Six credit cards every real estate investor can use for travel hacking
You already know I love having freedom in my life: the freedom to travel, invest long-distance, and be location-independent—travel hacking through credit cards is no different. It all comes down to choices we can make every day to create more freedom in our lives.
I host epic events around the world for real estate investors because I believe you should be having more fun—and I believe your rental income should pay for it. Or, better yet, your rental properties earn you points and miles so you can travel for FREE!
Think: hiking Patagonia in Chile, exploring Tanzania on Safari, sipping rooftop cocktails in Guatemala…yep, that epic. I hear from a lot of investors that they want to come on a trip, but they can’t afford the cost of travel—my answer? Use your existing real estate expenses to stack up rewards and earn a sign-on bonus with one of these six cards. Then, sit back and enjoy free travel to my next investor trip!
Before we dive in, a quick note to the credit card naysayers: yes, consumer debt is bad. Yes, you should avoid racking up credit card bills that you can’t pay off. However, just like with real estate—if done well, debt can be a useful tool leveraged for your financial gain. I do not condone the irresponsible usage of credit cards. What I do condone is using credit cards responsibly on pre-existing expenses to reap the rewards of free travel. Pretty cool, eh?
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Hands down, the best card in my wallet is the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Not only do you earn 3x points on dining and travel, but you also gain access to the Ultimate Rewards portal, where you can spend your well-earned points. That means I earn points every time I dine out or travel. I don’t know about you, but that’s where most of my money goes.
Chase’s card also gives you $300 back annually on travel and reimburses you when you renew your Global Entry or TSA Precheck. (Yes, I have Global Entry and would never travel without it.) The card has countless other benefits, including rental car insurance and even medical reimbursement (you know I have used that!). This came in handy the time I crashed my motorcycle in Vietnam.
If the $550 annual fee is not appealing, I understand your hesitation. Personally, I get more than enough value back that the card pays for itself. If you want the credit card benefits without the $550 annual fee, I recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred with its lower $95 annual fee. With this card, you will still have access to the Ultimate Rewards portal. While I prefer the Chase Sapphire Reserve in my wallet, having one of these two cards is better than zero.
The biggest CSR benefit that I enjoy is lounge access (this is not included with the Chase Sapphire Preferred). Unlimited access to a Priority Pass welcomes me into hundreds of airport lounges around the world, where I enjoy high-speed internet with free food and drinks during any layover. One time, at a lounge in Mexico City, I enjoyed a free manicure thanks to my Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
Having a Priority Pass has also allowed me to buy less expensive flights with what others may consider less ideal flight patterns. Now, instead of a $600 direct flight, I may purchase a $280 flight with a three-hour layover. Do not be mistaken; that three-hour layover isn’t a headache—it’s a trip to the lounge for a free meal while I answer emails or write another blog post just like this one.
You’ll notice that the first three cards are all Chase cards—this is called the “Chase Trifecta,” a strategy of combining all three rewards-earning cards which allows you to achieve the maximum benefit from each account. If you really want to nerd out, you can play credit card chess to get even more points and rewards. The Points Guy, one of my favorite travel hacking websites, has a great article breaking down The Chase Trifecta.
2. Chase Ink Business Preferred
The Chase Ink Business Preferred card gives you access to the Ultimate Rewards portal. You can also pool your points between your Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred. This card has wonderful cell phone protection and one of the best sign-up bonuses. There is an annual fee of $95.
“But Sarah, I don’t own a business. I work a nine-to-five.”
That’s okay! You are a real estate investor, right? Your real estate business counts! Use this card for all the expenses you accumulate over the year.
3. Chase Ink Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Ink Freedom Unlimited has NO annual fee and allows you to pool your points in the Ultimate Rewards portal. This card gives you 5% cash back on select categories plus 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Right now, I am earning 5% cash back on my phone and internet bills.
Last year, Chase offered 5% cash back on home improvement purchases. You better believe I used my Freedom Unlimited card for every purchase at Home Depot and Lowe’s that quarter!
4. American Express Platinum - The Platinum Card®
Similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the American Express Platinum gives you many of the same benefits. If you have a partner, we recommend one partner hold the CSR and the other partner hold the American Express Platinum to maximize your benefits.
With your AmEx, you can enjoy benefits like access to Centurion Lounges, elite status with Marriott and Hilton, 5x member points on hotels and flights booked through AmEx travel, and so much more.
The annual fee is one of the highest in its category at a whopping $695. Because of this, I recommend it to avid travelers.
I have this card, and I also have The Business Platinum Card®.
5. American Express Platinum - The Business Platinum Card®
The American Express Platinum and the American Express Business Platinum card share many benefits, but there are some important distinctions between the two. While the annual fee is the same ($695), only the Business Platinum card affords the following benefits to its members: credits to Indeed, Adobe, Dell, and others, plus a 35% airline bonus.
Additionally, you will still enjoy your standard benefits like access to Centurion Lounges, elite status with Marriott and Hilton, 5x member points, airline fee credits, etc.
If you are trying to decide between the American Express Platinum and the American Express Business Platinum, ask yourself whether you will take advantage of the business-centric benefits that the Business Platinum card offers. If not, the American Express Platinum might be the card for you.
6. Delta Skymiles Gold
With the Delta SkyMiles Gold card, you earn 2x points per $1 spent on Delta flights and free checked luggage on Delta flights, which we know adds up. You’ll also enjoy priority boarding on Delta flights. Delta’s current sign-up bonus is 75,000 miles. Note: this card isn’t for you if you do not frequent Delta. Stick with the five cards previously suggested.
Another way to earn includes receiving 2x miles on dining and grocery purchases. For all other purchases, you will earn 1x miles. Plus, you’ll receive a $100 flight credit and earn 20% back on in-flight purchases. If Delta is your preferred airline, this card is for you.
Want more support? If you want a bigger portfolio and a bigger life, too, join my Mentorship Program. I will teach you how to start, scale, and manage your portfolio so you can have freedom of time and choice, too.
If you’re ready to put your credit card hacking skills to the test and travel for free, join me and other like-minded investors on my next Investor Retreat.
If you want a customized one-on-one consultation on credit card hacking (or anything real estate investing related!), schedule a call with me here.
