Disclosure: Some of the links below are personal referral links, meaning I may receive a bonus if you’re approved. I only recommend cards I personally use and love — and never suggest spending more than you normally would.
💳 Personal Cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Why I Love It: This was the first card I ever used for travel rewards, and it came through in a big way. The sign-up bonus alone helped me book my first nearly-free flight with United. I love that the points are flexible and easy to redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and transfer out to partners for even more value!
Best For: Beginners, flexible points, and anyone looking to dip their toes into travel hacking.
➡️ Apply here »
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Why I Love It: IHG hotels are everywhere, and this card helps me book longer getaways without paying out of pocket. The 4th night free benefit is unmatched! I once booked a 4-night stay in Chicago for under 71,000 points total — that’s less than one night at some other hotel chains.
Best For: Affordable hotel redemptions, free night certificates, and earning elite status faster.
➡️ Apply here »
Southwest Priority Rapid Rewards® Credit Card
Why I Love It: This card is one of the best options for earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points. It offers great value for frequent flyers with perks like bonus points, travel credits, and priority boarding. It’s also part one of a two-card strategy I used to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.
Best For: Flexible, last-minute domestic flights, starting your Companion Pass journey.
➡️ Apply here »
🧳 Business Cards
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Card
Why I Love It: This card is simple, consistent, and earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase — which I redeem as points for travel. It’s perfect for everyday business spending, and it helped me unlock a big welcome bonus that I later used to book flights.
Best For: Business owners who want straightforward rewards with no bonus categories to track. Great for pairing with other Chase cards. A side hustle qualifies, and these often have higher bonuses than personal cards.
➡️ Apply here »
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Why I Love It: This card took things to the next level. Paired with my personal Southwest card, it helped me earn the Companion Pass, one of my favorite travel tools. The higher sign-up bonus made hitting that goal easier. You don’t technically need a formal business — a side hustle or freelance gig works — but having consistent spend helps.
Best For: Fast-tracking the Companion Pass, Southwest loyalists, and side hustlers or small business owners looking for major value.
➡️ Apply here »
🧭 Final Thoughts
These are the credit cards that helped me travel for less — without sacrificing my savings goals. I didn’t get them all at once, and I only use what fits into my everyday life. For flights, I usually just pay the $5.60 TSA security fee — and for hotel stays booked with points, I haven’t had to pay any extra fees at all.
If you’re curious about points and miles, or ready to apply for your first travel card, I hope this page gives you a solid place to start. You can also check out my guide on How to Plan Trips With a 9–5 Job — it’s a great next step once you’ve got your travel card strategy in place. And if you ever have questions, I’m always happy to chat!