Step by Step Guide: Miami For Free Using Credit Card Points

Danielle Mar 08, 2024
7 People Read
Miami using credit card points


Exploring Miami for Free with Credit Card Points

Are you looking to experience all that Miami has to offer without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to utilize credit card points to explore the vibrant city of Miami for free. From the stunning beaches to the iconic Art Deco architecture, Miami is a destination that offers something for everyone. By strategically using credit card points, you can travel hack your way to luxurious accommodations without spending a dime. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a budget-conscious explorer, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Miami without emptying your wallet.

1. Pick Your Dream Hotel and Airline:

The first step in maximizing your travel to Miami with credit card points is choosing the right hotel. Choose a hotel affiliated with a major chain, so that you will be able to apply for the cobranded credit card (for example Hilton, Hyatt, or Marriott). Once you find your dream hotel, apply for the lowest level credit card in that cobranded group.  To learn more on why to always start with the lowest level card in a cobranded group check out our post "Essential Guide to the Perfect Starter Travel Credit Card". Next, you will find out which airlines fly from your hometown to Miami or a surrounding airport (Fort Lauderdale airport isn’t too far). For purposes of this step-by-step example, we will be using the Dimploat Beach Resort by Hilton and Jet Blue. To learn more about our stay at the Diplomat Beach Resort check out our post at "Art Deco to Adventure: Our Miami Travel-Hacking Experience". In this example, the lowest level Hilton American Express card would be the Hilton Honors American Express and Jet Blue Plus card. 


2. Determine the Points Needed for Your Dream Trip:

Points will vary based on when you will be traveling. However, at the time of writing this post, the Diplomat Hotel was 70,000 points per night or $358 a night. The cash price is  $2,215 for 5 nights in April. For a 5-night stay, you will need 280,000 points, (the 5th night is free when booking a Hilton hotel using only points). We were able to find roundtrip NYC to Fort Lauderdale airport for 14,700 Jet Blue points round trip. I am a family of 4, so 58,800 points are needed. Now airfare will vary a lot, depending on when and from where you are flying. Determine how many points you will need for your target trip dates. This will help you know when you have earned enough points for your stay. 

3. Plan Your Credit Card Points Strategically:

When it comes to redeeming your points for travel to Miami, strategic planning is key. You can experience Miami for free by using credit card points to cover the costs of your trip by accumulating points through everyday purchases. How quickly you earn points when not working on a sign-up bonus, varies greatly by your monthly spending. You can accumulate points faster if you have a larger monthly budget, and will also meet your sign-up bonus quicker and be able to move on to the new card. This process is not a rush though, you can do it with any size monthly budget, it may just take a little longer. 

Okay, so the credit cards: 

If you are working Solo (no partner or person 2) this is the scenario. 

A. Hilton Honors American Express Card:

Sign-up Bonus: 100,000 after spending $2,000 in 6 months.

Bonus categories: 5x points at restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets 


Remember to put ALL of your monthly spending on this card, so you accumulate points as fast as you can. Check out ou
r strategies at "Travel Hacking 101: Ultimate Guide to Getting Started".

One you reach the $2,000 minimum spend, sign up for the Jet Blue Plus card. 

B. Jet Blue Plus Card

Sign up Bonus: 60,000 after spending $1,000 in 90 days.

Now, in my example, I didn’t need more points than the 60,000 sign-up bonus for my airfare. I am also supporting a household of 4, so my monthly budget is significantly more than $1,000 a month. I therefore did not need to move all of my spending to the Jet Blue Plus card to meet the sign-up bonus within 90 days. I also made sure that the expenses I did charge to this card were not in the bonus category on my Hilton Amex card. For example, I paid for my daughter's semester of piano lessons on the Jet Blue Card, which was $1,100. The sign-up bonus met with that one charge. I did not have to transfer my monthly expenses from the Hilton Amex card to this card. Everyone's situation here will be different though. 

C. American Express Hilton Surpass Card

Sign up Bonus: 155,000 after spending $3,000 in 6 months.

Bonus categories: 6x points at restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets 

Now, with the Hilton Surpass card, I will be moving all of my expenses to the Surpass card. The bonus points earned on bonus categories are higher than on the Hilton Honors card, making it worthwhile to move everything over. 

Explore Miami for free

After meeting the signup bonus of the Surpass card, you will have 255,000 Hilton honors points just from sign-up bonuses. That isn’t even including what you are earning for your monthly spending. Now you will only need to earn 25,000 Hilton Honors points for your regular spending. How long it will take you to earn that 25,000 points will vary on your monthly spending and how much you spend in the bonus categories. In many households, it won’t take too many months to earn the 25,000 if you are charging ALL your monthly expenses to your travel rewards credit cards. The key strategy is, if you are spending the money anyway you might as well earn travel points for it. Make your money work towards free vacations for you. 

Unlocking Miami with your credit card points is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. By choosing the right card, racking up points strategically, and staying flexible with your travel plans, you can experience the beauty and excitement of Miami without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Miami adventure today!