You know the type—the one in the fancy suit, sipping champagne before their flight. I used to think lounges were off-limits for someone like me—the budget traveler just trying to get from point A to point B.

Wrong!

It wasn’t until later that I realized I didn’t have to be an elite business traveler to enjoy the perks of airport lounges.

In fact, airport lounges are an incredible way for any traveler—yes, even budget-conscious ones—to relax, enjoy some free food and drinks, and make the travel experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to gain access.

In this post, you’ll learn how to gain access to airport lounges for free (yes, really) and elevate your travel experience without spending a fortune.

Complimentary Airport Lounge Access with Credit Cards (Including No Annual Fee Options)

If you’re like me and want to travel without spending too much out of pocket, using a credit card you already carry for everyday purchases to get complimentary airport lounge access is a game-changer!

While most premium credit cards offer lounge perks, there are also no-annual-fee cards that give you access to lounges.

I don’t typically recommend getting a credit card just for the lounge perks, but the fun part about all this is, that it’s all up to you!

You’re the one who gets to decide what’s worth it for your travel style and goals.

So, let’s break down the credit card options with lounge access including high-end and no-annual fee cards.

Premium Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access

These cards typically come with a high annual fee, but they offer excellent value for many travelers especially those who fly often or internationally.

Check out this post to determine if paying an annual fee is worth it.

Our Pick: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business offer unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Lounges (enrollment required) providing access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.

Capital One Lounges although a much smaller footprint (for now) than Priority Pass is a consistently premium airport lounge product and well worth a visit.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the flagship Capital One DFW lounge!

Annual Fee: $395 (includes a $300 travel credit for use through Capital One Travel, effectively reducing the annual fee to just $95, which the card’s other benefits can easily offset).

Guest Policies:

• Capital One Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit; fees for additional guests.
• Priority Pass Lounges: Unlimited guests.

It’s important to note that you can have up to 4 free authorized users with the Venture X and each user can get their own separate Priority Pass membership.

This is a huge benefit if you’re traveling with a large group and need to get everyone into a Capital One lounge or access exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounges once per calendar year with Priority Pass.

However, you can’t bring complimentary guests into the Chase Sapphire Lounge with Priority Pass.

That’s one of the reasons why adding an authorized user for Venture X and having that AU activate their own Priority Pass membership can be a big help.

We took advantage of this to gain access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge at Laguardia Airport in New York City.

Important Note: The Capital One Venture X Business doesn’t let authorized users have lounge access, only the personal Venture X.

Remember, don’t add anyone as an authorized user who is not a trusted family member or close friend.

Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® includes unlimited access to Priority Pass Lounges (enrollment required) and Chase Sapphire Lounges for the cardholder and authorized users.

It also includes access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges and Air Canada Cafes in the US, Canada, and Europe when flying on a Star Alliance airline.

Annual Fee: $550

Guest Policies:

• Chase Sapphire Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit; fees for additional guests.
• Priority Pass Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit; fees for additional guests.
• Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges and Air Canada Cafes: Authorized users get complimentary access, but there is a fee for guests.

You have to pay to add authorized users to the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, which is a bummer.

The annual fee is pretty steep, but with perks like a $300 annual travel credit (way easier to use than the one with the Venture X), trip insurance, and up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years, plus lounge access, this card offers amazing value!

I like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, especially since the $300 annual travel credit is incredibly easy to use.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® are my favorite points currency so I normally like to stack those as much as possible, but the extra $250 of the annual fee is not something that I can justify as a long-term keeper.

Maybe as the lounge network for the Chase Sapphire lounges grows, I’ll be converted!

In the meantime, I’ll stick with my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Venture X credit card combo.

Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.

All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

Chase Ritz-Carlton® Card

The Ritz-Carlton Card includes unlimited access to the Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required) and Chase Sapphire lounges.

The interesting part is that it is no longer available to new applicants, but if you already have a Marriott credit card through Chase, you may be eligible to upgrade to the Ritz-Carlton Card after your first year.

While the card offers some solid benefits, for most travelers, it may not be worth the investment.

However, if you have a large family, this card could be a great fit!

Annual Fee: $450

Guest Policies:

• Chase Sapphire Lounges: Unlimited access, plus guests.
• Priority Pass Lounges: Unlimited access, plus guests.

The Ritz Carlton card also allows you to add free authorized users who also can get their own complimentary Priority Pass membership. Nice perk!

Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.

