Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards or Citi ThankYou Rewards points can be transferred directly into specific airline and hotel loyalty programs for more flexible redemption options, avoiding blackout dates and restrictions as well as protection against devaluation.
Definitions of travel expenses remain fuzzy, yet rewards experts understand that shifting expenses between partners is one of the best ways to achieve maximum value.
Benefits
Credit card travel partners can be an invaluable way to maximize the value of points and miles earned with credit cards. American Express, Bilt, Capital One and Chase all provide cards with flexible point currencies that let users transfer rewards directly to airlines and hotel programs for various redemption options.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points work with 17 airline and three hotel loyalty programs, according to NerdWallet estimates that these point transfers yield 2 cents or more in value per point! Utilizing your points wisely could enable you to access destinations otherwise hard-to-reach with cash rewards or credit card benefits alone.
Keep on top of all your possibilities can be an exhausting task, which is why it is crucial that you understand how best to utilize your credit card travel partner options. Always visit your card issuer’s online portal or travel partners for offers that could extend your rewards further.
Authorized Users
Credit card authorized users represent a special niche in rewards card solutions. An authorized user is defined as anyone who receives their own credit card but still falls under the responsibility of the primary account holder, but their charges remain their responsibility. Authorized users can be an effective way to meet minimum spending requirements and unlock welcome offer point bonuses.
Authorized users also enjoy some travel benefits, including lounge access and statement credits when applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications. American Express Platinum card authorized users also enjoy hotel elite status perks like Marriott Bonvoy Gold status or Hilton Honors Gold status, along with Fine Hotels & Resorts privileges.
Assigning authorized users to a credit card can be beneficial for couples looking to share points between themselves. Since the primary cardholder is responsible for paying all charges incurred on their card, only add people they trust and set spending limits that don’t exceed their limit.
Airline Companion Passes
Airline companion passes are one of the many attractive perks available through certain airline credit cards, providing “buy one, get one free” coupons that can be redeemed against taxes and fees associated with just the second ticket (though you will still pay for your own seat). They may be found as part of elite airline offers or be given as annual benefits; examples of which include Southwest’s Companion Pass program.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Alaska Airlines Visa Business cards provide cardholders with a one-time code every card anniversary that allows them to book round trip economy tickets for just $99 plus taxes per travel companion – these codes can usually be applied across most flights; some routes are excluded.
British Airways Travel Together Tickets, available with some airline credit cards, are valid for two years and require purchasing flights with Avios points. They can be booked in coach class, premium class or even first class (though some routes may have blackout dates). Furthermore, many airline credit cards provide one complimentary companion ticket annually following your membership anniversary or renewal date.
Rewards
For maximum value when redeeming credit card points for travel, it’s essential that you understand how they can be redeemed. Flexible travel rewards programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards feature long lists of airline and hotel transfer partners; to help determine how many points will be required to book an award flight, card issuers offer travel portals where users can calculate mileage needed for award flights.
These transfer partners allow you to either redeem through the partner’s booking engine, or convert your points into fixed-value travel awards – an invaluable way to extend the value of travel rewards, making these cards worthwhile consideration when picking a credit card. American Express Membership Rewards points transferred to Air Canada Aeroplan or Avianca LifeMiles can unlock first-class flights on some routes; NerdWallet ranks Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partnerships among the best available in industry.
