How to ACTUALLY Use Credit Card Points For Travel

Summary

This video from Prince of Travel guides viewers on how to maximize credit card points and rewards for travel, focusing on first-time redemptions and smart strategies. It covers choosing the right destination and airport, leveraging transferable and fixed-value points, and understanding points valuations to get the best deals. Viewers learn how to book flights early, use points for on-the-ground expenses, and take advantage of credit card perks such as lounge access, hotel loyalty status, and travel insurance. Practical tips and program insights help travelers make informed decisions and unlock the highest value from their points, ensuring a smoother, more rewarding travel experience.

Takeaways

• ✈️ Start your points redemption by choosing the right destination and flying out of major international airports to maximize airline options and value.
• 💺 Booking premium cabins like Eva Air's business class or Air France/KLM flights can provide tremendous value for your first major points redemption.
• 🔄 Transferable points programs like American Express Membership Rewards and RBC Avion allow you to convert earned points into airline or hotel loyalty points for flexibility.
• 💰 Fixed-value points programs such as Scene+ and CIBC Adventure let you redeem points at a set rate, typically around 1 cent per point, for travel expenses.
• 📊 Understanding the value of your points is crucial, and point valuations vary across programs, so treat them as a guideline rather than a fixed rate.
• 📅 Timing your booking is key—booking flights as early as possible, often up to a year in advance, ensures better award pricing and availability.
• 🏨 Some credit cards offer valuable hotel loyalty points, such as Marriott Bonvoy points earned through AMEX, which can be transferred at advantageous ratios.
• 🛋️ Premium credit cards provide lounge access, giving travelers comfort and convenience; examples include AMEX Aeroplan Reserve and CIBC Adventure cards.
• 🛡️ Certain credit cards offer extensive travel insurance, purchase protection, and rental coverage, giving peace of mind while traveling.
• 📰 Staying informed through newsletters and guides, like the Prince of Travel points valuation guide, helps you keep track of the latest deals and maximize redemption value.

Q & A

Why is it important to choose the right departure airport when redeeming points for flights?

Choosing the right departure airport is crucial because not all airports offer long-haul international flights. Major airports typically provide more options and routes, increasing the chances of finding high-value points redemptions.

What makes Eva Air a good choice for a first points redemption to Asia?

Eva Air is a strong choice for a first points redemption to Asia because its business class flights from major U.S. hubs like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, or Chicago offer excellent value, typically around 75,000 points for a luxurious flight experience.

How can Flying Blue miles from Air France/KLM provide value for travel to Europe?

Flying Blue miles offer harmonized pricing across North America to Europe, meaning flights from different cities like Vancouver or Montreal to Paris cost the same. Premium economy flights are available at a flat rate of 35,000 miles one-way, making it an efficient use of points.

What are transferable points and why are they beneficial?

Transferable points, such as American Express Membership Rewards or RBC Avion, allow you to convert points earned from everyday credit card spending into points with airlines or hotel programs. This flexibility enables you to maximize the value of your points by choosing the most advantageous redemptions.

What are fixed-value points and how do they differ from transferable points?

Fixed-value points can be redeemed at a set rate, usually around 1 cent per point, for travel-related expenses. Unlike transferable points, their value is straightforward and predictable, helping travelers offset costs without needing to analyze complex reward charts.

How can travelers determine the best use of their points across different programs?

Travelers can determine the best use of points by comparing the value of points across programs using valuation guides. Factors like point-to-dollar conversion rates, travel goals, and available routes should be considered to maximize redemption value.

Why is timing important when booking travel with points?

Timing is key because award availability can be limited, especially for popular routes. Booking early, often up to a year in advance, ensures access to the best rates and maximizes the value of points redemption.

Which credit cards provide premium airport lounge access according to the script?

The AMX Aeroplan Reserve card offers unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, while the CIBC Aventura Gold and CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite cards provide four lounge passes each, offering travelers comfort and convenience during layovers.

How can credit cards help with hotel status and loyalty programs?

Certain cards, like the Marriot Bonvoy American Express, allow users to earn loyalty points per dollar spent. AMEX Membership Rewards points can also be transferred to Marriot Bonvoy points at a 5:6 ratio, helping travelers achieve elite status and unlock additional benefits.

What role does travel insurance and purchase protection play in choosing a credit card?

Travel insurance and purchase protection provide peace of mind by covering unforeseen events, such as trip cancellations, lost devices, or rental car incidents. Cards like the National Bank World Elite Mastercard offer industry-leading protection, making them valuable for frequent travelers.

Why is it important to track points valuations regularly?

Points valuations fluctuate over time due to program changes and market conditions. Regularly checking updated guides ensures that travelers make informed decisions and extract maximum value from their points and rewards.

What is the general guideline for redeeming points for maximum value?

The general guideline is to prioritize using points for premium travel experiences, book early for high-demand routes, leverage transferable points with high-value partners, and monitor points valuations to ensure optimal redemptions.