What are travel credit cards, and how do they work?
Travel credit cards are financial products that offer various rewards and benefits geared towards frequent travelers. They typically earn you points or miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. These rewards can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses. Travel credit cards may also include perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.
How do I choose the best travel credit card for my needs?
Choosing the best travel credit card depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and preferences. Consider factors like the type of rewards offered (points, miles, or cash back), the card’s annual fee, sign-up bonuses, earning rates, redemption options, and additional travel perks. Analyzing these features will help you find a card that aligns with your lifestyle and offers the most value.
What are the benefits of using a travel credit card over other types of credit cards?
Travel credit cards provide unique advantages for travelers, such as earning rewards specifically tailored to travel expenses. Additionally, many travel credit cards offer travel-related perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and travel insurance. Some cards also waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travelers.
What is a sign-up bonus, and how can I qualify for it?
A sign-up bonus is a promotional offer provided by the credit card issuer to entice new cardholders. To qualify for a sign-up bonus, you usually need to meet specific spending requirements within a certain timeframe after opening the account. The bonus can be in the form of points, miles, or cash back, and it’s a great way to jump-start your rewards earning.
Do travel credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Not all travel credit cards charge foreign transaction fees. Many of the top-tier travel cards waive these fees, making them ideal for international travel. However, it’s essential to read the card’s terms and conditions to confirm this before using it abroad.
How can I maximize the rewards earned with my travel credit card?
To maximize rewards, use your travel credit card for everyday expenses and large purchases. Take advantage of bonus categories and special promotions to earn more points or miles. Consider combining your travel credit card with loyalty programs to stack rewards and get even more value out of your purchases.
Bolivia’s reputation as an adventure hotspot is growing by the minute. It won’t be long before this backpacker-heralded South American destination becomes a permanent fixture on the bucket lists of every adventurous traveler. But right now, flights to Bolivia are as much of an adventure as the place itself.
As it’s still a relatively underrated country, routes into Bolivia’s capital of La Paz (the highest capital in the world), can be sporadic. This is generally not good news for points and miles users, but fear not—there are still ways to grab cheap flights to Bolivia.
Read also: How to Use Points and Miles to Get Flights to Australia
In this article, we’ll look at a few different methods of redeeming points and miles for flights to Bolivia, as well as the credit card bonuses that could earn you the necessary points to do so.
How to begin your search for points and miles flights to Bolivia
Before looking for points deals, it’s important to understand the best routes to the country’s primary airport hub in La Paz. Be careful you’re not searching for the city of the same name in Mexico—the rates will be drastically different.
During your search, keep in mind that direct flights to Bolivia might not be available if you need specific dates. Flexibility is key, and it’s even worth checking the routes to other major cities in South America like Lima or Bogota. You’ll be able to find more deals to these cities, then grab a cheap flight the rest of the way—that’s still a good outcome for keeping on a budget.
Using Air Canada Aeroplan for flights to Bolivia
First up on our list is Air Canada’s Aeroplan. This loyalty program makes an appearance almost every week because it’s that good. Thanks to its generous award chart, your award redemption rates will remain stable and based solely on the zone of travel and distance flown.
In this case, you can find rates for as little as 30,000 points for a one-way trip to La Paz. You could even splash another 30,000 and grab a business-class seat. It’s worth considering the route you’ll be taking. In our research, the best-case scenario would be a long layover in a city like Bogota. Other itineraries were shorter but could have two or more layovers.
How to earn enough Air Canada Aeroplan points for flights to Bolivia
Another reason we love Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is the ease with which you can earn points. Of course, flying with the airline itself or a partner can grab you some, but it’s even easier to transfer points from a credit card partner.
American Express, Capital One, and Chase all allow transfers to Aeroplan, giving you a huge number of options to get you to Bolivia. If you’re in a pinch, you can even transfer points from Marriott, too—although the rates aren’t great.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card’s 75,000-mile intro bonus gifts you more than enough Aeroplan points to redeem roundtrip flights to Bolivia. If you felt like upping the ante a little, you’d even have enough for the business class flight one-way. You’ll need to spend $4,000 within three months to earn the bonus.
