Showing posts sorted by date for query chase offers. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query chase offers. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

New $1,000 Bonus Travel Offer On Capital One Venture

 

Great new offer from Capital One! 

Apply for the Capital One Venture credit card and get $250 to use as a travel credit in the Capital One travel portal plus 75,000 points. That's $1,000 in free travel. Wow! The minimum spend is still $4,000 and the annual fee is just $95. 

This offer is equivalent to the Venture X offer, but the annual fee is $300 less. Amazing! 


This is my go to credit card for any purchases that don't earn bonus points on the Chase FREEDOM or Sapphire Reserve credit cards. The Capital One Venture card earns 2x points on all purchases. The beauty of these flexible points is you can transfer points to a dozen different airlines including my new fave FlyingBlue.com, a few hotel chains and of course, you can erase travel purchases. 

The travel credit is only good for travel purchases made in the Capital One Travel portal, but I have found that the portal has improved and is actually quite reliable and easy to use. 


I actually got this card when we were going on a family trip to Costa Rica. By family, I mean extended family trip, you know, like a group of 20 people. The deal was everyone had to pay for their own airfare, but then once in Costa Rica, the trip would be a gift. Pretty sweet! The only other catch is we all had to fly on the same Delta flight. Since I didn't have enough Delta miles for 5 round trip airline tickets, my husband and I each applied for the Capital One Venture card. We charged the plane tickets and everything else to those cards to meet the minimum spend and we ended up getting three of the tickets FREE. 


Now I still like this card, however, I like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards better. Here's why:
  • Capital One every purchase earns 2 points per dollar
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve - most purchases earn 1:1, but dining and travel earn 2:1 and there are categories where you can earn 5:1 if you have Chase FREEDOM, FLEX or INK cards. 
  • Capital One points value are 1:1 when you use them to erase purchases
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred values points at 1:1.25 if you use them in the travel portal or as a statement credit
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve values points at 1:1.5 if you use them in the travel portal or as a statement credit 
  • Capital One and Chase offer 1:1 transfer values to airline miles, but Chase offers way more partner airlines and hotels. 

I still think the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve offer more flexibility than the Capital One.  But if you already have the Sapphire cards or the airline partners on the Capital One list work better for you, this is a great option. 

If you decide to give this one a go, consider using my referral link. You get the same great bonus offer and I get a little something for referring you and can use it to bring you more great ideas on how to travel for Almost FREE. 

If you would like to join my travel coaching program, you can use this link.   I would love to help you and your family travel for almost FREE. Use the promo code FREETRAVEL for $50 off. 




Sunday, February 2, 2025

Lessons Learned From My 2024 Year End Summary

 


Even though it is already February, I wanted to share my 2024 year end summary. I recommend to all my clients to do a year in review to see what points they used,  how they used them and look for trends. 
This exercise will help you in planning your travel goals for the next year. 

During the January live group coaching session last month, we did this exercise as a group. One of my clients completed the task and said 

"Wow! I knew we saved a lot of money this year by using points, but until I did this exercise, I didn't realize how much." 

Amazing!

Lessons Learned From My 2024 Year End Summary 
 
I do the same exercise with my own points and miles journey because we are always learning. So when I look at the above summary, here are some things I notice:

Lessons Learned From My 2024 Year End Summary 

Reflecting on how I used points and miles this past year for travel:

What will I do differently or improve for 2025? I would like to keep better track of the benefits and FREE nights that come with my cards. I just realized that Lyft Pink membership comes with my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and would have saved me $150. I also ended the year with one FREE night at an IHG hotel that almost expired without being used. 






Monday, December 16, 2024

Chase 1st Quarter 2025 5x Bonus Categories

 


Woohoo! Chase has announced the 5x bonus categories for the FREEDOM (not available to new customers) and FREEDOM FLEX credit cards for Q1 2025. 

