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.
All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by The Daily Navigator. American Express® Green Card is no longer available through The Daily Navigator.
Ah, Las Vegas. Sin City. Adult Disneyland. The Glitter Gulch. Whatever you call it, whether you love it or hate it, it’s not going anywhere—which is why you’re likely here, looking to score cheap flights to Las Vegas events this weekend.
In terms of Las Vegas events happening this weekend, check out this source, which updates weekly—so no matter when you’re reading this, you’ll find plenty of enticement to make the Vegas journey.
And frankly, the only people who don’t like Vegas haven’t been or didn’t do it right. And no, that doesn’t mean replicating “The Hangover.” The city is bursting with family-friendly attractions, big and small, offering far more than buffet feeds and a day spent hunched over a slot machine.
As an American city, it’s far easier to get yourself here than some of our other destinations (like Australia), but that doesn’t mean you should pay for your ticket. If you’ve got a stash of points and miles ready to redeem, there are plenty of ways to wrangle them into a Vegas flight for pennies on the dollar.
Let’s check out some ways to use points and miles to get cheap or even free flights to Las Vegas.
How to find the best deals on flights to Las Vegas events this weekend
Flying to Las Vegas is easy enough. It’s a popular destination with a busy airport, so you can guarantee plenty of flights from around the country to get you to Las Vegas events this weekend.
But because it’s popular, the prices of those tickets can soar. Weekends, holidays, and special events, like the Las Vegas Super Bowl or Formula 1, can impact both the cash price and points value of any given flight.
If you’re not flying with a budget airline, there’s a good chance you’ll be on one of the US’ big airlines: Delta, American, or United. So I’ll dive into the best way to fly with each airline.int:it’s not always by using their own search pages.
Let’s find out how to get cheap or even free flights to Las Vegas using points and miles.
For the sake of comparison, we’ll look at flights fromNew York to Las Vegas for each of our airline redemptions.
Delta
Delta’s main New York hub is JFK, and there are a ton of flights leaving the popular airport every day. Finding a flight to redeem your SkyMiles should be easy, but it might not always be your best value option. With that said, in this example, it does come up trumps.
A quick search will show the lowest price throughout the year for a one-way flight from JFK to Las Vegas is 17,000 SkyMiles plus $6. It’s not terrible, and if you have some SkyMiles kicking around, you might want to use them. It’s also a good idea to check out the airline’s SkyDeals page, which has regular rock-bottom deals for specific destinations.
Using Virgin Atlantic to Redeem Delta Flights
If you don’t have any Delta SkyMiles or American Express Reward Points to transfer to Delta but still want to fly with the airline, try Virgin Atlantic.
Sadly, the rates are higher than they used to be. Virgin bumped its Delta redemptions at the end of 2023, so it’ll now cost you 20,000 Virgin points plus $6 to get to Vegas. If you don’t have another choice, it’s there for you.
Using KLM/Air France Flying Blue to Redeem Delta Flights
Another option for redeeming Delta flights is Flying Blue, the combined loyalty program for KLM and Air France. Its rates fluctuate wildly, and the best rate we could find was 18,500 points. American Express also transfers to KLM, but you’d be better served transferring them to American Express.
You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Reward Points, Capital One Venture Miles, and Citi ThankYou Points to Flying Blue. So, if you’re short of Amex points, you have a better option than Virgin available.
Which credit cards can earn you those points?
The only credit cards capable of earning Delta SkyMiles are American Express products, whether that’s a general travel card or a Delta co-branded card.
The Amex Gold card is a more affordable option than the Platinum but still offers an excellent 60,000-point bonus after spending $6,000 within six months of opening the card. That’s more than enough for your Vegas trip—meaning you’ve scored yourself free flights to counteract all that dough you’ll be shelling out in Sin City for Las Vegas events this weekend.
American Express® Gold Card
60,000 Membership Rewards® Points
after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months of card membership
The American Express® Gold Card gives your munch more punch with an outstanding 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x). For some context, if you spent $8,400 a year on eating out and groceries, which is roughly what the average American spends, you’d have enough points for a roundtrip flight to Hawaii. That’s not even factoring in the huge 60,000-point bonus worth over $1,000.
