Travel credit cards can seem complicated. But getting started is actually simple. You need one card, a basic understanding of how it works, and the discipline to pay it off every month. Here's exactly how to begin.

Before You Start

Two prerequisites:

  • Credit score of 700+ — Check Credit Karma or your bank's free score. If you're below 700, build your credit first with a basic card.
  • Ability to pay in full monthly — If you carry a balance, interest destroys any rewards value. This only works if you pay off the card completely every month.

If you can't do both of these, stop here. Come back when you're ready.

The Only Card You Need to Start

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Annual fee: $95
Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Value: $750+ in travel

This is where almost everyone should start. Here's why:

  • The sign-up bonus alone pays for 7+ years of annual fees
  • 2x points on travel and dining (where you probably spend anyway)
  • Points transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners
  • Primary rental car insurance
  • Trip cancellation protection that actually works
  • No foreign transaction fees

The key feature: Chase's transfer partners. You can move points to United, Southwest, Hyatt, Marriott, and others. This flexibility is what makes the points valuable.

How to Hit the Minimum Spend

You need to spend $4,000 in 3 months to get the bonus. Don't spend extra — just shift spending you already do:

  • Put all regular spending on the card
  • Pay bills that accept credit cards
  • Pre-pay insurance or subscriptions if needed
  • Time big purchases (furniture, electronics) with your application
  • Pay rent through services like Plastiq (fees apply, do the math)

If $4,000 in 3 months feels impossible, wait until you have a big purchase coming up. Don't force it.

How to Use the Card

1. Put All Spending on It

Use this card for everything. Groceries, gas, restaurants, bills. The more you put on it, the more points you earn. Just make sure you can pay it off.

2. Pay It Off Completely Every Month

Set up autopay for the full statement balance. Never carry a balance. The interest rate (20%+) destroys any value from points.

3. Don't Redeem Through the Portal

Chase lets you book travel through their portal at 1.25 cents per point. Don't do this. Instead, transfer points to partners where you can get 2-5+ cents per point in value.

4. Learn the Transfer Partners

The good ones to know:

  • Hyatt: Best hotel value. Category 1-4 hotels are 5,000-15,000 points.
  • United: Good for international business class.
  • Southwest: Domestic flights, no blackout dates, bags fly free.
  • Air Canada: Star Alliance partner for complex itineraries.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Carrying a balance: The interest wipes out all rewards. Pay in full.
  • Missing the minimum spend: Set calendar reminders. The bonus is the whole point.
  • Redeeming for cash back: 1 cent per point is a bad deal. Use for travel.
  • Closing the card: Downgrade to the free Chase Freedom instead. Closing hurts your credit score.
  • Getting too many cards too fast: Learn this system first before adding complexity.

When to Get Your Second Card

Wait 6-12 months. Learn this system. Actually redeem some points for travel. Then consider adding:

  • Chase Freedom Flex: No annual fee. 5x rotating categories. Complements the Sapphire.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve: If you travel 3+ times per year. Higher fee but better benefits.
  • World of Hyatt card: If you stay at Hyatt hotels regularly.

The 5/24 Rule

Chase won't approve you if you've opened 5+ credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months. This is why you start with Chase. Get the Sapphire Preferred first, then other Chase cards, then move to other banks.

Your Action Plan

1. Check your credit score (700+ required)

2. Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred

3. Put all spending on it for 3 months

4. Hit the $4,000 minimum spend, get your 60,000 points

5. Learn transfer partners, plan your first free trip

Start with one card. Master it. The free travel will hook you.