The information for the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Membership (enrollment required), Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta restrictions and limits apply), Escape Lounges, and Plaza Premium Lounges.

Annual Fee: $695

Guest Policies:

• Centurion Lounge: No guests.
• Escape Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit.
• Plaza Premium Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit.
• Priority Pass Lounges: Two complimentary guests per visit.
• Other Lounge networks with varying guest policies include: Aspire Lounges, Select Lufthansa lounges, and Other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges.

The Platinum Card has the highest annual fee of the credit cards we’ve mentioned, but if you can maximize the benefits and highly value luxurious experiences then it could be an amazing option.

Personally, I think it’s a very expensive card that would be a huge time investment for me to learn how to maximize.

Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is through American Express, not Chase so it wouldn’t be eligible to be upgraded to the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card.

However, the card does include a Priority Pass membership (enrollment required) with unlimited visits.

Annual Fee: $650

This co-branded credit card has some nice benefits, but with such a steep annual fee and Marriott points devaluations, there are better options available.

But if you’re a huge Marriott loyalist, go for it!

Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card includes 4 Priority Pass memberships (enrollment required) per card with unlimited guests.

It also gives you access to the Priority Pass restaurant benefits which is rare these days and can be a nice benefit.

Annual Fee: $550

I like that you get 4 Priority Pass memberships without needing to add authorized users.

It has some other nice card benefits too, but with the steep annual fee, I would put this one on the back burner unless you have room for it and its hefty annual fee.

Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.

Low or No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Free Airport Lounge Access

If you’re not ready to commit to a high annual fee, there are still options that provide lounge access.

While the access may be more limited than premium cards, these cards are excellent choices if you want occasional lounge access without the high price tag.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card offers 4 free Priority Pass lounge visits (enrollment required) per year.

However, this benefit is a little different than usual—it’s 4 visits, not 4 unlimited memberships.

So, if you visit a lounge, that counts as one visit, leaving you with 3 more. If you had brought a guest, that counts as 2 visits, leaving you with just two more for the year.

So if you don’t plan to bring a guest with you, then you can visit 4 lounges within the Priority Pass network per year.

Annual Fee: $0

While 4 visits might seem limited, the fact that this card comes with no annual fee means you’re still getting great value.

If you’re a casual traveler who wants to enjoy a more comfortable airport experience, this card is a fantastic option!

Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.

U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect World Elite Mastercard^®

Similar to the previous card, the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect World Elite Mastercard® offers 4 free Priority Pass lounge visits (enrollment required) per year.

Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $95

Keep in mind, these are 4 lounge visits—not 4 unlimited memberships.

What makes this business card stand out is its additional benefit of granting access to Priority Pass restaurants and experiences.

This is a rare perk, and with the annual fee waived for the first year, it’s definitely worth considering if you qualify for a business credit card!

Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card and U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect World Elite Mastercard^®has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

What about Airline Credit Cards?

If you’re loyal to a specific airline and almost exclusively fly with them, it might make sense to get their co-branded credit card.

However, I wouldn’t recommend applying just because you want airport lounge access. I’d recommend checking out the other benefits and making sure the juice is worth the squeeze on these.

Just remember: The lounge access with these cards will likely have restrictions. You might only get lounge access if you’ve purchased your flight with that credit card and are flying with that specific airline.

There could be other restrictions too, so it’s important to check the details of this benefit before relying on it.

Here are some options to consider:

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
  • Annual Fee: $595
  • You’ll get full access to Admirals Club lounges, along with the ability to bring up to 2 guests or immediate family members traveling with you.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
  • Annual Fee: $650
  • You’ll get 15 complimentary annual visits to the Delta Sky Club, plus access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. If you want/need unlimited Delta Sky Club visits you’ll need to spend $75,000 or more annually with the card.
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
  • Annual Fee: $525
  • You’ll get unlimited United Club access.

All information about the United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

For us, we don’t fly with the same airline enough for it to be worth grabbing one of these co-branded airline credit cards with such high annual fees. But only you can decide whether it’s right for you.

Guest policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms with your credit card provider regarding whether you can bring guests for free.

The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Who can get business credit cards?

We’ve mentioned a few business credit cards in this post, but you might be thinking, “I don’t qualify for that, so I’ll skip this part.” Hold on!

Chances are, you do qualify for a business credit card—and I’ll explain why in this blog post about how to apply for business credit cards, even if you don’t think you have a “real business.”

