Fastest Ways to Earn Credit Card Rewards for Summer Travel

Travel is exciting, but the costs can add up. Some travelers make their dreams of exploring the world a reality without going into debt by using credit card rewards. You can redeem rewards earned from credit cards to make vacations more affordable.

Are you putting together vacation plans for the upcoming summer? Here are the fastest ways to earn credit card rewards so you can plan an unforgettable summer adventure without going broke.

Use rewards cards that match your spending habits

If you’re looking for a way to maximize your credit card rewards earnings, ensure you’re using rewards credit cards that align with your typical spending patterns. You’ll earn more rewards faster, and in the long run, you’ll earn more rewards on your most frequent purchases.

For example, if you order takeout and dine out frequently at restaurants, getting a restaurant credit card that rewards you for those purchases is wise. You’ll earn points or miles on eligible restaurant purchases, and the reward potential will be significant.

Meanwhile, if you work remotely and don’t drive often, getting a gas rewards credit card doesn’t make much sense — you probably don’t purchase gasoline often enough to get much benefit from a card like this.

Pay attention to how each card earns rewards before applying for a new one. Getting a card that offers bonus rewards in select spending categories that match your most common spending habits is an excellent strategy to earn rewards faster.

Get a flat-rate rewards card for other purchases

Another way to earn credit card rewards quickly is to use a flat-rate rewards card for purchases outside top spending categories like dining, gas, groceries, and travel. Many of the best rewards credit cards provide elevated rewards for select bonus categories like this, but purchases outside those categories will likely earn at a much lower rate.

Using a flat-rate rewards card means you don’t have to keep track of bonus rewards categories when you shop. One example is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases made with your card.

Using a flat-rate cash back card like this is a good move to maximize your rewards on purchases that aren’t eligible for bonus rewards from the other rewards cards in your wallet. This can help you earn rewards faster and get closer to your next travel redemption.

Earn a welcome bonus

Another quick way to earn credit card rewards is to earn a welcome bonus. Many of the best credit cards feature generous welcome bonus offers. Eligible new cardholders who meet the minimum spend requirement within the set timeline can earn bonus rewards.

Some of the best offers provide a sizable chunk of credit card miles, points, or cash back. Applying for a new credit card and meeting the minimum spending requirements to earn a welcome bonus is a great way to quickly collect more credit card rewards.

But make sure you pay close attention to the offer details. You’ll want to ensure you meet the minimum spending requirements without spending beyond your means. Always pay off your entire credit card balance to avoid expensive interest charges. Otherwise, you could rack up costly credit card debt — and the interest charges you pay could cancel out the rewards you’ve earned with your card.

Credit card rewards are valuable

Earning credit card rewards is a smart personal finance strategy. Look for ways to maximize your rewards to get closer to your next redemption. Using the rewards you earn to pay for summer travel could be a major win for your wallet, helping you stretch your vacation budget.

A travel credit card may be an ideal fit if you travel often and want to earn travel rewards. Check out our list of the best travel credit cards to learn more about the features of these cards.

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