Using a credit card to get rewards for your summer travel expenses

Summary

• Using a rewards credit card for airfare, hotels and other travel purchases may help you build rewards on planned expenses.
• Welcome bonuses can provide a boost if you meet the minimum spending requirement within the required time frame.
• Travel-related benefits may add value — especially if you use them regularly and the annual fee makes sense for your situation.
• Road trips offer multiple opportunities to earn rewards on gas, dining, groceries and lodging.
• Selecting or activating quarterly bonus categories ahead of time may increase your rewards potential.

Between schools letting out and work schedules easing up, summer is a popular time to take a vacation. It's no surprise that people start looking for summer travel tips as temperatures begin to rise.

One strategy to consider is using a credit card that lets you earn rewards for your travel expenses. When you pay for planned purchases with a rewards card, you may be able to stretch your vacation budget further.

Using a credit card to book airfare, hotels and more

Whether you're flying across the country or across an ocean, using a rewards card could turn today's bookings into future flights, hotel stays or statement credits that help offset the cost of your trip. Even better, you may unlock travel benefits that provide comfort and convenience as you go.

Get rewards when you book travel

Buying plane tickets and booking hotel rooms could help you rack up rewards quickly — especially when you're planning a summer vacation. Most travel rewards cards offer cash back or points on eligible purchases, and since travel prices often rise during peak seasons, that higher spending may translate into more rewards.

However, understanding how your rewards card works can help you shop strategically and earn rewards even faster. Some cards offer a flat rate across all spending categories, while others offer a higher rate for travel-related purchases, such as flights, hotels or rental cars.

Bonus tip: Check your card's rewards structure early in your trip-planning process. You may find that booking through your card provider's travel portal earns the highest reward.

Sign up for welcome bonuses

Applying for a card that offers a promotional welcome bonus is another way to earn substantial rewards in a relatively short time. You typically won’t receive the bonus immediately after opening the account. Instead, it’s usually awarded after you meet the minimum spending requirement within a specified time frame.

Paying for planned travel expenses could also make it easier to reach the required spending threshold before the deadline. Those rewards may be redeemed for future travel purchases, depending on the card.

Bonus tip: If you're thinking about getting a card for its welcome bonus, keep your budget in mind. Only spend what you can afford to pay back in full by the due date, or the interest charges and late fees could reduce your earnings.

Enjoy travel-related benefits

Some rewards cards come with premium travel benefits that may enhance your experience. These could include:

• Travel insurance
• Statement credits for TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry® fees
• Airport lounge access
• Free checked bags
• Priority boarding
• Hotel credits
• Companion passes

Getting extensive travel benefits sometimes means paying an annual fee. If that's the case, you'll want to consider which benefits you'd actually use and estimate their costs. This can help you decide if the annual fee is worth it.

Bonus tip: Card providers may waive the annual fee for the first year, giving you time to evaluate the benefits before keeping the card long term.

How to maximize rewards for summer road trips

A flight isn't the only way to get rewards on summer travel. Road trips are packed with spending opportunities that help you collect rewards.

Use a card that earns more on gas

Fuel can be a significant expense on a road trip. Using a rewards card that offers its highest rewards at the pump or charging station could help you earn more throughout your trip.

Bonus tip: If you're renting a car, you may want to compare cards that offer rewards on both gas and travel purchases. For example, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card offers points on eligible gas purchases and car rentals booked through our Travel Center.

Charge your meals

Whether you stop at a restaurant or grab snacks at a grocery store, your food purchases may be another opportunity to bring in rewards. Bringing a card that offers rewards for dining and groceries, such as the U.S. Bank Altitude Go® Visa Signature® Card, may help you acquire significant rewards on your food costs.

Bonus tip: Dining and grocery stores are usually separate spending categories. Before you hit the road, review your card's rewards terms to see how these purchases are classified.

Consolidate your trip expenses

Consider using one primary rewards card for most of your trip expenses. This may make it easier to track your spending and maximize your rewards.

Bonus tip: Road-tripping with friends? Plan how you'll split expenses before you leave. Coordinating who pays for gas, lodging or meals may help each person use the rewards card that earns the most for that purchase.

Select top spending categories

Some cards, including the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, let you choose which spending categories earn the highest reward rate. Selecting your top categories before your trip could help you earn more on eligible purchases, especially if gas, travel or dining is included.

Bonus tip: Sometimes the card provider determines the quarterly bonus categories and requires you to activate them. Reviewing the rewards calendar in advance may help you understand which purchases qualify for bonus rewards during your travel dates.

Get more out of your summer travel plans

Your credit card can do more than cover the cost of your summer travel plans. By choosing the right card and using it thoughtfully, you could get more out of every mile, meal and memory along the way.

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