Things to Keep in Mind

Quality of Lounges Can be Hit or Miss: Not all airport lounges are created equal. Some lounges are amazing—with high-end food, spacious seating, and a relaxing atmosphere—while others can be underwhelming, overcrowded, or lack basic amenities. It can be hit or miss depending on which airport you’re flying out of.

Limited Lounge Access at Smaller Airports: If you’re flying out of a smaller or regional airport, you may not have access to any lounges at all, or the lounges available might not offer the same level of comfort and amenities as the ones at larger airports.

Guest Fees May Apply: Some cards offer complimentary lounge access for the cardholder but may charge an additional fee for guests. If you’re traveling with family or friends, these fees can add up, and not all cards include free guest access.

Access Can Be Restricted During Peak Hours: Even if you have access to a lounge, it can be overcrowded during peak travel times. Some lounges have capacity limits, meaning you may not be able to enter if it’s too full. This is especially common during holiday travel periods or in busy airports.

Airport Lounges in Different Terminals: Even if you have lounge access, it might not be in the same terminal as your departure gate. Some airports require passing through security again or have lounges far from your gate. If there’s a wait for entry, you might not have time to enjoy it before your flight.

Check Lounge Hours: Lounge hours can vary by airport and airline, so it’s important to check ahead of time to make sure the lounge will be open when you need it.

Know Your Card’s Benefits: Not all cards offer the same lounge access. Some only offer access to a limited number of lounges or require you to be flying with specific airlines. Make sure you understand your card’s specific benefits before you head to the airport.

My Strategy

When it comes to our airport lounge strategy, we consider two key factors:

• How many people are traveling with you?
• Which airports do you fly out of most often?

We rarely travel in a group that is more than two or 3 people, but if you are traveling with a large group then that should factor into your decision.

You probably want a credit card that gets you the right number of complimentary guest access. Most options will get you at least one or two guests.

My home airport doesn’t currently have a lounge I can access, but I still value airport lounge access because the destinations we fly to often have great lounge options.

So if you’re traveling to Europe or most international destinations, decent if not good lounges are typically available.

Again, our overall pick and the credit card that we have that works well for us is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Bottom Line

Airport lounges are a great way to make your travel experience more comfortable, and with the right credit card, you can get complimentary access—no need for a separate membership.

Whether you’re willing to pay for a premium card or prefer a no-annual-fee option, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a relaxing pre-flight experience.

For me, the main reason for getting the credit card is the other benefits, like earning points and flexible redemption options. But complimentary lounge access is a fantastic bonus!

It’s not only a way to enhance your airport experience but also a great way to save money while traveling—and that’s what it’s all about!

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You can enjoy a relaxing, comfortable lounge experience without breaking the bank.

In this post, I’ll share my experience accessing the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport for free! You’ll learn about what it takes to get in and what you can expect once you’re inside.

And if you’re looking for more info on how to get complimentary airport lounge access with credit cards, I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide.

Let’s dive in!

How to Access the Lounge for Free

Suppose you’re the primary cardholder or authorized user for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or J.P. Morgan Reserve card. In that case, you’ll get unlimited complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge for you and 2 guests.

If you want to bring in more than 2 guests, there will be a fee.

Alternatively, you’d also get unlimited guests if you could gain access via the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card (not available for new applicants).

The information for the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card and J.P. Morgan Reserve card has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The lounge is managed by “The Club” so you’ll need to activate your free Priority Pass membership and use that to gain access to the lounge.

Just having your credit card won’t work.

Can you get free lounge access another way?

Yes! When we accessed the Chase Sapphire Lounge for the first time, we did not access it with a premium Chase credit card.

Thanks to the complimentary Priority Pass membership offered by our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, we get one complimentary entry per calendar year.

The catch is that we cannot bring in complimentary guests and there were 3 of us.

Luckily, The Venture X also offers up to 4 free authorized users and each user can get their own separate Priority Pass membership.

So weeks before our trip, my husband (the primary cardholder) added my mom as an authorized user. We waited for her credit card to arrive and then signed her up for her own complimentary Priority Pass account.

She had her Priority Pass membership card via the mobile app ready for scanning once we arrived at the Chase Sapphire Lounge.

When my husband originally got the card, I was added as an authorized user so I had already set up my own separate Priority Pass account.

Each person must have their own separate Priority Pass account.

It’s not enough to just have the credit card with their name on it. They need to activate the Priority Pass account before arriving at the lounge.

