I don’t try to get every trip and every aspect of the trip for free each time. That’s a fast way to wipe out earned points. If I can get either the flights or hotel covered, or at least at a discount, I see that as a win!
Chase Sapphire Preferred
This card offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus 2 points per dollar spent on travel and restaurants. It also has no foreign transaction fees, a $100 airline fee credit, and trip insurance! The annual fee is low at $95. I love this card because the points transfer to participating loyalty program partners in a 1:1 ratio. On the list of airline and hotel partner programs are Southwest, United, Hyatt and Marriott. Hyatt hotels have a 1:1 transfer ratio, and surprisingly Chase is the only card to do so! Park Hyatt and Hyatt Grands are both great family hotel choices in major cities!
Chase Ink Cash Business Card
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months after account opening. This is my only business card and the only card in my wallet with zero annual fee! That’s exciting! I earn 5x points on the internet and cable and 2x on gas. I typically use this card every time I’m filling up gas and for many of our business utilities. Not only do you receive cash back for your business, but you’re also earning points to travel! The Chase points can be used just as the Chase Sapphire Preferred points.
American Express Platinum Card
This card offers 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. The annual fee is really high at $695, but there are so many benefits that make up for it, including airport lounge access and hotel upgrades! Featured benefits that offset the annual fee are a $200 hotel credit, $240 ($20/month) on digital entertainment (Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal), $200 airline credit, $180 Uber credit ($15/month), $100 credit towards Saks Fifth Avenue, $199 to cover your yearly CLEAR membership.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This card offers 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. There is a $395 annual fee, but right off the bat it’s almost offset with a $300 travel credit to use each year in the Capital One travel portal. This card also offers 10,000 points at every annual anniversary. I used the credit to pay for our TSA Precheck and Global Entry applications, which isn’t needed every year, but it is a nice perk the first year! Another nice benefit is status at Hertz, which provides free upgrades to your car rentals, and rental car insurance so you don’t have to pay at the counter.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you make $6,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in the first 6 months. Annual Fee is $650.
This is my personal favorite because I frequently travel with Delta, so I want to maintain that status as long as I can. I was always a nervous flier, but Delta has really changed my perspective on flying over the years. Some benefits of this card that aren’t offered with others include unlimited Delta Lounge access, priority boarding, upgrade priority and one Companion Ticket each year. Featured benefits that offset the annual fee are a $150 credit towards rideshares like Uber or Lyft, $240 credit towards Resy Restaurants (if you’re in Tampa this includes places like Rocca, Ponte, and Nobelcrust). *There are several Delta SkyMiles cards with Amex with lower annual fees.
