Summer’s on the horizon, and you know what that means: Now’s the perfect time to start racking up points for holiday travel. Wait, what?
That’s right — at TPG, we believe it’s never too early to start earning. Award availability and travel prices are historically super high in November and December. If you can earn travel rewards now, you can make your travel bookings early. That means you’ll have more money in your pocket to spend on gifts in the holiday season and trips next year.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to earning rewards early — meaning, right now — to enjoy a low-stress and savings-filled holiday.
Cash in on timely welcome offers
First, applying for the best welcome offers on new cards right now will give you plenty of time to meet their minimum spend requirements.
Most cards have a three- to six-month window on their welcome offers and can require thousands of dollars in spending in that span. Don’t put yourself behind the eight ball by getting one of these cards in the fall — take advantage now.
For example, if you apply for a card now and get it by June 1, you’ll have until the end of August to take advantage of a typical three-month welcome offer. Then you can receive your points by the end of September, with time to book holiday travel while it’s still cheap and plentiful.
Best welcome offers right now
If you’re wondering which card to get, here are just a few of our favorite welcome offers available right now:
The very popular Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is offering 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That’s 20,000 points above the standard offer and is worth $1,600, according to TPG valuations. You can read more about the card in our full review.
There’s also the American Express® Green Card, which is now offering 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first six months. You’ll also earn 20% back on all eligible travel and transit purchases in your first six months (up to $200 back). This card is a great choice for those who want to speed through security with Clear Plus and get lounge access without a high annual fee. Read more about the card in the full card review.
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Finally, we’ll mention The Platinum Card® from American Express, with 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. You may also be able to get a higher bonus through the CardMatch tool (terms apply). The Amex Platinum is a heavy hitter in the world of points and miles, with valuable earnings rates and many travel benefits, including the best lounge access of any card. Read more in the card review.
For more valuable sign-up bonuses, check out our full list of the best welcome offers on credit cards.
Use card perks for summer travel
It’s not just about welcome offers, though. You can use your new card and its perks to enjoy all your summer travel in the meantime.
The aforementioned Amex Platinum offers access to airport lounges worldwide, reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and Clear Plus, a $200 annual hotel credit and up to $200 in annual statement credits for airline incidentals. Enrollment is required.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers up to $300 in travel credits, reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and a Priority Pass membership.
There’s also the Capital One Venture X Rewards Card which provides lounge benefits extended to authorized users and two guests, access to top-tier Hertz President’s Circle status and up to $300 in annual statement credits for travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal.
Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
Any or all of these cards should ensure that your next summer trip is cushier, even before you factor in the welcome offers involved.
Book holiday plans early
As mentioned, you’ll want to get a new card sooner rather than later to ensure you can book your holiday trip with as little money and as much flexibility as possible. Booking earlier means more flights and hotel rooms available — at cheaper rates.
Booking holiday travel in September is much cheaper than waiting until October (or even November). Every day counts, so you’ll want to stay ahead of the curve.
Learn how to book award redemptions and avoid common redemption mistakes for flights and hotels.
Bottom line
The early bird gets the worm. But seriously — now’s the time to start saving on your next big holiday trip.
If you can get approved for a new card now, you can capitalize on a lucrative welcome offer and book your holiday travel sooner rather than later. You’ll hit two birds with one stone: enjoy your new card’s perks in the summer and save a ton of money this holiday season.
Then you can start thinking about how to do it all again the next year.