Note: Priority Pass and LoungeKey members can access a Chase Sapphire Lounge once per calendar year, with the option to pay a fee for guests. While we used the Venture X for this visit, you can also use a Priority Pass or LoungeKey membership from other cards or a paid membership to access the Chase Sapphire lounge.

Location

The Chase Sapphire Lounge LGA is located at Terminal B in the central airside area.

It’s kinda tucked into a corner, so keep an eye out for what looks like it should be the entrance to the bathroom.

If you find yourself at the Eastern Concourse pedestrian bridge, you’ve gone too far.

Above the entranceway is a sign for the Chase Sapphire Lounge.

There may be an attendant standing in the doorway to ask you if you’re in the right place and if you have a valid same-day boarding pass.

When we came across the entrance to the hallway, there was no one there so we just followed the hallway to the elevators.

Once you get off the elevator, you walk to the right and down the hallway and you’ll be greeted by a frosted sliding glass door and you’re there!

What if my flight isn’t out of Terminal B?

If you’re not flying out of Terminal B, then there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to access the lounge without having to re-clear security.

Our flight was out of terminal B so we had no issues, but it’s just something to keep in mind when you’re making plans to visit the lounge.

Check-in Process

I had heard mixed reviews about the wait times at Chase Sapphire Lounges, but thankfully, our experience was smooth sailing.

A key part of my budget travel strategy is flying during off-peak times.

For this trip, we flew just after New Year’s, when most holiday crowds had already cleared out. This timing worked out well for us.

When we arrived at the lounge, there was no line at check-in, and although there were several other passengers, there were still plenty of seats available.

We had our digital Priority Passes ready to scan on our phones, along with our same-day boarding passes.

The check-in process was quick and easy since we each had our own individual Priority Pass account ready to go. The staff member even commented on how smoothly it went—definitely a perk of doing your research ahead of time!

Something to Remember: Like us, if you don’t have one of the Chase premium credit cards (like the Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred), you won’t be able to bring in guests and will only have access once per calendar year with your Priority Pass membership.

This can be confusing if you’re used to bringing guests into other lounges with your Priority Pass. Be sure to check the details of your card benefits to avoid surprises.

That’s what we did since we had our Priority Pass through Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Food & Beverage Service

Not only does the Chase Sapphire Lounge offer a buffet with small bites, but they also provide a table service menu accessible via a QR code at your seat. Be sure to use the QR code at your specific table, as orders can be delivered to the wrong spot if not.

The menu featured hot items like a burger, salmon, and risotto, all delivered right to your table. Additionally, the full bar was available for delivery, and while I wasn’t in the mood for alcohol, I was thrilled to see non-alcoholic versions of many of the cocktails I wanted to try. They were delicious!

The staff was incredibly accommodating, even offering to bring drinks or food from the buffet if you hadn’t ordered through the app.

Lounge Features and Comfort

In addition to the beautiful décor and comfy seating, the lounge offers plenty of restrooms and a nursing room for added convenience.

I loved the second level, which features more seating and a beverage station, so you don’t have to go downstairs for a coffee.

The lounge also has a wellness area, including two relaxation spaces and two facial treatment rooms. You can make a reservation upon arrival by scanning the same QR code used to order food, with a selection of five different types of facials.

I didn’t realize this until later in our visit, and by then, all the available timeslots were booked up until after our flight.

I’ve heard that even if you can’t grab an appointment you should still visit the wellness area to grab a complimentary skincare travel kit!

Kid’s Options?

Yes, The family area features a children’s playroom and a photo booth that leads to a hidden speakeasy-style retro arcade.

Who It’s Best For

Leisure Travel and Families – We were traveling for leisure, and the lounge was perfect for our needs.

I loved the variety of seating options — there were dining tables, stand-alone chairs with small tables, couches, and seating at the bar.

The kids’ lounge and arcade were great for families with younger children and teenagers, adding a fun touch.

The lounge was ideal for working, too, with no time limit at the tables. However, if you’re looking for a quiet space to take a conference call, this lounge might not be the best option.

It’s more focused on relaxation and socializing. If you do need a private space, you can rent one of the Reserve Suites, though It would come at a pretty penny.

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Lounge at LGA Airport exceeded my expectations and stands out as one of the most comfortable and well-appointed lounges I’ve visited—right up there with Capital One’s Flagship Lounge at DFW.

The seating options were plentiful and cozy, and the amenities were top-notch. The food and beverages were delicious, especially considering they’re all included with access.

Plus, if you’re traveling with kids, the play area and arcade are a great touch!

