Category Archives: Rewards Programs

With all of the money you spend on your wedding, spending even more money on your honeymoon might seem absolutely silly – yet it is tradition and something most couples want to do. So how you can you make it work on a budget? Well, one of the best ways to do it is to use airline miles and rewards points to help you afford it.

How?

Here are a few tips for using them:

Start Planning As Soon As You Can

The earlier you plan, the better. Sometimes there are only a few dates available for a specific time, so you want to start your search as soon as possible. You will be able to have more leniency, and you can even plan them together, if possible, so that you can pick your honeymoon dates before your wedding dates.

Be Lenient on Location

Don’t really have your heart set on one specific place to go for your honeymoon? That’s great when it comes to using your points. If you can be lenient on the location of your honeymoon, you will be able to pick something quite easily.

Focus on Air Travel First

If you have the airline miles, try to focus on picking the airline first. You will want to do this because it is easier to find a hotel in most locations than it will be to find a flight that is worth your time.

Purchase Points

Don’t have enough points to get what you want? Consider purchasing points instead of forgetting about using points altogether. It is a great way to only pay a smaller amount of your honeymoon. An even better idea? Many people will give you money for your wedding or at a bridal shower, so you can use that to cover get yourself some more miles or points to use.

Splurge on Hotel, Not Flights

You will not be spending much time on your flight, but you will be spending a lot of time in your hotel room – probably more than you think. You want to spend your time and money on picking a great hotel rather than getting the best seats on the flight. You’ll be in such a love cocoon that you won’t even notice the flight.

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials and honeymoon! If you want to really go all out for your ceremony that you are afraid you won’t have much left for the honeymoon, consider the above tips to help make it a reality.

All credit cards are not created equally, especially when it comes to credit cards rewards programs. In 2018, there are a few that stand out amongst the crowd and really make it worthwhile to invest in applying and using the credit card for rewards.

Best for Travel: Barclaycard Arrival Plus

If you like to travel, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard is the best for you to use to earn rewards on everything you buy. Then, you can use it for travel expenses in the form of cashback or use it for points toward travel. You get a 2.1% rewards rate on all of your spending.

Even better, however, is that you get 40,000 miles as a new cardholder if you spend $3,000 on purchases within 90 days after getting the card. After the first year, there is an annual fee of $89, so you want to charge more than $1,500 per month to it to make it worthwhile.

New Cashback? Try the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Want more cash back? The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns you at supermarkets 6% cashback capping at $6,000 each year, at gas stations and certain department stores you can get 3%, and 1% on all other purchases. You can get statement credit when you spend a certain amount of money, and a 0% APR for the first year.

If you want all of the above without an annual fee, consider the Blue Cash Everyday Card by American Express – this one has a $150 intro bonus and similar savings to the above American Express card.

For Those in Business: Ink Business Cash Credit Card

If you do a lot of business spending on your card, the best card to invest in is the Ink Business Cash Credit Card. You get a $300 cash bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. THen, you’ll get 5% cash back on cell phones, internet, cable TV, and office supply stores, 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% on all other purchases. There is no annual fee and 0% APR for the first twelve months.

The type of credit card that works best for you will vary depending on what you will use the card for, how often you plan on using the credit card, and where you want to use the card. You might have to do some research into your own spending to see what will work the best for you.

Many people resist joining a hotel rewards program and it isn’t immediately clear why. They often don’t cost anymore more than time, and they can get you some great perks. However people don’t want to take the time to find out how they can benefit them. Interested? Here are a few reasons why to join a hotel rewards program.

Benefits Are Immediate

With most hotel rewards programs, you get the benefits as soon as you sign up – things that don’t take any rewards points at all. This will vary depending on the hotel, but you can expect to get something almost immediately – a free upgrade, late check-out, a free drink, or access to a special area of the hotel.

Fewer Restrictions Than Other Programs

When you work directly with the hotel, you will face fewer restrictions when it comes to your use of the points. One of the best restrictions you won’t face is the risk of points that expire – more hotels keep your points forever. Some will even allow you to stay anywhere!

You’ll also have access to different methods of booking with certain programs. Another great option you have by working directly with ah hotel rewards program is that you can use different payment methods – like combining points and your own money.

Finally, you’ll deal with fewer blackout dates as well. Most hotel chains won’t allow you to book on “cheap” sites for specific dates – like holidays- but you will be able to get it through the hotel’s rewards program.

You’ll Get Special Deals & Superior Options

Sometimes, you’ll get better treatment when you are actually at the hotel as well. People who are enrolled in rewards programs are likely to get free upgrades, better rooms, and access to free amenities that others have to pay for – like Wi-Fi, breakfast, exclusive elevator usage, early check-in, late check-out, and even discounts within the hotel’s dining and shopping options.

Freedom to Roam

One of the best reasons to work with a specific hotel chain’s rewards program is to get access to their many locations all across the globe. You’ll be able to earn points at your favorite local hotel (for special occasions or business) and then use them to take the vacation of your dreams.

Interested in a hotel rewards program? Make sure to do your research and find out the best option for you, your spending habits, and your staying habits.