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When you’re just getting started it can be hard to know where to start. So I’ve compiled this list of my favorite cards for you to refer back to. These are the cards I would focus on in the beginning before applying for airline or hotel specific credit cards (with the exception of cards required to earn the Southwest Companion Pass).
All of the cards on this list (except the Southwest cards) earn flexible points that can be transferred to travel partners for even more value.
And if you’re brand new to this, you’ll want to be sure to read my Traveling with Points Quick Start Guide.
My thoughts...
If you do not yet have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, this is 100% where you should start. I consider this card to be the “anchor” to all of my other Chase Ultimate Rewards points as it allows me to transfer them to super valuable transfer partners (like Hyatt).
All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has been collected independently by Vacation Pointers. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Capital One Venture Cards
My thoughts...
The Capital One Venture X Credit Card is the reason our whole family has access to airport lounges all over the world. There is no other card that can do that for a family of 5! And don’t let the annual fee scare you. Between the annual $300 travel credit and the 10,000 bonus points awarded on your card anniversary, you’ll have the annual fee covered and then some.
But if you just don’t feel comfortable paying a $395 annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent alternative. Both cards earn 2 points per dollar so they are great for everyday spending.
Chase Business Cards
My thoughts...
If you have any kind of small business or side hustle, you’ll want to add these no annual fee cards to your wallet. Both of the Chase Ink Business Cash® and the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® cards are advertised as cash back cards, but the awards are actually issued in the form of points. Any points you earn with these cards can be combined with points earned on other Chase Ultimate Reward earning cards.
All information about the Chase Ink Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited cards has been collected independently by Vacation Pointers. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
No Annual Fee Chase Cards
My thoughts...
I love these cards for the fact that they have no annual fee and help to round out any of the earning categories my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card doesn’t cover. With the Chase Freedom Flex® you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on up to $1500 each quarter on rotating categories. When we max these out that’s an additional 7,500 of my favorite points each quarter.
And with the Freedom Unlimited® you’ll earn at least 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase.
All information about the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Chase Freedom Flex cards has been collected independently by Vacation Pointers. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
My thoughts...
While I prefer the premium version of this card (the Venture X) over the standard Venture card for its travel perks, you can hold both cards at the same time so this can be a great way to add additional Venture miles to your stash. Just be sure to apply for them at least 6 months apart.
Southwest Companion Pass Duo
These are the 2 cards I recommend for anyone who wants to earn a Southwest Companion Pass. You can read more about one of the best deals in travel here. Just be sure to pay close attention to the timing because it’s very easy to get this wrong if you aren’t careful.
The 2 cards I typically recommend are the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. Between the welcome bonuses on these 2 cards you should have more than enough points to earn a Companion Pass as long as the bonuses are earned in the same calendar year.
All information about the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business cards has been collected independently by Vacation Pointers. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with any of the cards featured here! If you’re feeling unsure or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to help. You can connect with me on Instagram or email me at kim@vacationpointers.com.
The best way to begin traveling for nearly free is simple: just start! Start putting your everyday spending to work, and you’ll be on your way to exploring the world with your family in no time.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.