From everything I’ve heard about the other Chase Sapphire Lounges, they live up to the same high standards.

Adding my mom and me as authorized users on the Venture X was absolutely worth it.

If I knew for sure that we’d be able to experience Chase Sapphire Lounges around the world, I’d seriously consider upgrading to the Chase Sapphire Reserve for even more lounge access throughout the year.

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In this post, I’m sharing my experience at the Hyatt Centric Madrid, a hotel that perfectly blends comfort, convenience, and a bit of luxury.

From the vibrant location to the top-notch amenities, I’ll walk you through what you can expect during your stay—from check-in to checkout.

The best part? It’s super easy to book this hotel with points and pay very little out of pocket!

Whether you’re visiting Madrid for the first time or just looking for a new hotel option, this review will give you all the details you need!

Overview

• Hotel Name: Hyatt Centric Madrid
• Hotel Chain: Hyatt
• Hotel Brand: Hyatt Centric
• Hyatt Category at Time of Stay: Hyatt Category 6
• Location: Central Madrid
• Rating: Google 5 Star Hotel
• Points Used: 20,000 and $422 (2-night stay). If you have enough points, you can book this stay for $0.

Why I Chose This Hotel

After 10 days of exploring Spain, I knew our last 2 nights in Madrid needed to be both relaxing and conveniently located near the city’s main attractions.

We’d kept our other hotel stays within budget throughout the trip, so I felt it was the perfect time to treat ourselves a bit with the Hyatt Centric Madrid.

Thanks to points and miles, we kept the costs down—and spoiler alert, it did not disappoint!

Booking Process

Hyatt Hotels is a favorite among points enthusiasts because of its fixed category award chart. To keep things simple, you can book a Hyatt hotel for a lot fewer points than hotel chains like Hilton or Hyatt.

But if you don’t have enough points then you can also book with cash and points which can be nice if you want to give yourself a little discount without using all of your points.

Yeah, it may not be the “best” redemption, but in our world, if you’re saving money then you’re always winning.

I usually love to transfer my points from my favorite bank – Chase, but at the time I was saving my points for another trip.

I already had a small stash of Hyatt points in my account so I decided to use what I had and pay cash for the rest.

Easily earn points for Hyatt stays with these credit cards:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

Hotel Location

Hyatt Centric Madrid is located in Central Madrid on Gran Via.

Gran Via is a bustling street lined with high-end stores and restaurants. It’s a great location for some of the most iconic landmarks in Madrid.

Check-in Process

The Check-in process was super smooth!

The minute our cab pulled up to the hotel, the staff was on us offering assistance in any way they could.

Our cab driver was super grumpy, he didn’t help us with our luggage and didn’t bother to get out of the cab when he dropped us off, but the hotel staff were super helpful.

There was also a beverage station and snacks in the lobby.

Room Quality

We booked a standard room with 2 twin beds. The room was a good size for us, about 350 square feet.

I had previously asked for an upgrade, we didn’t have elite status, but many times if there is an upgrade available just being a loyalty member and asking for an upgrade works.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t an upgrade available. We were staying Thursday and Friday night.

The room was beautiful and extremely clean.

The bathroom was quite large and bright with marble tile. I love a nice hotel bathroom and this one did not disappoint.

It had everything you’d need, but if you forgot something there was a list of amenities that you could request. Most you could take with you, but some you’d need to return.

We called to order a few items and they were delivered to our room promptly!

Facilities & Services

This hotel had plenty of amenities to keep us comfortable.

• Fitness Center
• Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
• Room Service
• Free Internet
• Laundry Services
• In-Room Chromecast: my new favorite feature in hotels!
• Friendly Concierge
• Complimentary Water Bottle

Final Thoughts

Overall, we loved our stay at the Hyatt Centric Madrid so much we didn’t want to leave!

The accommodations for very comfortable and roomy. The bathroom was stunning and the rooftop bar was so nice for a refreshing beverage and late afternoon snack before venturing out on Gran Via for late-night dinner.

You can’t beat the location and the fact that you can book this hotel for $0 on Hyatt points makes this a no-brainer for sure!

Ready to visit Spain on a Budget?

You’ll love these posts!

• Claim back VAT in Spain
• Plan a trip to Barcelona on a Budget
• Getting to Madrid from Barcelona by Train
• Book Roundtrip Business Class to Madrid for less than $300
• Highspeed train from Madrid to Barcelona
• Trip Report: Miami to Madrid with Iberia Business Class
• Madrid to Miami in Iberia Business Class

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In this post, I’ll walk you through my experience at Capital One’s flagship lounge at Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW), from how to access it to what you can expect once you’re inside.