PROS
- Huge returns on popular spending categories like dining at restaurants, takeout and delivery in the U.S .and U.S. supermarkets
- Solid earnings on travel purchased via Amex or directly with an airline
- Solid intro bonus of 60,000 points worth over $1,000
- Up to $120 in Uber Cash for rides and food delivery, and up to $120 in statement credits for selected dining outlets including the GrubHub food delivery app, Shake Shack, Wine.com, and more
- Nice, but pointless in the grand scheme of things, customizable card designs
CONS
- $250 annual fee
- No major travel perks like its bigger sibling, the Amex Platinum
Annual Fee: $250 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
Platinum Card® from American Express
Amex’s premium card will gift you 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within six months of opening the card. That gives you plenty of points to get you to Vegas, back, and beyond.
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
The most affordable of this family of general travel cards, the Amex Green boasts a 40,000-point bonus after spending $3,000 within six months of opening the card. While far lower than its siblings, that’s still enough to get you free flights to Las Vegas events this weekend.
Don’t forget the Chase and Capital One cards mentioned below, which can also help with the Virgin or KLM redemptions.
American Express® Green Card
60,000 bonus points
after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months of card membership, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
The American Express® Green Card is a great travel card for those who want to accumulate as many membership rewards points as possible through their everyday spending. Its 3X points-earning on travel and dining purchases means you’ll be on your way to booking award flights and hotels in no time. Plus, it has a few other valuable travel benefits that get you access to airport lounges and expedited security at airports.
PROS
- The substantial 60,000-point intro bonus is earned by spending an extremely achievable $3,000 in six months. Well within a realistic budget for many. Plus, you’ll earn 20% back, or up to $200 in statement credits after making eligible travel and transit purchases.
- Great points-earning rate on two popular spending categories: travel and dining
- Annual CLEAR® Plus statement credit covers the cost of a membership that will get you through airport security much quicker
- You get lounge access perks, albeit limited, without the large annual fee required by many other cards with similar benefits.
CONS
- $150 annual fee
- Ancillary benefits are more limited when compared to similar cards
Annual Fee: $150 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
United Airlines
United is another of the US’ three most popular carriers and offers similarly huge volumes of flights through its major New York hub, Newark. United’s program can offer some tremendous value in itself, but it’s also privy to one of the best deals in all points and miles strategy.
If you’re hoping to redeem your flight to Vegas directly through United, you’re looking at a best-case scenario of 15,000 points plus $6, depending on the day. Again, that’s not a bad deal, but it can be improved if you opt for one of its partners.
Redeem United Flights with Air Canada Aeroplan
Air Canada’s Aeroplan is an excellent option for grabbing cheap or even free flights on United. Running the same searches returned some flights as low as 12,500 points plus around $35. You’re using fewer points but spending more cash than the United option.
Redeem United Flights with Turkish Airlines
Using Turkish Airlines to book United flights is a sweet spot you need to remember. Turkish Airlines sets its USdomestic redemptions at just 7,500 points plus $5. That’s an immense deal. The only downside is that award availability doesn’t always show on the website, and you’ll need to call.
Which credit cards can earn you those points?
The only credit cards that transfer points to United Airlines are Chase Products, like those shown below. For Air Canada, you can transfer from Amex, Chase, Capital One, and Bilt. Turkish Airlines, on the other hand, transfers from Capital One, Citi, and Bilt.
The Sapphire Reserve has an identical intro bonus to the Preferred but offers some premium perks like unlimited lounge access and travel statement credits. Of course, you’ll pay a higher annual fee for the privilege.
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
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent mid-tier card, offering customers 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within three months of opening the card. Free flights for your Vegas trip is on the cards with that haul.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
60,000 Bonus Points
after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is the ultimate all-around travel credit card—it fits perfectly into almost any points-earner’s wallet. Points novices can enjoy a significant intro bonus and easy to grasp spending categories with an approachable annual fee. The more experienced can utilize its high value earning potential as a secondary card and also gain access to Chase’s strong travel booking portal.