The bonus categories rotate quarterly and offer 5x Chase points up to $1,500. It's an easy way to accelerate your earning power. I max out these bonus offers on both of my FREEDOM credit cards every quarter. 


Past categories have included Paypal, Amazon, Lowe's Walmart, pet services and more. 


For Q1 2025, the categories are:
  • Self Care, Nail and Hair Salon and Spa 
  • Grocery Stores - excluding Walmart and Target
  • Fitness and Gyms 
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines 

Besides the bonus categories, the Chase FREEDOM FLEX comes with a $200 bonus offer for a $500 minimum spend. This is a $0 annual fee credit card so it's a great everyday card to add to your wallet. 

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Travel Insurance: Do You Need It And Which Should You Choose


Are you travelling for the holidays? A lot of us are and well, when we travel things happen. So the question is should you buy travel insurance? 

Well it depends. 

Our client, Deborah, said that travel insurance recently saved her thousands of dollars when she and her partner came down with Covid while on a trip to Croatia and Greece. They had to change plans and stay at an island hotel for 5 days while they recovered. Travel insurance covered the additional hotel nights, cancelled hotel nights, food and transportation. 


Some credit cards include travel insurance if you buy your flights, hotels or car insurance with it. If you use points to buy your flights and/or hotels, coverage will depend on how you booked the flight and hotel. Did you transfer the points to an airline or hotel partner, if you did, then Chase considers itself no longer responsible for the trip. And you would only be covered if you purchased travel insurance from the carrier or hotel brand. 
If you booked through the Chase Travel Portal, then Chase would still cover your trip and would refund you in cash rather than points. 

The credit cards we like that include travel insurance are:

Chase Sapphire Reserve -  details about coverage from Chase.com 
  • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: If you run into a problem away from home, call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance. (You will be responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.)
  • Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours (six hours for Sapphire Reserve) or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.
  • Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours and hotels.
  • Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over six hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for 5 days.
  • Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If you or an immediate family member check or carry-on luggage that is damaged or lost by the carrier, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger.
  • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the rental company's collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. For Sapphire Reserve cardmembers, coverage is primary and provides reimbursement up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage for rental cars in the U.S. and abroad. Sapphire Preferred Cardmembers can be reimbursed up to the actual cash value of the vehicle, but coverage excludes certain cars, such as high value and exotic vehicles.
  • Travel Accident Insurance: When you pay for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation with your card, you are eligible to receive accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $500,000 ($1,000,000 for Sapphire Reserve).
  • Certain travel reimbursement, cancellation protection and emergency services are available to Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardmembers on eligible travel booked with their credit card. Here’s some more information about the benefits offered with the card.
  • Emergency Evacuation and TransportationIf you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000.
  • Roadside Assistance If you have a roadside emergency, you can call for a tow, jumpstart, tire change, locksmith or gas. You’re covered up to $50 per incident 4 times a year.
  • Emergency Medical and Dental BenefitIf you're 100 miles or more from home on a trip, you can be reimbursed up to $2,500 for medical expenses if you or your immediate family member become sick or injured.
Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our favorite cards, it comes with 60,000 bonus points, $300 travel credit, Priority Pass Lounge Membership, $120 Global Entry credit and more.

Capital One Venture X - details about coverage from Capitalone.com 

  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance - If you booked and paid for your trip with a card belonging to a network that offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, you may qualify for reimbursement in certain situations. For example, they can include unexpected health issues or accidental injuries. The death of an immediate family member or someone in your travel party may also qualify. Maximum reimbursement depends on your card and can vary significantly. For example, some Capital One consumer credit cards may offer up to $2,000 per trip. (For others, it could be less or more.)
  • Trip delay insurance - Travel schedules don’t always go as planned. Flights may get delayed or severe weather may affect your travels. Or you may need to pay for a meal or last-minute hotel room while you wait. If you paid for your trip with a card that has trip delay insurance, certain reasonable costs you incur during the delay might be covered.
  • Rental car insurance - If you pay for a rental car with your card, you might be able to skip the added cost of buying insurance through the rental company. Credit card rental car insurance through some Capital One cards could cover collisions and theft.
  • Lost or delayed baggage insurance - Lost, delayed or even stolen baggage can interrupt your trip. If you need to buy replacement items, you could be reimbursed.
  • Travel accident insurance - In cases of severe injury or death, you or your family members could receive benefits if you booked and paid for your trip with a card that offers travel accident insurance.

