Hey Reader,
If you're feeling excited about credit card points but also a little overwhelmed - you're not alone. We've been there, and so have most people who get into travel hacking. The truth is, the biggest obstacle to free travel isn’t the airlines or fine print… it’s hesitation.
Let’s talk about 3 common mistakes that stop people from ever taking their first points-funded trip, and how you can avoid them:
1. Worrying It Will Hurt Your Credit
This was Chris's biggest concern when we first began travel hacking. If you pay your cards off in full, maintain a low credit utilization rate, and are disciplined, your credit score should not be negatively affected - in fact, it could even help build your credit in the long run. If you don't have a pulse on your credit, we recommend signing up for a free monitoring service like Credit Karma.
2. Applying for Just One Card
"I got a travel card, but I'm still nowhere near a free trip ☹️!"
If this sounds familiar, you're thinking too small. One signup bonus isn't enough to unlock serious travel rewards.
Think about it - earning 50,000 points from one signup bonus might get you a domestic flight. But what if you strategically applied for 3-4 cards over the year? Now you're looking at 200,000+ points - enough for international business class flights or multiple vacations.
3. Waiting Too Long to Get Started
“I’ll do this next month…”
The reality? Offers change, and waiting often means missing out on big bonuses. The best time to start earning points is when you already have spending coming up (like travel, home repairs, holidays, etc.), so you can meet minimum spend without spending extra.
What's Next?
Travel hacking isn’t about being rich, lucky, or reckless with credit. It’s about playing the game strategically. Start slow, stay organized, and use the right tools, and before long, you’ll be the one sending vacation pics from your lie-flat seat 😎
Up next: We’ll help you plan your first points strategy based on your real travel goals - whether that’s a beach in Mexico or a European trip in business class. Stay tuned!
Happy travels,
Chris & Kristin
TravelWithCards.com
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Disclaimer: Use credit cards wisely. If you only pay the minimum or have poor credit, this isn't for you - you’ll lose more in interest than you gain in rewards. Improve your credit first, then come back. We may earn a referral bonus if you apply for a credit card through this email. This allows us to keep Travel With Cards accessible. Thanks for your support!
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