from scratch.
This guide will break down the exact steps I use to turn everyday spending into nearly free flights, hotels, and upgrades. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know how to budget smarter, travel better, and save thousands along the way.
What is Travel Hacking?
Travel hacking is the art of earning rewards—think frequent flyer points and credit card miles—and redeeming them for travel perks. These rewards can cover flights, hotels, and even business class upgrades if you play your cards right.
Here’s what you need to know upfront:
- It’s 100% legal and ethical. No shady tricks or loopholes here. Banks and travel companies want loyal customers, so they incentivize you with points.
- You don’t need to be rolling in cash. You can earn points just by redirecting normal spending through the right tools.
- You don’t have to be hyper-organized. Start small—one or two credit cards with clear strategies—and expand as you learn.
Now, let’s address the common myths:
- “Won’t this ruin my credit?” Used responsibly, travel hacking could actually improve your credit score. Paying off balances on time boosts your credit history.
- “It’s only for jet-setters.” Nope! Even infrequent travelers can rack up significant points from everyday spending.
- “It’s too complicated.” It doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, travel hacking is manageable and incredibly rewarding.
How to Earn Points (Even as a Beginner)
1. Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
This is the bread and butter of travel hacking. Many credit cards offer hefty welcome bonuses for meeting spending thresholds in the first few months. For example, you might see something like this:
“Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.”
Those 60,000 points? They could be worth hundreds—sometimes even thousands—when used for flights or hotels.
Pro Tip: Choose cards with bonuses you can realistically meet. It’s about using your usual expenses, not spending more just for points.
2. Everyday Spending
You’re already paying for groceries, gas, and bills—why not put those dollars to work? Use specific cards for specific categories. One card might give you bonus points on food, another on travel. Pairing spending with card benefits adds up fast.
3. Referral Bonuses
Do you have friends or family curious about travel hacking? Many credit cards reward referrals. By sharing a personal referral link, you could earn bonus points when they sign up.
4. Shopping Portals
Airlines and credit card companies often have portals that offer extra points when you shop online. For example, buying your next laptop through the Chase portal could give you 5x points instead of the standard 1x.
5. Limited-Time Promos
Banks and airline programs occasionally run promotions for extra points. Keep an eye out for these opportunities—they can stack up quickly.
Keep It Simple: Most of your points will come from 1–2 cards and smart spending. Don’t overcomplicate this. Focus on maximizing value from just a few sources.
Best Beginner Travel Credit Cards (2025 Edition)
If you’re just getting started, these cards offer excellent value without overwhelming you:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
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- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points
- $95 annual fee
- 2x points on travel and dining
- Access to great transfer partners
- American Express Gold
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- Stellar earnings on groceries and dining
- High-end travel perks
- Higher annual fee—but plenty of value in return
- Capital One Venture
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- Straightforward option for beginners
- 2x miles on every purchase
- Flexible redemption options
Before applying for any card, check your credit score and eligibility. Start with one card that fits your spending habits.
How to Redeem Points Like a Pro
Book Flights with Points
You can redeem points through airline portals or transfer them to specific carriers. For maximum value, aim to transfer points to frequent flyer programs—like Chase points to United Airlines or Amex points to Delta.
Depending on your goals, you can use points for economy flights to stretch them further or splurge on business class for a luxury experience.
Book Hotels with Points
Hotel chains like Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton offer excellent loyalty programs. Always compare the cash price of a room to its “points price.” This will help you maximize value per point.
Use Travel Portals
For simplicity, book directly through portals like Chase Travel or Amex Travel. While not always the best value, it’s straightforward and hassle-free.
Learn to Use Transfer Partners
Advanced travel hackers often transfer points to partners for better redemptions. Tools like Point.me or AwardHacker simplify this process by showing you the best options for your points and destination.
Travel Hacking Smart: Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t carry a balance. Interest charges completely erase any benefit from points.
- Avoid applying for too many cards at once. Space out your applications to protect your credit score.
- Track your spending and deadlines. Use tools like Notion, Google Sheets, or AwardWallet to stay organized.
- Monitor your credit. Responsible spending will often improve your credit score over time.
Tools like CardPointers can help you optimize which card to use for every purchase.
Real-Life Example: How I Booked Paris with Points
Here’s a quick breakdown of my recent trip to Paris:
- Destination: Paris, France
- Points Used: 50,000 Amex points (transferred to Air France) for flights + 30,000 Hyatt points for 3-night hotel stay
- Out-of-Pocket Cost: Less than $150 for taxes and fees
- Cash Value: Over $2,500 in flights and hotels
This wasn’t complicated! It was one card, one transfer, and one incredible experience.
Best Tools and Resources to Help You Get Started
- AwardWallet: Track your points and expiration dates effortlessly.
- The Points Guy: Industry news and detailed guides.
- CardPointers: Helps you manage and optimize your credit card benefits.
- Reddit r/churning: Join the community for real-world tips and discussions.
- My Freebie: [Travel Hacking Starter Kit]—includes a tracker and beginner checklist.
Ready to Start? Grab My Free Travel Hacking Starter Kit
Travel hacking isn’t about luck or status—it’s about using the right system. You have everything you need to start saving thousands on travel, even if you’re working with a tight budget.
Download my free beginner’s guide to learn how to organize your cards, track your points, and plan your next trip. Plus, sign up for updates to hear about the latest travel card deals and strategies to maximize your miles.
You don’t need to be rich to explore the world. You just need a system that works. Now go out and start building your next adventure!