Capital One Venture X is my second favorite credit card because it earns 2x points on every purchase, offers a 75,000 bonus, $300 travel credit, $120 Global Entry credit and access to Capital One Lounges. 



If your credit card doesn't cover your needs or if you need additional travel insurance for a cruise or tour, I recommend Faye Travel Insurance. It's generally inexpensive and you can adjust coverage on the company website to suit your needs. 
I am an official partner with Faye Travel Insurance so reach out if you need help with this. 


Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Holiday Shopping? The Magic of "Stacking" Rewards

 


Are you leaving free travel points on the table every time you shop online? Let me introduce you to a game-changing strategy that'll have you earning rewards like a pro!

What is a Shopping Marketplace?

Think of an online shopping marketplace like a digital mall that rewards you for shopping through their platform. Instead of going directly to a retailer's website, you can earn bonus points by taking a quick detour through these clever portals.

The Magic of "Stacking" Rewards

Here's where it gets exciting: you can potentially earn multiple layers of rewards on a single purchase. Imagine turning your everyday shopping into a ticket for your next vacation!

How It Works:

  1. Check Cashback Options: Before buying anything, visit cashbackmonitor.com
  2. Compare Marketplace Rewards: See which portal offers the most points. Most airlines, hotels and banks have portals, but the number of points you can earn varies. 
  3. Click Through the Marketplace: Log in and access the retailer's site
  4. Use Your Rewards Credit Card: Double or even triple your point earnings!

Real-World Example: Walmart Shopping


Let's break down a typical scenario:

  • You want to make a purchase on Walmart.com 
  • Check cashbackmonitor.com
  • Chase Freedom Marketplace offers 4x points
  • Your credit card adds 1-2x points
  • Total: Up to 5x points on a single purchase!

Pro Tip: Your Free Vacation Starts Here

By strategically routing your online purchases, you're not just shopping—you're building a travel fund. Every click could be bringing you closer to your dream destination.

So before you hit that "buy" button, take a moment to maximize those rewards. Your future self (lounging on a beach) will thank you! 🌴✈️💳

If you need more help, feel free to schedule a 1:1 coaching session with me or enroll in my travel coaching program. Both are super affordable and will help you be successful in traveling for almost FREE. 



Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Last Day For A Bonus Offer From Our Fav Travel Card

Update:

This offer is ending November 14th.

Get ready for some fantastic news, family travelers! The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card just sweetened the deal, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you!




Imagine this: a whopping 60,000 bonus points (that's at least $750 in FREE travel!) PLUS a $300 travel credit on travel purchases. And wait, there's more – a $50 hotel credit too! Add it all up, and you're looking at over $1,000 in FREE travel. How amazing is that for your next family adventure?


Amazing Bonus From One Of Our Favorite Cards

Now, let's talk strategy. This card opens up a world of possibilities with its transfer partners. You can move your points to various airlines and hotel chains, giving you ultimate flexibility for your family's travel dreams.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind with this offer:

  • You'll need to spend $4,000 in the first 3 months to earn the bonus.
  • You can only earn a bonus on a Sapphire card once every four years.
  • You can only hold one Chase Sapphire card at a time (either the Preferred or the Reserve).


Amazing Bonus From One Of Our Favorite Cards

Want to make sure this card aligns perfectly with your family's travel plans? Let's chat!

Book a one-on-one session with me, or join our Travel Coaching Program for even more insights. You'll learn all about maximizing points and miles, get a personalized credit card tracker, and join our monthly live coaching sessions.

