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Traveling as a couple is fun, and it’s even better when you’re paying for it with points. See what you and your spouse can do to earn travel rewards more quickly. [[{“value”:”
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Traveling is a tradition for newlyweds, and doing so regularly could be good for your marriage. Among couples who are happy in their marriages, 84% travel regularly, according to a survey by Honeyfund.
Many couples turn to travel credit cards to help stretch their travel fund and go on trips more often. If you already have a travel card or you’re planning to get one, you’ll probably want to earn points as quickly as possible. After all, the more you earn, the more you save on travel. Here’s how to speed up the process.
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Get a travel card that fits your spending habits
There are lots of travel cards available. Most of them earn a base rate of 1 point per $1 spent, but also have bonus categories where they earn more. Here are a few examples of common bonus categories:
DiningAirfareHotelsGroceriesGas
There are also a few travel cards that don’t have many, or any bonus categories, and instead offer a higher base rate — normally 2 points per $1 spent.
Think about what bonus categories will work well with your typical spending to choose the right card for you. If you go out to eat often, then you’ll probably want a card that earns bonus points at restaurants. If you have a long commute to work and do most of your cooking at home, check out gas and grocery cards. And if your spending is all across the board, then a card that earns 2 points per $1 everywhere is a good choice.
Add your spouse as an authorized user
If you’re the only one with a travel card, add your spouse as an authorized user. You can do this through your online account or by calling your card issuer.
Your spouse will receive their own card tied to your credit card account. They’ll be able to use it to make purchases, and all the purchases they make will earn travel points. Since it’s your credit card account, you’ll be responsible for your spouse’s spending.
This is a simple way to ensure that you’re earning points on all your spending as a couple. Some card issuers even offer bonuses for adding authorized users.
Double up on welcome offers
You and your spouse can apply for your own credit cards, and you could also both get the same card. It might seem unnecessary, but it’s actually a good move, because you’ll have the opportunity to earn two welcome offers.
Most travel rewards cards have welcome offers for new cardholders. These are almost always the fastest way to earn points. For example, a travel card may offer 50,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months.
If one of you gets this card, you can earn 50,000 bonus points. If both of you get it, you can each earn that welcome offer, for a total of 100,000 bonus points. Just make sure you can each meet the spending requirement.
I highly recommend taking advantage of opportunities to earn welcome offers. I’ve earned well over 1 million bonus points this way. You can save a lot more money on travel if you and your spouse are willing to open new cards on occasion.
Use your travel rewards card for everything
Some people open travel credit cards, but still pay for purchases with their debit card or cash, too. The only time this makes sense is when there’s an additional fee for paying by credit card.
But if it’s the same price no matter how you pay, then there’s no reason to use anything but your travel card. You earn points every time you use it, so you shouldn’t give up any chances to earn more. Make sure your spouse knows this, as well.
Travel points will accrue much faster when you and your spouse work together. Follow these tips, and it won’t be long before you have enough points to cover your next vacation.
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