I’m not some points hoarder or travel hacker with spreadsheets and secret airline charts. I’m just someone who likes to travel without paying full price and I’ve figured out how to let my credit cards do the heavy lifting.
I use eight cards regularly, and each one earns its keep by covering flights, hotels, or upgrades. The best part is I’m doing this with everyday spending like grocery shopping, getting gas, subscribing to streaming services and even paying rent.
Let’s get into how ordering Taco Bell could get you into the Waldorf Astoria Hotel for free.
Step One: Get the Right Cards Working Together
Think of your cards like a travel squadron, each one plays a role. Some are mileage machines, others are hotel heroes. Here’s the dream team I roll with:
- Amex Platinum – Airline perks & transfer partner power
- Amex Gold – Foodie spend = serious points
- Hilton Aspire – Free nights + elite status
- Hilton Surpass – Backup points builder for Hilton stays
- Capital One Venture X – No think earner
- Delta Skymiles Platinum – Delta perks + free flights
- Chase Sapphire Preferred – Ultimate flexibility with points
- Chase Amazon Prime – Everyday Amazon spend = free travel, eventually
Now let me show you how I use ’em.
Using My Amex Platinum for Flights (and Lounges and Uber Rides)
The Amex Platinum is my “premium flyer” card. I use it mainly to book flights through Amex Travel (hello, 5X points!) or directly with airlines to maximize the earn rate.
How I redeem:
- I book flights directly with airlines or Amex Travel to get 5x Membership Rewards points. I also tap into the Global Lounge Collection, which has saved my sanity during layovers with snacks, quiet corners, and yes, free wine.
- The $200 Hotel Credit can be used on the Fine Hotel + Resorts or The Hotel Collection via Amex Travel. This has gotten me completely free stays on the Pendry Park City and the Montage Park City. But wait there’s more, it also includes a $100 credit towards book charges, late checkout and breakfast for two.
- I use the $200 airline fee credit to cover seat selection, which includes Delta Comfort+ upgrades. Unfortunately First Class is not covered.
- And I cash in the $200 Uber credits toward Uber eats for a monthly free meal.
American Express Platinum: Apply Now
Earning Points Daily with Amex Gold and Turning Groceries into Flights
This is my everyday foodie MVP. The Amex Gold earns 4X points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, so my weekly grocery run and eating out habits are basically funding my next trip.
How I redeem:
- I stack Gold and Platinum points into one pool of Amex Membership Rewards, then transfer to airlines for flights and hotels
- If I’m short on points or in a rush, I’ll book through the Amex portal and get 1 cent per point.
Pro tip: Combine this with the $120 dining credit and Uber Cash, and it’s like getting paid to eat.
American Express Gold: Apply Now
Booking Hilton Hotels for Free with Aspire and Surpass
I’m a Hilton loyalist for one reason: it’s ridiculously easy to get free stays.
Hilton Aspire (my luxury hotel card):
- Comes with Diamond status, which means room upgrades, late checkout, free breakfast.
- Free Weekend Night Reward every year. I’ve used mine at the Stein Erikson in Park City, valued at $1,800/night.
- 14X points on Hilton stays, plus a $250 resort credit.
Hilton Surpass (my backup builder):
- 12X at Hilton, 6X on dining/groceries/gas = great for building a big points stash fast.
- Free night after $15K annual spend.
How I redeem:
- I’ve stayed at Hilton properties in Moab, Vegas, and Denver without spending a cent. Everything from the Waldorf Astoria Park City to The Hoodoo Moab, all for free.
American Express Hilton Aspire: Apply Now
American Express Hilton Surpass: Apply Now
Using Venture X for Easy, Flexible Bookings
When I don’t want to think, I use my Capital One Venture X. This one’s sleek, simple, and never lets me down.
How I earn:
- 2X on everything, 5X on flights, and 10X on hotels/rentals via Capital One Travel.
How I redeem:
- I erase travel charges using miles, Uber rides, hotels, flights, Airbnbs.
- Or I book through their travel portal using points.
- The $300 travel credit gets used up fast, usually on hotel stays for weekend getaways.
If Amex and Chase feel too high-maintenance, Venture X is the simple solution.
CapitalOne Venture X: Apply Now
Using Delta Skymiles Platinum for Flights + Companion Tickets
I only use this card when I fly Delta but when I do, it pays off.
How I earn:
- 3X on Delta, 2X on restaurants and groceries
- Free first checked bag, priority boarding
- Annual companion certificate, which saves me $$$ on domestic flights
How I redeem:
- I use SkyMiles for domestic and short-haul international flights.
- The Companion Pass has paid for itself. It’s basically a Buy One, Get One Free Plane Ticket. When using the pass, you only have to pay for the taxes on your second ticket.
- I always check for Pay with Miles deals to offset ticket costs instantly.
American Express Delta Skymiles Platinum: Apply Now
Chase Sapphire Preferred = Travel Flexibility I Can’t Live Without
This was my first real travel card, and I still use it. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is like the Swiss Army knife of travel rewards. This is the card I recommend to almost everyone. It’s simple, powerful, and super rewarding.
How I earn:
- 2X on travel, 3X on dining
- 5X on Chase Travel bookings
- Low $95 fee = high ROI
How I redeem:
- Points are worth 25% more when I book through the Chase portal.
- I also transfer to partners like Hyatt. I once booked a $400/night room at the Hyatt Regency in Salt Lake for 15,000 points per night.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Apply Now
Amazon Prime Card = My Secret Weapon for Travel Gear
Technically not a travel card, but it’s part of the system. I use the Chase Amazon Prime card for all my Amazon purchases, travel gear, clothes, last-minute chargers.
Why it matters:
- 5% back at Amazon
- I use the cash back to cover travel purchases. %5 isn’t something to sleep on!
Final Tips: How I Keep It Easy and Rewarding
Here’s the breakdown:
- Stack multipliers: I match the spend to the card category (groceries on Gold, flights on Platinum/Venture X, hotels on Hilton).
- Transfer smart: I move Amex and Chase points to airline and hotel partners for better value, often scoring 2x or more than if I’d booked direct.
- Redeem flexibly: With cards like Venture X, I “erase” travel expenses that don’t fall into the usual categories.
- Mix and match: I’ll book a flight with points and a hotel with a free night certificate. That’s a full trip for next to nothing.
You don’t need 20 cards or a PhD in loyalty programs. You just need the right cards, used the right way.
Support the Adventure
To make your walls less boring, check out my photography portfolio and bring a piece of the wild and my story into your home.
If you’d like to fuel future adventures, you can donate a coffee on Ko-Fi. Every cup keeps me chasing sunrises and stories.
When you shop using my affiliate links, every click helps support this blog at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep Unicorn Adventure alive and kicking while I keep exploring.
Subscribe to my mailing list for future updates, new stories, and behind-the-scenes adventures.
Stay connected with me on Instagram and Facebook for more photos and daily inspiration.
Thanks for being part of the journey, Unicorn Squadron!