Don't let this opportunity slip away – we never know how long these amazing offers will last. Let's start planning your next almost-free family adventure today!

Thursday, October 31, 2024

What Is A Transfer Bonus And How Can It Mean Big Savings For You

 


One of the top reasons, we love Chase Ultimate Rewards points is because they are so flexible. You can use them in the travel portal to buy flights, hotels, car rentals and even cruises. You can also transfer them to dozens of different airlines and several hotel chains. 



And sometimes, Chase offers bonus points when you transfer your Chase Ultimate Reward points to specific partners. You can get as many as 100% bonus points. When the bonus offer coincides with a fare sale, then wow! 
Like right now, Virgin Atlantic and FlyingBlue are doing a fare sale and Chase is offering a 40% bonus to Virgin. 
What does this mean? Take a look at some of these fares being offered by Virgin. 
  • Heathrow to LAX for just 9,000 Virgin points. 



If you were to take advantage of the transfer bonus, just 7,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points would equal approximately 9,000- 10,000 Virgin Atlantic points. Wow! You could transfer a few more points and fly Premium or Upper Class.



To transfer Chase points:
  • Login to your Chase.com account
  • Click on redeem points 
  • Hover over travel and click on transfer to travel partners
  • Click on the partner you want to transfer points TO
  • Enter your membership information
  • Your name must match exactly! 
  • Enter the number of points you want to transfer (must be in increments of 1,000)
  • Confirm
  • The transfer should happen almost immediately



Word of advice, do NOT transfer points until you know how you are going to use the points. You CANNOT get them back. 
Chase transfer partners are a great way to make that bucket list trip affordable.

One of our favorite Chase Ink Business cards, the Business Unlimited, has a points promotion ending on November 7th. The minimum spend is $6,000, there is no annual fee and the bonus is 90,000 points which equals $900, but if you hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred card, you can squeeze more value out of this one. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is also offering a bonus $300 travel credit right now which is an amazing offer. 



Friday, October 4, 2024

Amazing Bonus From One Of Our Favorite Cards



Get ready for some fantastic news, family travelers! The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card just sweetened the deal, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you!



Imagine this: a whopping 60,000 bonus points (that's at least $750 in FREE travel!) PLUS a $300 travel credit on travel purchases. And wait, there's more – a $50 hotel credit too! Add it all up, and you're looking at over $1,000 in FREE travel. How amazing is that for your next family adventure?

Over Water Bungalow in Moorea

But here's a little secret: with some savvy planning, you could stretch those points even further. Want to know how I used Chase Ultimate Rewards points to save a jaw-dropping $15,000 on a family trip to Tahiti? Just ask, and I'll share all the details!

Amazing Bonus From One Of Our Favorite Cards

Now, let's talk strategy. This card opens up a world of possibilities with its transfer partners. You can move your points to various airlines and hotel chains, giving you ultimate flexibility for your family's travel dreams.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind with this offer:

  • You'll need to spend $4,000 in the first 3 months to earn the bonus.
  • You can only earn a bonus on a Sapphire card once every four years.
  • You can only hold one Chase Sapphire card at a time (either the Preferred or the Reserve).


Amazing Bonus From One Of Our Favorite Cards

Want to make sure this card aligns perfectly with your family's travel plans? Let's chat!

Book a one-on-one session with me, or join our Travel Coaching Program for even more insights. You'll learn all about maximizing points and miles, get a personalized credit card tracker, and join our monthly live coaching sessions.

Don't let this opportunity slip away – we never know how long these amazing offers will last. Let's start planning your next almost-free family adventure today!


Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Step #1 Towards Earning Your Southwest Companion Pass For 2025-26

 


It's the countdown towards earning the Southwest Companion Pass for 2025-26, yep, almost two full years. And I have challenged myself to help 25 people earn the pass. If you are ready, sign up here!  There is no cost to you, my coaching is totally FREE. 

