Real Estate Investor · Colorado Spgs, CO · Member since 2016 · 30 posts · 24 votes
Hi BP! What would you do if you were in my shoes
You travel for work frequently which is paid for and reimbursed by the company you work at. What credit cards are you using to accumulate points for flights and hotels?
Would like to hear your thoughts and ideas. Thanks!
Investor · Montgomery County, PA · Member since 2020 · 255 posts · 238 votes
4y
I typically use Amex but don't travel all that much. I'd look into specific frequent flier cards offered by different airlines. If you have to fly specific routes that use a certain airlines get the card offered by said airline.
Investor · Montgomery County, PA · Member since 2020 · 255 posts · 238 votes
4y
I typically use Amex but don't travel all that much. I'd look into specific frequent flier cards offered by different airlines. If you have to fly specific routes that use a certain airlines get the card offered by said airline.
Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 975 votes
4y
@Tiffany Onwudinanti I use the chase sapphire reserve card for all of my purchases. I also have the AMEX platinum which is good for the perks, but I don't actually charge anything to that card. Both cards are great for folks that travel a lot. I have a unique advantage in that I'm active duty military, and both cards waive their annual fees (~$500 per card) for military cardholders.
Rental Property Investor · Sioux Falls, SD · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 18k+ votes
4y
I travel extensively for my job or I did before COVID and will soon again...
I have used airline miles cards in the past. Most of the benefit comes in the sign up bonus. I sign up, use the card for a year then cancel. Then wait a couple years and sign up again. The cards I have determined are the best deal offer cash back. Cash back gives you flexibility to spend it how you see fit, versus being locked into mileage and block out restrictions.
I currently use DIscover which has 1% cash back on all purchases and 5% cash back quarterly promotions. For example they now have 5% back at Target and Amazon.
I also have a Costco Anywhere Visa, which offers 4% cash on gas purchases, 3% cash on restaurants and travel, 2% at Costco and 1% everywhere else. If you look at how many points you get for buying an airplane ticket versus 3% cash back, the cash holds stronger value.
Another factor here is annual fees. Neither Discover or Costco Anywhere have any annual fees. Many of the airline travel cards have large annual fees, so you need to calculate that in the benefits.
I would also consider frequent flier miles and hotel points. Ideally you want to stay with the same airline and hotel chain to maximize these benefits. In addition to points or miles, you will get upgrades like first class or room upgrades.
@Jay Hinrichs travels a ton and could probably offer other tips.
Atlanta, GA · Member since 2020 · 24 posts · 7 votes
4y
@Tiffany Onwudinanti I also used to travel for work weekly and everything was reimbursed. My top cards were Chase Sapphire Reserve, Gold Amex, Delta Skymiles Platinum, and Marriott cards.
Check out “the points guy” (you can google that phrase) and you can really nerd out on ways to maximize credit card points.