What’s in My Wallet: Travel Credit Card Edition
Hello friends, and welcome back! Today, we’re diving into what's in my wallet – specifically, my travel credit cards. These are the key players that help me earn points, enjoy perks, and save money on travel. While I have multiple travel cards, I don’t carry all of them daily. Instead, I prioritize the ones that are either my go-to spending cards or essential for certain benefits.
If you’re new here, hi! I’m Rachel, your travel points and miles bestie. If you dream of traveling more without spending more, you’re in the right place. I’m here to show you how to leverage points and miles to make your travel dreams a reality. Let’s get into the cards I currently carry and how they help unlock amazing perks.
The Basics of Travel Credit Cards
1. Responsible Credit Card Usage is Key
Before we get into my wallet, let’s talk about the foundation of this hobby:
You must use credit cards responsibly. If you overspend or carry a balance, you could end up losing more than you gain.
I use You Need a Budget (YNAB) to track all my transactions and ensure I never spend beyond my means. This budgeting app helps me stay organized and prepared for each statement due date.
Having multiple credit cards does not hurt your credit score, but misusing them can.
2. A High Credit Score Matters
Many of the best travel cards require a good to excellent credit score. While it’s possible to get started with lower-tier cards, the most valuable ones – with big signup bonuses and premium perks – are reserved for those with strong credit.
3. Annual Fees: Are They Worth It?
Some travel credit cards come with hefty annual fees ($95 to $695+). Here’s how I assess whether a card is worth it:
Does the signup bonus outweigh the first year’s fee?
Does the card offer credits or perks that I’ll actually use?
Will I earn enough points from regular spending to justify keeping it long-term?
If you want a detailed breakdown of how I evaluate annual fees, let me know!
What’s in My Wallet Right Now?
1. Frontier Airlines World Mastercard
If you follow me on TikTok, you know I have a love-hate relationship with Frontier Airlines. It may not be glamorous, but it’s consistent – and it gets me where I need to go cheaply.
Why I carry this card:
I have the Frontier GoWild! Pass, which lets me book last-minute flights for as low as $15.
The card gives me Frontier Gold Status, which includes a free carry-on bag and seat selection.
Right now, I’m working on meeting a signup bonus: spend $3,000 in 3 months and earn 50,000 Frontier miles.
That’s tons of free flights (some start as low as 2,500 points)!
Once I hit the spending requirement, I likely won’t use this card much since I prefer to earn flexible points from other banks.
2. American Express Gold Card
This is one of my favorite cards for everyday spending.
Why I carry this card:
Earns 4X points on groceries and dining.
I use it for gas and grocery purchases, which are big parts of our monthly budget.
Amex points transfer to valuable travel partners like Delta and British Airways.
My husband is an authorized user, and I’ve made it simple: If in doubt, use the Gold Card!
Other Cards I Use (But Don’t Carry Daily)
I have other travel credit cards that I keep at home because they offer benefits without requiring everyday spending. These include premium cards that provide perks like airport lounge access, free checked bags, or hotel elite status.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Cards for YOU
Just because I carry these cards doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone. When picking a credit card, ask yourself:
Where do I want to travel?
What type of perks do I value most?
How often will I use the benefits?
Can I meet the spending requirement without overspending?
There are plenty of credit card influencers out there telling you which cards to get, but remember: your wallet should reflect your goals.
That’s a wrap on what’s in my wallet! What travel cards do you carry? Let me know in the comments! If you want more credit card and points & miles tips, make sure to subscribe and follow along.
Happy travels!
- Rachel