If you’re considering visiting or want to know more about this lounge, keep reading for all the details!

And if you’re looking for more info on how to get complimentary airport lounge access with credit cards, I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide.

How to Access the Lounge

If you hold the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Business you’ll get unlimited complimentary access to Capital One lounges for yourself and up to 2 guests.

After that, cardholders can pay an additional $45 per guest.

Access is granted up to 3 hours before your flight’s departure and you and any guests must have a same-day boarding pass.

Only cardholders and their guests can enter for free, but non-cardholders can purchase a “day pass” to enter the lounge.

Join the Waitlist

Before we left for the airport, we checked the handy dandy Capital One bank app to see the current wait for the lounge.

Access the Waitlist:

• Open your Capital One bank mobile app
• Scroll down to “Explore rewards and benefits”
• Select “Travel”
• Select your Venture X credit card
• Select “Lounges”
• Scroll down to the lounge location you’re looking for and select it.

If the lounge is busy, they will give you the option to “Join waitlist”.

If there is no option to join the waitlist that’s good news!

That means that the lounge is not busy enough for a waitlist. I would still keep checking in case that changes.

When it’s time to enter the lounge you will receive a text message. You will then have 10 mins to show up to the lounge.

Our wait was 45 minutes, so while we were on the way to the airport one of us (cardholder) joined the waitlist. Once we arrived at the airport, another one of us (a cardholder) joined the waitlist.

They let you add yourself and up to 6 guests when you join the waitlist, but keep in mind that each cardholder can still only bring in 2 guests.

Important Note: Authorized Users cannot join the waitlist from their app unless they are designated as an “Account Manager”.

Authorized Users who are not Account Managers can still enter the lounge and bring in 2 guests without issue. However, if they want to join the waitlist on the app they will need to be an Account Manager.

The primary cardholder can manage users easily online, so if you’re not sure whether you’re an Account Manager or not, its simple to figure out.

Just a little tidbit that we learned on this trip!

Location

The Capital One Lounge at DFW airport is located in terminal D at gate 22 (D22).

Originally our flight was out of Terminal A so that’s where we arrived to go through security, but then it got changed to D.

Fortunately, the Sky Train makes it incredibly easy to get from one terminal to the next. Once we got through security we hopped on the Sky Train and that’s when we got the first text notifying us to come to the lounge.

Our strategy worked out perfectly!

The other text came through while we were in the lounge, but you can easily cancel via text so it’s really ok for multiple cardholders in your group to join the waitlist.

Capacity and Comfort

Once we arrived, they informed us that the wait was to be over an hour, but once we told them we had joined the waitlist and had gotten a text we were told to head up the elevators.

How busy was the lounge? Once we got up to the lounge, it was pretty peaceful. It wasn’t overcrowded, but we could tell that it was at capacity.

One of the staff members found us a table that could seat our entire party. The bar looked full, but you could still easily grab a drink.

What’s the vibe in the lounge? The lounge felt very relaxed. There was a good mix of leisure and family travelers.

There wasn’t a line to grab any food items or self-service drinks. We were very comfortable!

Lounge Features

Seating Arrangements: There was a good mix of seating in the lounge with booths and tables. I didn’t see workstations though.

Food & Drink: Everything is complimentary in the lounge including hot small plates, snacks, soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages. I love that they have coffee on tap!

I especially enjoyed that they have an entire “Grab and Go” section of sandwiches, salads, etc. I grabbed some sandwiches and cookies for us to enjoy on the plane!

They even have small to-go bags for you to use.

Amenities: Wi-Fi, charging stations, restrooms, quiet room showers, etc.

Special Features: Of course, everyone loves that there is a peloton!

For a full list of the lounge features and amenities, visit the DFW Capital One Lounge website.

Who It’s Best For

I think the lounge is perfect for families and leisure travelers.

I don’t see it as a great place for meetings or work. Some lounges have conference rooms or desks, but I didn’t see that with this lounge.

I think it’s more a place to relax and have a cold drink and a comforting snack.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been to several Priority Pass Lounges around the world and a handful of business class lounges and the Capital One Lounge at DFW did not disappoint.

I thought the food was really good and I really do love the “Grab and Go” section.

