How Partnering Up Boosts Your Credit Card Travel Hacking Game
Maximizing Rewards with a Partner in Your Credit Card Travel Hacking Strategy
In travel hacking and credit card rewards, working together with a partner or spouse can help unlock a lot of travel points. One powerful strategy involves leveraging your spouse or partner to apply to credit cards as well, to maximize sign-up bonuses. Using a partner will expedite your free nights, free flights, and free travel. By working together, you can supercharge your points and miles, opening the door to incredible travel experiences. Let's discuss the tactics that can help you make the most of this collaborative approach. For purposes of this article, I am going to refer to your spouse or partner as Person 2 or P2.
1. Maximize Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses: Never add an authorized user to your account
It is never a good idea to add someone to your credit card rewards account as an authorized user. The best way is to apply for a completely new card account for your P2 to increase the number of points you receive from sign-up bonuses. If you add another person to your account as an authorized user, they can earn rewards points for everyday purchases, but won't be able to get a welcome bonus. Adding someone as a user to your account may prevent that person from earning a signup bonus in the future for that travel card. This is because they already have that card, under your account, so they will not be considered a new account.
For example, let's say you sign up for a Hilton Honors American Express card and add a Person 2 as an authorized user. You will get the welcome offer for this card of 100,000 bonus points after the minimum spend when you first sign up for this card. While you will earn extra points for Person 2's, you will not get a second welcome offer of 100,000 points for adding them as an authorized user to your account. If you open a Hilton Honor's American Express card, and your Person 2 opens a completely separate Hilton Honor's American Express card, you will each get a 100,000 sign-up bonus, for a total of 200,000 Hilton Honor points. 200,000 points from sign-up bonuses, plus points earned on your spending is enough points for a free hotel room for several nights depending on where you want to go. Sign-up bonuses are the easiest way to get the most travel reward points. This is true for hotel credit cards, general travel cards as well as airline partnered cards.
Also check out your YouTube Video where we discuss Person 2, lowest-level sign-up, and authorized users.
2. Strategic Timing of Credit Card Application Applications
Timing is everything in the world of credit card sign-up bonuses. Coordinating your applications strategically can maximize the benefits. Consider staggering your applications to meet minimum spending requirements without overwhelming your combined budget. This synchronized approach ensures you both enjoy the perks of new cardholder bonuses, giving the most value for welcome offers. A good option is to complete one sign-up bonus and then apply for another travel reward card using person 2. Once Person 2 completes their sign-up bonus, apply for a reward card using your credentials.
3. Pooling of Travel Reward Points for Greater Flexibility
Many frequent flyer programs and hotel reward programs allow you to pool points or transfer points with close family members. Each reward program may have its own limitations, so be sure to check individual program rules. Leverage this feature to consolidate your points and enhance your redemption options. Having a joint pool of points provides greater flexibility when booking flights, hotels, or other travel-related expenses.
In my household, I am the person who redeems points and makes travel purchases. So I transfer my husband’s reward points to my account or set up pooling. Some hotel loyalty programs have restrictions on the number of points you can transfer in a calendar year. For example, Marriott allows you to transfer 100,000 points a year from one person to another. Hilton allows unlimited points transfers between people. Be sure to check the hotel chain loyalty programs to check for any restrictions on transfers. Since Marriott has a restriction, I do not transfer points until I am ready to book hotel stays and know exactly how many points I need to transfer between our loyalty accounts. Jet Blue has a family pooling program, where the main account holder can see and use everyone’s travel points. Every company's reward system will be slightly different. When taking into account who's account points should be transferred to, keep in mind if either you or your P2 has an elite status within the loyalty program. For example, I am a Hilton Diamond member and my husband is not. So when traveling together, we always book hotel rooms under my Hilton Honors account, in the hopes of an upgraded room and other additional benefits of Diamond status (free breakfast and other perks). To learn more on how to become a Hilton Honors Diamond member or the benefits of each group check out our post "Elevate Your Stay: Understanding the Hilton Honors Program."
4. Best Use of Airline Companion Passes and Travel Credits
Certain rewards cards designed for travel come with perks such as companion passes or a statement credit for travel. By synchronizing your card choices with your travel partner, you can optimize these advantages to cover your travel expenses. For example, maybe only the two of you are traveling, then having 1 airline card that earns a companion pass is enough for both of you. If your travel companions include kids or a household, the best value may be to continue to use the Person 2 strategies for co-branded airline credit cards. By using Person 2 strategies for a travel rewards credit card that is co-branded with your favorite airline, you can continue to maximize welcome offers for earning airline miles for award flights. Earning award tickets to cover a family may require a 2 person strategy depending on your travel goals. Some longer or international destinations will require sign-up bonuses from more than one rewards card. Another benefit of some travel reward cards for frequent travelers is airport lounge access. Check out the additional benefit of travel cards, to see if lounge access is available.
5. Communication is Key
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful collaboration in credit card strategies. Regularly discuss upcoming expenses, card applications, and any changes in your travel plans. Keeping each other informed ensures that you both stay on track to meet spending requirements and take advantage of time-sensitive opportunities. Make sure you do not go over your household budget. Your credit score matters to card issuers. To continue getting approved for the best travel cards, and continue earning hotel points and free airline tickets you must keep your credit score in check. Good credit will allow you to apply for premium cards in the future. In order to get approved for the best travel credit cards, you have to keep your credit score in check. This means, making sure you do not go over your household budget, paying balances on time, and communicating with your Person 2.
6. Maximizing Category Bonuses on Travel Reward Credit Cards
Many travel rewards credit cards offer bonus categories, which offer bonus credit card points for spending in those specific locations. Make sure to take advantage of category bonuses. This targeted approach allows you to earn more points for the same expenses. For example, you may have a card that offers double points at gas stations, while P2 may have a card that offers double points at grocery stores. Be sure to track and use the appropriate cards where they earn more points per category. This will allow you to earn points faster for your everyday purchases. If you are going to spend the money anyway, you might as well earn the most amount of points possible for that expense. My husband is constantly asking which card to use for which purchases. He is always calling or texting to say, I'm getting gas, or going to XYZ store, which card should I use? This allows you to get the maximum value for your monthly purchases. To learn how to navigate which card to use for which bonus categories, check out our post "Credit Card Chess: Strategy for Maximized Travel Rewards".
For a step-by-step guide on how to start travel hacking, check out our post "Travel Hacking 101: Ultimate Guide to Getting Started."
Collaborating with your spouse or partner in optimizing credit card sign-up bonuses can elevate your travel experiences to new heights. You'll unlock a world of possibilities by syncing goals, strategically applying for cards, pooling points, and diversifying your card portfolios. Communication and planning are essential for success in this joint venture. So, team up, strategize wisely and watch your travel hacking rewards soar.
Happy travels!