Read also: The Best Airline Credit Cards of 2024
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
75,000 Bonus Miles
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
The Capital One Venture X is a direct competitor to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and for many seeking a simpler earning scheme with premium perks, it could be the better option. But the Venture X truly shines with one benefit in particular: four free authorized users. Not only can they all use the card and earn miles, they all receive a Priority Pass membership which allows themselves and two guests access to airport lounges. In a highly improbable situation, that means you could technically bring 15 people into a lounge with you.
PROS
- Its solid intro bonus of 75,000 miles is worth well over $1,000 when transferred to partner airlines and hotels, or a flat rate $750 when redeemed on the Capital One Travel Portal.
- Cardholders get a bonus of 10,000 miles each year after their first account anniversary, which is nothing to shrug off, especially when a little bit short of that business class flight. It’s worth almost $200 depending on how you use it.
- The $300 annual credit for purchases made on the Capital One Travel Portal, combined with the yearly free miles, more than annul the $395 annual fee.
- Four authorized users can be added for free.
- The cardholder is entitled to a Priority Pass membership and entry to Capital One Lounges, even the authorized users.
- A generous offering of travel insurance, protections and reimbursements round out an excellent array of benefits.
CONS
- The $300 credit is a bit less flexible than the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s comparable benefit.
- Miles earning is the same as the Sapphire Reserve on portal-based purchases, but less on general travel spending.
- Capital one transfer partners are solid, but still don’t include any US-based airlines or hotels.
Annual Fee: $395 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Using Avianca LifeMiles for flights to Bolivia
The Colombian airline Avianca is still a relative underdog in the points and miles space, but it’s not the first time we’ve featured the airline’s loyalty program—and it won’t be the last. Its solid deals and valuable partnerships highlight how important it is not to write off a program just because you don’t use the airline for your travel.
One huge benefit Avianca has in this space is its home base in Colombia. As it’s much closer to Bolivia than other airlines, there’s a higher chance of quick connecting flights with the carrier. It’s possible to grab flights to Bolivia for as little as 28,300 miles.
Read also: How Much Are Airline, Hotel, and Credit Card Points Worth?
How to get to earn enough Avianca LifeMiles for flights to Bolivia
Avianca LifeMiles is another straightforward program for earning its points currency. As usual, you can earn by spending money with the airline and its partner, but transferring points from a credit card is preferable in this case.
American Express, Citi, and Capital One all allow transfers to Avianca, offering a lot of scope even if your points are spread across different accounts.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card is American Express’ most premium product. While it does have a hefty annual fee, it’s nullified by a mega 80,000-point intro bonus. You’ll need to spend $8,000 within six months of opening the card to earn those points, but with those flights costing just 28,300, you’re covered for a roundtrip with plenty left over. You’ll also get to enjoy all the perks it offers, too.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
after you spend $8,000 on purchases in your first 6 months of card membership
The Amex Platinum was once the sole dominating force in the luxury credit card space. While it now faces some stiff competition, it still offers unbeatable perks like unprecedented airport lounge access, elite status at Hilton and Marriott, and some outstanding statement credits making the mammoth $695 worth it for some.
PROS
- The Amex Platinum’s typical intro bonus of 80,000 points is massive in itself. It’s worth $800 when spent directly through Amex’s travel portal on flights and hotels, which is already stellar. But when transferred to a partner, it’s very possible to squeeze over $1,600 or more in value.
- The Platinum has a slew of top-tier benefits, like Priority Pass, which gives the cardholder access to thousands of airport lounges and restaurants around the world, as well as Amex’s own Centurion lounges which are known for the high-quality (and free) food and cocktails. Other perks include up to $200 in Uber credits, up to $200 in airline fee credits (given in statement credits), up to $240 in digital streaming credits, up to $200 towards hotel bookings (given in statement credits) with Amex’s Fine Hotels and Resorts (2 night minimum stay required), and more. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
- A number of statement credits spanning multiple industries can build even more value into the card, including free stays when applied strategically.
