How to use credit card points for travel

Sharing my tips on how to use credit card points for travel. Check out all of the details here!

There are some things in my life that I regret. That one time I moved to Tucson and was having a crisis and got bangs. Quitting my MBA program when I was more than halfway finished. Aaaaand not signing up for reward credit cards sooner.

We often heard our friends talking about credit card points, but since we had debt in the past, it was something we avoided. We kept hearing about free flights and lounge access, so about 10 years ago, we decided to go for it. It’s been a total gamechanger. Since then, we have traveled multiple times for free, enjoyed hotel upgrades, lounge access, and have been rewarded for everyday spending through points.

How to use credit card points for travel

How to Use Credit Card Points for Travel: Maximize Rewards for Flights, Hotels, and Lounge Access

In this post, I’m going to share some tips on how to maximize your credit card rewards for travel and share my experience with the American Express Platinum Card, including its pros and cons. I’ll also share my favorite tips for getting the best airfare deals!

Ways to Use Credit Card Points for Travel

1. Free Hotel Stays & Upgrades

Many travel credit cards allow you to redeem points for free hotel nights at major chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. Some cards also offer automatic elite status, which can lead to room upgrades, late checkout, and free breakfast. When I book through the Amex travel portal, we’re able to see which rewards we’ll receive, whether it’s late checkout, early check-in, a resort credit, or a room upgrade when available. You also get $200 credit each year for their Fine Hotels & Resorts collection.

(Free room service at our upgraded Venetian suite in Vegas. Our flight was also free)

Tip: Look for transfer partners where your points stretch further. For example, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to Hilton Honors but often have promotions offering extra value. Sometimes you can get 2 for 1 points so it’s worth it!! You can do this directly through the American Express website.

2. Booking Flights & Scoring Airfare Deals

One of the best ways to use credit card points is to book flights. You can redeem points directly through your card’s travel portal or transfer them to airline partners for even better value.

Best ways to find airfare deals:

Use Google Explore: If you’re flexible on destination, Google Flights Explore can show you the cheapest places to fly from your home airport. Don’t be afraid to check every day, scroll around, and play with flexible dates and locations.

Be Flexible on Dates & Location: Even shifting your departure by one day can make a big difference.

Set Price Alerts: Websites like Google Flights and Skyscanner let you track prices and get notified when fares drop.

Transfer Points at a Bonus: Some credit cards offer transfer bonuses when moving points to airline programs, giving you extra value. *Look and see which airline is operating your desired flight. For example, I booked a flight through Delta the other day that was operated by Air France. Find the same flight on their website and transfer your points to their rewards program to get an even better deal.

3. Airport Lounge Access

Long layovers? Flight delays? Airport lounges can make your experience so much better. The American Express Platinum Card provides complimentary Priority Pass, Centurion Lounge, and Delta Sky Club access (when flying Delta). That means free food, drinks, comfortable seating, and sometimes even showers and spa services. The girls LOVE the lounge life and are quite used to it lol.

Tip: Check which lounges are available at your airport in advance using the Priority Pass app or Amex Travel.

The Pros & Cons of the American Express Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum is one of the best travel credit cards, but it’s not for everyone.

Here’s what I love and what to consider before signing up.

Pros:

Massive Welcome Bonus: Often worth enough for a free international flight.

Lounge Access: Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club, and more.

Hotel & Rental Car Perks: Elite status at Hilton and Marriott, plus discounts on car rentals.

Annual Travel Credits: $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, Uber credits, and more.

No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for international travel.

Monthly benefits at select retailers: They have new benefits each month that you can add to your account, including disocunts at lululemon, Kendra Scott, Warby Parker, etc. You also get a Saks credit twice a year.

They also cover the cost of Global Entry/TSA pre-check for each cardholder. (You get pre-check with Global Entry.)

Cons:

High Annual Fee: $695 per year, which is steep unless you maximize the benefits.

Not the Best for Everyday Spending: The earning structure favors travel purchases over regular expenses.

Lounge Overcrowding: Centurion lounges can get busy, and recent restrictions limit guest access.

Final Thoughts: If you travel often and can take advantage of the perks, the Amex Platinum is an excellent card. If not, you might be better off with a lower-fee travel card.

(I can always find protein and a vegetable in the lounge)

Final Tips for Maximizing Your Credit Card Points

Plan ahead and book award flights early. I find that the sweet spot is 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic flights and 8-12 weeks for international (even though sometimes I can find deals as we get closer to the date).

Use transfer bonuses to get more value from your points. This is where you can get crazy deals!!

Take advantage of statement credits to offset travel costs.

Use a mix of cash and points strategically to stretch your rewards. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy the points you need instead of simply paying in cash.

If you’re interested in applying for the American Express Platinum Card, you can use my referral link here. We’ve had an amazing experience with it so far and it’s our #1-used card. (We use the Southwest card for all of my business expenses).

Do you use credit card points for travel? What’s your best redemption so far? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your tips!

Some extra resources:

Just Get Out of Town (the $7 ebook was worth every penny!)

The Points Guy