Just in case you don't know what the pass is all about, here's a quick summary: 

  • The Southwest Companion Pass is a BOGO flight pass for any flight, anywhere, anytime for you and one companion. No blackout dates, no restrictions. 
American Airlines, British Airways, Aer Lingus and Delta Airlines offer a slightly different variation on the companion pass, but again it's just valid for one flight per year and costs up to $99. 

  • Southwest is the ONLY airline that offers a companion pass for unlimited flights for up to two full years, it's an incredible deal. 



I have had the pass for 8 years and I estimate it has saved me thousands of dollars. I have used it to fly to Cuba, Costa Rica, Washington DC, New York, Puerto Rico, Florida, North Carolina, Washington State, Nashville, Chicago and so much more. 

  • Southwest allows you to change your companion three times per calendar year. And your companion can be a partner, child, friend, family member or anyone else you would like to bring with you. 

So whether you have had the pass before or you are planning to earn it for the first time, let's talk about what we need to do now to get ready. You can also sign up to be one of the 25 people I am going to help for FREE to earn the pass. 

Step #1 Towards Earning Your Southwest Companion Pass For 2025-26



In very simple terms, in order to get the pass, we need to earn 135,000 Southwest points in a single calendar year. Once you earn the points, the companion pass will show up in your Southwest account and you can start using it immediately. The pass is good for the calendar year you earn it and the following year. Which means that if you earn the pass in January 2025, it is good for the rest of 2025 and 2026. 
That's the reason why we try to earn the pass as early in the year as possible. 

But if you are earning the pass for a second or third time or if you have received a Southwest credit card bonus before, you need to check a few things before you get started. 


1. IMPORTANT - Check the date that you last earned a Southwest point bonus. You can do that by logging into your Southwest account and checking your reward activity. You can see when I check my account, I earned a business card bonus in January 2023 and a personal card bonus in February 2023.  You can't apply for a new card until after those dates. So in my case, I cannot apply for another a Southwest Performance Business credit card until January 12th 2025 and I can't apply for another Southwest personal credit card until February 9th 2025.    
2. You earn 10,000 points on January 1st if you hold a Southwest Credit Card. These points are not valid for flights, but do count towards the companion pass. 
3. You can only hold ONE personal Southwest credit card at a time and you need to allow 30 days between closing the card you have and applying for another one. So now would be the right time to close your personal Southwest credit card if you plan to apply for another one in November. You can hold more than one Southwest Business credit card at a time so that's not an issue. 
4. Check your 5/24 status. Chase will only approve you for 5 credit cards every 24 months so confirm that you will eligible for a Southwest personal credit card. The business cards do not count towards 5/24. 

Step #1 Towards Earning Your Southwest Companion Pass For 2025-26


Make sure you do these steps so you are ready to hit the ground running in November to earn that pass. If you would like FREE coaching help, sign up to be one of the 25 people I am going to help earn the companion pass. 



Tuesday, September 17, 2024

The Southwest 85,000 Point Bonus: A Potential Pitfall for Companion Pass Seekers

 


Chase just announced the new Southwest personal credit card bonus offer and it's a whopping 85,000 bonus points! Wow! 
This is the highest offer we have seen in a long time. 
  • $3,000 minimum spend 
  • $69 annual fee 
  • 85,000 bonus points
What can you buy for 85,000 Southwest points? A lot. Take a look at the points you would need for this one way flight from San Diego to New Orleans in November. You could go to New Orleans six times. 



And how about just 3,000 points to travel from San Diego to San Francisco. Well, you could make that trip, uh, a lot. 




You might be wondering, "How could 85,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points possibly be bad?" It's not about the number of points, but the timing of the Southwest credit card offer. This lucrative deal ends on October 9th, creating a tight window for those aiming to earn the coveted Southwest Companion Pass for 2025-2026.