There are so many times when all I really want is a fresh sandwich and most lounges have gross hot food or cold cuts that I have to try to make into a sandwich.

But this lounge had delicious fresh sandwiches that I could eat in the lounge or just take with me.

Everyone gave this lounge a thumbs-up!

It was definitely worth the effort to make sure that we had a flight departing from DFW.

If you’re on the fence about whether it is worth flying out of DFW to experience this lounge, I’m here to tell you it’s worth it!

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We spent 4 nights in Seville, exploring the highlights from the Catedral de Sevilla’s beauty to the flamenco experience but in an affordable way.

This post will give you practical tips on affordable dining options, budget-friendly accommodations, and cost-effective transportation.

But how much did we spend for 4 nights for 2 people?

Hotel (4 nights) – $558.21 about $140/night

Food – $245 about $61/day

Tours and Entertainment – $274

Transportation – $106.67

Total – $1,183 or $592 per person

That’s less than $150 per night per person including staying in luxury accommodations in an amazing location, food, tours, entertainment, and transportation.

Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

On Day 1 we arrived in Seville by high-speed train from Madrid and took some time to explore the area.

Our hotel was centrally located in the El Arenal neighborhood on a street lined with restaurants and nearby iconic landmarks like the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) and the Real Maestranza de Caballería (bull ring).

After doing a little exploring we walked about 10 minutes across the Puente de Triana into the Triana Neighborhood to see a Flamenco show!

Triana has a rich heritage and is known as the birthplace of Flamenco. It was the perfect way to start our 4 days in Seville!

Day 1 Suggested Itinerary

Morning/Afternoon

On your arrival to Seville, I suggest you take some time to settle in and explore.

Take a stroll along the Paseo de Cristóbal Colón. It’s a beautiful promenade on the Guadalquivir River, on the same side as the Torre del Oro.

You can grab a bite to eat at the Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a modern market with several gourmet food stalls. We stopped here a few times to reduce food costs.

In the afternoon take a walk across the bridge into the Triana neighborhood and check out the Mercado de Triana.

It’s a great place to sample some local cuisine with several bars and cafes within the market that serve traditional tapas and drinks.

Evening

Pretty much all of the restaurants in the area close around 4 or 4:30 pm and do not open back up until 8 or 8:30 pm for dinner.

I usually like an early dinner, so this was a cultural thing that I had to get used to, but it wasn’t hard.

I would take that time to rest up and get ready for a fun night of Flamenco!

Flamenco was my favorite experience in Seville.

It goes beyond mere performance; it’s an emotional journey deeply rooted in the diverse cultures of Andalusia. I got literal goosebumps from the performance.

And for us, there was no better place to enjoy a flamenco show than the historic Triana neighborhood. The shows are less commercial and showcase genuine emotional depth steeped in tradition.

We felt like we truly experienced the soul of Seville.

It’s your choice to do the show before or after you do dinner. I would recommend going to the show before and then popping into one of the many restaurants in the Triana neighborhood.

Flamenco Show: $24-$30 per person

Day 2: Culture and Heritage

On our 2nd day in Seville, we decided to sleep in before heading to the Santa Cruz neighborhood for some sightseeing!

We booked back-to-back tours for the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and Giralda Tower.

We purchased the add-on to climb the Giralda Tower at the Cathedral but didn’t reach the top.

To get to the top of the tower there are 34 wide ramps and then 17 steps. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but after back-to-back tours, it was too much for us.

I would not recommend doing back-to-back tours.

Day 2 Suggested Itinerary

Morning

Take your time in the morning, there’s no need to rush and pack your day in Spain. Seville is best experienced slowly.

Go grab some coffee and take a morning stroll along the river.

Today, I would recommend hanging out in the Santa Cruz neighborhood.

It’s the old Jewish quarter, full of restaurants and cafes. Try some local specialties like gazpacho or jamón ibérico.

Afternoon/Evening

While you’re in the Santa Cruz neighborhood you should check out either the Seville Cathedral or the Real Alcázar if you’re not up for doing both. They are located right next to each other.

We enjoyed our guided tours because I would rather hear about the history and highlights from an experienced guide rather than read it for myself.

We had the same tour guide for both tours and she was amazing. Probably our favorite tour guide of the entire trip.

If I do it again, I would book the guided tour only for the Real Alcázar.

The Real Alcázar, was a royal palace originally developed by Moorish Muslim kings. The blend of architectural styles and beautiful gardens was amazing.