- The Amex concierge is an underutilized benefit that can transform a trip by helping book hard-to-find dinner reservations or show tickets.
CONS
- The $695 annual fee is brutally high. Too high for many that can’t, or don’t want to take full advantage of its benefits.
- Points-earning rates are low unless spending directly on flights or with the Amex Portal.
- Some of the benefits, like travel credits, are more limited and are harder to use than competing cards’ offerings.
Annual Fee: $695 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Using the Chase Travel℠ portal for flights to Bolivia
This is a different method, and one we don’t normally recommend, but stick with it and you could find yourself with some incredibly cheap flights to Bolivia.
Using travel portals like those operated by American Express and Capital One typically isn’t a great use of points. While it seems simple, your points are limited to a value of 1 cent each. So if a flight costs $1,000, you need 100,000 points, and so on. You’ll never get a terrible deal, but you’ll also never get an amazing deal.
Chase’s travel portal is the one exception to the rule. While it works the same as its competitors’ portals, Chase grants customers with specific cards a higher value for their points. If you hold the card mentioned below, your points will be worth 1.5 cents. So if the flight costs $1,000, you’ll only need 66,666 points or so to redeem those flights—a much better deal.
One huge benefit of using the portal is the lack of blackout dates or award availability. As you’re not technically redeeming a designated award seat, your scope for flights is unlimited—perfect if you’re tied into specific dates.
How to earn Avios, SkyMiles, MileagePlus, and Aeroplan Points
As suggested in the previous section, to make this option worth it, you’ll need one of two Chase cards:the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred®. The Reserve’s points can be redeemed for 1.5 cents while the Preferred’s points will fetch 1.25 on the portal.
It’s important to check your other options first to ensure you’re not getting better value. If the value of your points with Air Canada, for example, works out to more than 1.5 cents, you’re getting a better deal for your points than with the Chase Travel portal.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best premium cards on the market. It boasts a solid 60,000-point intro bonus, earned by spending $4,000 within six months of opening it. Considering the info above, those are technically worth a minimum of 90,000 points on the Chase travel portal.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
60,000 Bonus Points
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in 3 months of account opening
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card that’s accessible to most travelers as it has a number of valuable and easy-to-use benefits. Its annual fee of $550, though still high, is quickly offset thanks to its $300 travel credit, large welcome bonus, strong spending categories, and premium perks like airport lounge access. It’s also great for those who don’t want to deal with transferring their points, as you’ll get big value when redeeming through Chase’s travel portal.
PROS
- Its 60,000-point intro bonus is worth much more than the annual fee of $550.
- The $300 travel credit covers anything travel related, whether thats an Airbnb, a taxi, a flight, or hotel, making it almost impossible not to lessen the dent the fee made.
- The points are worth 1.5 cents a piece when used directly on Chase’s Ultimate Rewards Portal, offering a simple but high value use for your points.
- Plenty of excellent transfer partners allow points to be maximized
- Some excellent partnerships with Doordash and Lyft add to its value.
- Priority Pass membership allows access to over 1,300+ airport lounges and restaurants.
CONS
- No complimentary elite hotel status, like that offered by the Amex Platinum.
- You won’t earn points on travel purchases until the $300 credit is used.
- It’s subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. So if you’ve opened five cards in the last two years, you’re most likely not going to be accepted.
Annual Fee: $550 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
The point
Despite its comparatively isolated airport, grabbing flights to Bolivia can still be straightforward and incredibly cheap if you have a strong pool of points to work with. Opening any of the cards listed can help you get there and back for almost nothing.
Read also: How to Fly to Hawaii Using Points and Miles
by travelers, for travelers.