Why the Southwest Companion Pass is the Ultimate Travel Hack

  1. The Southwest Companion Pass is arguably the best travel perk in the airline industry.
  2. It offers BOGO (Buy One Get One) flights for up to two years.
  3. Valid for travel anywhere Southwest Airlines flies.
  4. Use your Rapid Rewards points to book your flight and add a companion for FREE.
  5. Southwest's new online tool allows you to change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year.

The Hidden Catch in the 85,000 Bonus Offer

While the bonus seems attractive, here's why it could be problematic for Companion Pass aspirants:

  1. You have three months from card application to reach the $3,000 minimum spend.
  2. Once you hit this threshold, it triggers the bonus point award.
  3. To earn the Companion Pass for 2025-2026, you must reach the $3,000 spend:
    • After January 1st, 2025, OR
    • After your credit card statement closes for 2024 (typically mid to late December)

The #1 Mistake in Companion Pass Strategy

Many eager travelers make this critical error: reaching the minimum spend too early. This can trigger the bonus in 2024 instead of 2025, potentially:

  • Costing you the Companion Pass entirely
  • Reducing your pass benefits by an entire year

It's a significant setback in your travel hacking journey!

Navigating the Timing Challenge

While the timing is tricky, it's not impossible. However, you may need expert guidance to navigate this credit card reward strategy successfully. Consider joining a Travel Coaching Program for personalized advice.

My goal is to help 25 people, including myself, earn the Southwest Companion Pass for 2025-2026. With the right strategy, you could be flying 2-for-1 for two full years!

Remember: Timing is everything when it comes to maximizing your Southwest Rapid Rewards and earning the Companion Pass. Don't let a hasty decision cost you thousands in potential travel savings!

Are you ready to master the art of credit card rewards and travel hacking? Join our community of savvy travelers and learn how to turn points into unforgettable experiences!



Saturday, August 24, 2024

Dreaming About A Trip To Italy? Check This Out


Are you dreaming about a trip to Italy for next summer? I just helped clients Mackenzie and Michael plan a dream honeymoon in Italy for almost FREE. Yep! That's right. 
As soon as they return, they will share the details about how they used points and miles to pay for this trip in our monthly group coaching meet. Yay! 

Perhaps you are next! Dreaming About A Trip To Italy? Check This Out

The September cohort of the Travel Coaching Program is launching soon! There are only 10 spots available so don't wait to check it out and get started. We will be having two challenges coming up this fall as well, details coming soon! 

Right now, though, there are two bonus offers that are ending soon that played a part in Mackenzie and Michael's strategy. 

  • Capital One Venture card offering a bonus $250 travel credit right now and 75,000 bonus points, all for just $95 annual fee and $4,000 minimum spend. 
  • Chase Ink Business Preferred offering 100,000 bonus points. $95 annual fee with an $8,000 minimum spend. Offer ends Sept 3rd
If you aren't sure which card is right for you or how you will use the points, join my Travel Coaching program September cohort and I'll help you come up with a personal strategy to reach your travel goals. 

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Two NEW Great Bonus Offers $1,000 FREE Travel

 



Just got back from Tahiti and all I can say is Wow! I'll share more on how to enjoy Tahiti using points and miles. This trip would have cost my family of 5 more than $20,000, but we spent three weeks in the islands for just $5,000. I saved approximately $15,000 on this bucket list trip. 

There are two great offers out right now that I need to share with you because these two cards are key to my success using points and miles to take my family on amazing adventures. 

Two NEW Great Bonus Offers $1,000 FREE Travel 

Which is better for me?

Chase Ultimate Reward points and Capital One points are both considered flexible points which means you can use them on dozens of different airlines and several hotels. You can read about why I love flexible points here. 

But which one is better for you? That is a great question and the answer is that it depends on various factors including your travel goals, who and where you plan to travel, when you plan to travel and how you plan to travel. 

If you want support in making the best decision, join my Travel Coaching Program, the new cohort will start in September. There are only 10 spots so don't wait to enroll. Hope you will join us!