When I first started exploring points and miles, I had no idea how much value I could unlock simply by using the right credit cards. Over the years, I’ve learned how to maximize rewards to travel more for less, and it all started with three key credit cards: Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Capital One Venture X®, and Citi Strata Premier℠.
These cards provided a strong foundation for earning flexible points, enjoying travel perks, and getting more value out of everyday spending. Here’s how each one played a role in my travel rewards journey:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® – The Ultimate Starter Travel Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® was my very first travel rewards card, and it remains one of my top recommendations for beginners. The reason? It’s packed with value without a high annual fee.
✅ Why I Got It:
- The sign-up bonus was generous, and I knew Chase Ultimate Rewards® points were incredibly flexible.
- It earns 2X points on dining and travel, making it easy to rack up rewards.
- Points transfer to top travel partners like United, Hyatt, and Southwest, making it easy to book free flights and hotels.
💡 How I Used It: I transferred my Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to Hyatt and booked a 5-night stay at the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun, an all-inclusive resort, for my family of four. This was a dream vacation, and knowing that our luxurious stay—including meals, drinks, and entertainment—was covered with points made it even more special!
2. Capital One Venture X® – My Luxury Travel Upgrade
As I got deeper into points and miles, I wanted a card that offered premium perks without a super high fee. The Capital One Venture X® was a game-changer!
✅ Why I Got It:
- A huge welcome bonus that helped me book my first business-class flight.
- It earns 2X miles on all purchases, making it simple to accumulate rewards.
- Lounge access through Priority Pass and Capital One Lounges made airport layovers more enjoyable.
- It includes $300 in annual travel credits and a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, offsetting the annual fee.
💡 How I Used It: I redeemed Capital One miles to book a business class flight on Air France from Lagos to Washington, D.C. The experience was incredible—from priority boarding and a lie-flat seat to gourmet dining and top-notch service. It was a major travel win!
3. Citi Strata Premier℠ – Unlocking More Transfer Partners
The Citi Strata Premier℠ (formerly Citi Premier®) was my third card, and it helped me diversify my points-earning strategy.
✅ Why I Got It:
- It earns 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas, air travel, and hotels—a great spread of bonus categories.
- Citi ThankYou® Points transfer to over a dozen airline partners, giving me more options beyond Chase and Capital One.
- Citi often offers transfer bonuses to airline partners, making points even more valuable.
💡 How I Used It: I took advantage of a 25% transfer bonus to Qatar Airways and booked my first-ever business class flight from Johannesburg to Washington, D.C. The experience was unforgettable—lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, and exceptional service made it a flight to remember!
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Strong Card Strategy
These three cards laid the foundation for my points and miles journey, allowing me to:
✔️ Earn valuable and flexible points across different programs
✔️ Maximize bonus categories on everyday spending
✔️ Enjoy travel perks like lounge access and transfer partners