PROS
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. The 60,000 points, for example, are worth $750 toward travel.
- The $50 dollar hotel credit for stays purchased on the Chase Travel Portal already cuts the already approachable $95 annual fee significantly.
- A 10% annual points bonus is tacked on every year, adding a little more value.
- A free year-long Doordash DashPass membership is also thrown in, which gives you free delivery and some extra discounts. It’s a solid perk if you order food delivery at least semi-frequently (Activate by 12/31/2024).
- Along with all of the above, cardholders also have access to a string of travel protections like rental coverage, cancellation insurance, and purchase protection.
CONS
- Maximizing the value of Chase points can still be complicated for complete novices.
Competing cards like the Capital One Venture have a better earning rate for non-bonused spend.
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: $95 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
The Capital One Venture X is one of the best premium cards on the market. Its huge 75,000-mile bonus is earned by spending $4,000 within three months of opening the card. You’ll also enjoy lounge access as a perk, plus its outstanding $300 hotel statement credit almost nullifies the $395 annual fee.
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
American Airlines
American Airlines is something of a curveball in the points and miles world. While it boasts some excellent redemptions, it’s not as easy to earn its valuable travel currency. No credit cards transfer their points or miles to the airline, so you’ll need to open a co-branded card or spend money with the carrier or one of its partners to get cheap or even free flights to Las Vegas
If you do have some American Airlines miles, you’ll be able to score flights for as low as 9,500 miles plus $5.60. That’s a stellar deal, even if you need to grab a connection.
But if you don’t have any miles, you’re unable to redeem that flight. Thankfully, there are some ways to book American without having any American points.
Use British Airways Avios to redeem American Airlines flights
If you’re hellbent on flying American, British Airways can rescue you. The rates for this length of journey, especially one with a layover, aren’t great, but it gets you there. Expect to pay around 24,250 Avios plus $5.60 to get there each way.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines suffers from the same issue that American does—you can only earn its points with a co-branded card or by flying with the airline and its partners. But, if you have a store of these points, you’ll find the next best thing to booking with American directly. Using this excellent program, you can find New York to Las Vegas for just 12,500 miles plus $5.60.
Which credit cards can earn you those points?
As we mentioned, earning American Airlines or Alaska Airlines miles will require you to be invested with the carriers directly, whether with a credit card or by flying with them. But British Airways Avios are far easier to earn.
You can transfer points from American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Bilt. But even with Citi, you can route your points to British Airways through Qatar. Any of the cards mentioned above will get you those points.
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Don’t be too put off by a business card. A lot more of us qualify for these than you’d assume. And if you do, this card’s amazing cash back bonus could help you get to Vegas.
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Earn up to $750 bonus cash back intro offer
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
The Ink Business Cash Card pulls attention with its big intro bonus, currently sitting at up to $750 of cash back. The card has no annual fee and rewarding spending categories, like 5% cash back (5x points) on purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services (up $25,000 per year).
You can supercharge the Ink Cash’s rewards if you have a companion Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred, you can pool your points and make them more valuable by transferring them to Chase’s travel partners like Hyatt, United Airlines, British Airways and more.
PROS
- For small business owners and freelancers it’s one of the best cards for turning spending into valuable rewards. The welcome bonus alone is worth up to $750 of cash back and you’ll continue to rack up rewards with great spending categories.
- It has no annual fee.
- If you have another Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred, you can pool your points and make them more valuable. You’ll be able to transfer your points to Chase’s travel partners like Marriott, Air Canada, Southwest, United, and more.
CONS
- It does lack some of the juicier benefits attached to other business credit cards likes the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. But with no annual fee, it’s hard to argue with its value proposition.
- 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: $0 | Terms Apply | Rates & Fees
The point
As you can see, there are a ton of ways to get cheap or even free flights to Las Vegas events this weekend. Remember, these redemptions were all from New York. If you live closer there’s a good chance the volume of points required will be even fewer—unless you’re booking with Turkish, as it’s always 7,500 points.
by travelers, for travelers.
