Navigating the travel points game as a couple requires a smart strategy, and we’ve fine-tuned ours by choosing the right mix of credit cards. Each card we hold offers specific benefits that complement our travel needs, making it easier to maximize rewards and enjoy top-tier perks. However, I’ve learned how to make playing the game in two-player mode work for us. Here’s a breakdown of the credit cards we both have and why they’re a perfect fit for us:
1. IHG® Rewards Select & Premier Credit Cards
We both hold the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG® Rewards Select Credit Card, and both offer fantastic value, mainly because they each provide a free night upon account anniversary. This makes the annual fees worth it:
- IHG® Rewards Select: The 10% rebate on IHG® Rewards Club point redemptions is a standout feature. After your stay, 10% of the points you used to book are refunded back to your account, up to 100,000 points a year.
- IHG® Rewards Premier: The every fourth night free benefit makes longer stays even more valuable. When booking reward stays for four or more nights, you get the fourth night free, giving you a 25% discount on those stays.
2. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is essential for us because it allows us to transfer ThankYou® Points to travel partners. This will enable us to use points for flights, hotels, and more, enhancing our overall rewards strategy. It’s perfect for earning points on everyday purchases and making the most of our travel bookings.
3. JetBlue Plus Card
We each have the JetBlue Plus Card, which offers cardholders a 10% rebate on award flights. While JetBlue now allows points pooling, the rebate is still helpful for maximizing our points. Plus, having two of these cards enables us to take advantage of different offers from Barclays, ensuring we can stack additional rewards when possible.
4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of our highest-fee cards but delivers tremendous value. With 2X miles on every purchase, access to Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One Lounges, plus an automatic $300 travel credit, it’s a card that consistently offers excellent rewards and perks. The 10,000 points annual bonus after your account anniversary further sweetens the deal, helping us accumulate points even faster. The benefits far outweigh the $395 annual fee, and we find ourselves getting great value from it on every trip.
Why These Cards Work for Us
Each of these cards plays a strategic role in our rewards program. The IHG® Rewards Select & Premier Cards provide excellent hotel benefits, from free nights to point rebates. The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card opens up flexibility with point transfers to travel partners, while the JetBlue Plus Card ensures we can continue to maximize flight rewards. The Capital One Venture X card rounds everything out with travel credits, lounge access, and easy-to-use benefits.
Final Thought
Managing travel points as a couple is all about finding the right mix of cards that complement each other. We both have these five cards because they provide tangible value—from free nights and point rebates to flexible transfers and travel perks. We’ve built a strategy that helps us earn rewards faster and enjoy a seamless travel experience.
Do you have a favorite travel rewards card for people in 2-player mode? Please drop a comment below and share your strategies with us!
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