o iYes, I actually saved $1,200 on flights—and no, it wasn’t some glitch or sketchy airline promo. It was travel hacking, and the best part? You don’t need to be a points expert or fly 50 times a year. I did it with zero elite status and a regular 9–5 job.
Here’s exactly how I pulled it off—and how you can start today.
✈️ Step 1: Pick a Travel Goal (and a Realistic Destination)
Most beginners start wrong by collecting points without a goal. I decided to fly round-trip from New York to Tokyo, normally priced around $1,500.
Because I wasn’t loyal to a specific airline so I just needed:
One checked bag
Flexible dates
A 4-star or better flight experience
Travel hacking tip: Always start with a goal. It helps you pick the right cards and programs.
💳 Step 2: Open the Right Travel Credit Cards (Timing Is Everything)
I opened two cards strategically:
Chase Sapphire Preferred – 60,000 points welcome bonus
American Express Gold – 75,000 Membership Rewards
I timed the applications around big purchases (insurance premiums, car maintenance, holiday shopping) to hit minimum spends fast without overspending.
✅ Total points earned: ~135,000
🎯 Redemption value: $1,400+ in flight credit
🔁 Step 3: Transfer Points to Airline Partners (Not Just Book Through Portals)
Most people waste points booking through travel portals at 1 cent per point. But transferring to partners like ANA, Air Canada, or Singapore Airlines? That’s where the real value lives.
I transferred Amex points to ANA (through Virgin Atlantic) and scored a round-trip economy ticket worth $1,500 for just 60,000 points.
⚠️ Heads up: Some redemptions take 2–5 days to transfer. Plan ahead.
🧾 Step 4: Stack Cashback and Flight Deals for Extra Savings
Before redeeming points, I checked:
Google Flights for the cash price baseline
Rakuten & TopCashback for deals on travel portals
Card-linked offers on my Amex/Chase dashboards
Even if I didn’t use cash, stacking discounts helped with checked bag fees and upgrades.
💡 Bonus Hacks That Helped Me Save Even More
Used my Amex Gold for 3x points on dining when traveling
Booked flights mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) to avoid inflated weekend prices
Set flight alerts via Hopper and Google Flights months in advance
Checked my credit card for travel protections (trip delay, baggage insurance—this stuff saves hundreds)
Final Thoughts: It’s Not a Secret, Just a System
I used to think travel hacking was only for digital nomads or finance bros. But honestly? If you have decent credit and a few big purchases coming up, you’re already in the perfect position to start.
So if you’re planning a big trip in 2025, stop overpaying. These tricks took me less than 5 hours to learn and saved me $1,200. That’s a better return than any budget airline ever offered.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is travel hacking and how does it work?
Travel hacking is the strategy of using credit card rewards, airline miles, hotel points, and loyalty programs to get free or discounted travel. It works by earning points through everyday spending, welcome bonuses, and redeeming them wisely—often through airline transfer partners for maximum value.
💡 Pro tip: Travel hacking doesn’t mean shady tricks—it’s about being smart with credit and rewards.
2. Which travel credit cards are best for beginners in 2025?
For beginners, these cards offer high value and flexibility:
Chase Sapphire Preferred – great for travel protections and point transfers
American Express Gold – earns high rewards on dining and groceries
Capital One Venture X – simple flat-rate earning with solid perks
Always compare annual fees, welcome bonuses, and partner networks before applying.
3. Is travel hacking worth it if I don’t travel often?
Yes, even if you only take one or two trips a year, you can still save hundreds. Many people use travel hacking for honeymoons, family vacations, or annual getaways. Just pick cards that align with your lifestyle—some even offer points for gas and groceries.
4. Do I need good credit to start travel hacking?
Most travel cards require a credit score of 680 or higher, but some starter cards are more forgiving. Always check your score, pay balances on time, and avoid carrying debt. Travel hacking works best when used responsibly.
5. How do I avoid travel hacking mistakes as a beginner?
Common mistakes to avoid:
Not paying off your balance (kills the value of rewards)
Letting points expire
Booking low-value redemptions (1 cent/point or less)
Missing out on travel insurance benefits tied to your card
🧠 Smart move: Use a spreadsheet or an app to track card due dates, points, and travel benefits.
6. Can I use travel hacking for international flights?
Absolutely. In fact, international flights offer the highest redemption value. For example, a flight from the US to Asia or Europe can cost $1,000+ in cash—or be redeemed for 60,000–80,000 points using partners like ANA, Emirates, or Flying Blue.
7. Is travel insurance included when booking with points?
Some premium travel credit cards include travel insurance even when booking with points, as long as you pay taxes and fees using the card. Coverage may include trip cancellation, baggage delay, and rental car insurance—all valuable perks when traveling abroad.
8. How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?
With the right credit card bonus and $1,000–$3,000 in spending, you could earn enough points within 1–3 months to book a domestic or international round-trip flight. Timing your sign-up with big purchases (like insurance, tax payments, or holiday shopping) helps speed things up.
