Admittedly I spend a larger percentage of my income on travel than most others, given that I basically live in hotels and on planes. Fortunately there are several credit cards that offer bonus points for travel purchases, which takes just a bit of the sting out of some travel purchases. After all, the more you…
Continue reading: How Do Different Credit Cards Define “Travel?”
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Lucky,
I'm currently comparing the CSP vs. the Citi ThankYou Premier card. Which one would be better for a person that's aspiring to take a trip to Asia on Singapore or Cathay?
I'm targeted for a 50k bonus offer for 3k spend on the Citi card, while just the 40k on the CSP. Minimums spend requirements aren't a problem.
@Tuan: Ultimate Reward points transfer to SQ & BA (to book CX) so that's a plus for the CSP. I'd get both since the spend requirements aren't a problem.
I've had some strange things count as travel on the CSP (not that I'm complaining!) For example, a dive shop in Australia... So they are awarding points on more broad things than just what their definition says.
Ben,
You get quite creative in your drive to get people to click for referrals. I am not complaining as I realise why here is the need to do it. Just wish I was able to get the deals you guys in the US get on cards.
@ steven k -- Sure. Singapore and Air France are transfer partners of TYP, and they are part of Star Alliance and SkyTeam, respectively, so you could redeem those points on partners.
@ Sach -- Right, good point, that's a separate category bonus. My point was simply that they don't include it under the travel "umbrella."
@ Tuan -- How about both? 🙂 They both have their merits. In general I value Ultimate Rewards points slightly more than ThankYou Rewards points, since I find their transfer partners to be more valuable. But they're both great cards.
Ben,
i am weighing the City Thankyou Premier card. Now while get 3x points looks like a good deal all of the partners are non-US. which of these partners would you consider worth transfering points to rather than say collecting points in a US program and using those to pay (eg AA points to pay for Etihad)? Singapore I like. Cathay is that not better through AA? Others? Thanks. LF.
That's weird. My comment seems to have disappeared...? I was wondering if stays at airbnb and/or VRBO are categorized as "travel" with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Does anyone know? Can someone help out? I have a large expense coming up ($1K) and wanted to know if it makes sense to use this card. Thanks!
@ Levy Flight -- Indeed, the transfer partners are lacking somewhat. The two that interest me most are KrisFlyer and FlyingBlue. My long term hope is that they add American AAdvantage as a transfer partner, though that's far from set in stone.
Would buying airline/hotel/rental car gift cards (for use later) count as travel purchases for redemption with Barclay Arrival Plus?
If so, must the gift cards be bought directly from the airline, etc? I can buy some at discount through giftcardgranny.com
@ Jerry Mandel -- If it's a purchase directly through the airline then it should be eligible. But not through a third party.
Hi Lucky,
I saw that you replied to another comment regarding Airbnb being a valid double points "travel purchase" for Chase Sapphire Preferred. I actually just called Chase and they replied that they don't know this information and it all depends on what category Airbnb bills under. I also saw on another blog comment that Airbnb bills under the code 4722 (not confirmed since I have not booked with Airbnb before), which Chase has confirmed NOT to be a valid travel purchase, that means no double points. Do you know something more to what I have found so far? I'm very interested in the Chase Sapphire card since I have an upcoming trip that sums to more than 5k Airbnb purchase, but only if they offer double points on it. Any information is appreciated!
Thanks!