Our tour was about 90 minutes and only covered the palace itself (which is stunning).

I was bummed that we didn’t have much time to tour the grounds and gardens. It was so beautiful.

We did have a chance to visit the Los Baños de Doña María de Padilla which I highly recommend. They are rainwater tanks named after María de Padilla, the mistress of King Peter.

After the palace, you can walk over to the Seville Cathedral one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. It’s also home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

I don’t think you need a guided tour of the Cathedral unless you are a huge history buff. But it is visually stunning and a must-visit.

Depending on your schedule you could do the cathedral first and then tour the Real Alcázar. Either way, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Real Alcázar and Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower Combo Tour: $77 per person

Day 3: Local Experiences

On our 3rd day in Seville, we took advantage of a 2 day Hop on Hop off Bus Tour to explore Seville and take us to areas that were too far to walk.

Some of the highlights we discovered:

• Basilica of the Macarena Seville
• Free Walking Tour was included with our hop on hop off bus tour
• The bullring of Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla

Day 3 Suggested Itinerary

Morning

Start with the Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Bus: Start your day by catching the hop-on tour bus. This is an excellent way to get an overview of Seville and spot places you might want to explore more thoroughly on future visits. You can pick up the bus from any of its stops throughout the city.

Visit La Macarena: One of the bus stops was in the Macarena district.

This area is home to the Basilica de la Macarena, where you can see the revered Virgen de la Macarena. Explore the neighborhood’s charming streets and maybe grab a coffee at a local café.

Afternoon

Join a Free Walking Tour: Most hop-on hop-off bus tickets include options for a guided walking tour.

This tour will give you deeper insights into Seville’s history and hidden gems, focusing on areas like the historic Triana neighborhood.

Real Maestranza Self-Guided Tour: The afternoon is a good time to check out the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, Seville’s bullring, one of Spain’s oldest and most famous.

A self-guided tour will allow you to explore at your own pace, delve into the bullfighting museum, and step into the arena itself.

Day 4: Relaxation and Culture

Your last day in Seville is the perfect time to relax and experience some more of the city’s rich culture.

Suggested Sites to Explore:

• Plaza de Espana
• Centro Cerámica Triana
• Metropol Parasol
• Alameda de Hércules
• Casa de Pilatos
• Mercado De Triana

Getting to Seville

We took the high speed train from Madrid into Seville, it was less than 3 hours and very affordable.

After our time was over in Seville, we flew out of the local Seville Airport to Barcelona. The airport was easily accessible and we flew on budget airline Vueling to get to Barcelona.

Getting Around Seville

To get around Seville, we walked or took the hop on hop-off bus.

We stayed in the Arenal area, across the bridge from the Triana neighborhood so everything we wanted to see was nearby or easily accessible by the hop on hop off tour bus.

Best Location To Stay in Seville Spain

Santa Cruz: This is the most picturesque and popular area to stay in Seville. It’s the historic Jewish quarter and offers narrow winding streets, beautiful plazas, and easy access to major attractions like the Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar.

El Arenal: Located between the historic center and the Guadalquivir River, El Arenal is known for its bullring (the Real Maestranza), lively atmosphere, and proximity to both shopping and cultural sites. It’s also a great area for dining and nightlife.

Triana: Across the river from the city center, Triana is a bit more laid-back and local in feel but is famous for its vibrant flamenco scene and pottery workshops. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to stay in a neighborhood with a strong traditional character and don’t mind a short walk or bus ride to reach the main tourist areas.

Alameda: Known for its bohemian atmosphere, Alameda is centered around the Alameda de Hércules, a large square surrounded by tapas bars, cafes, and nightclubs.

Macarena: North of the city center, Macarena is less touristy and offers a more authentic local experience. The area features historical sites like the Basilica of Macarena and the medieval city walls, along with a variety of affordable accommodations.

Centro: The city center of Seville (Centro) encompasses areas around the Metropol Parasol and shopping streets like Calle Sierpes.

Nervión: A more modern part of Seville, Nervión is located east of the historic center and offers more contemporary hotels, shopping malls, and is close to the Sevilla FC stadium. It’s a good option if you prefer a quieter area but still want convenient access to the rest of the city.

What is the best time to visit Seville?

We traveled during shoulder season which is in the Spring March-May. We visited in mid-May and the weather was absolutely amazing.

The crowds were not too bad and the prices of hotels and trains were very affordable. This is arguably the most beautiful time to visit Seville, as the weather is warm but not yet hot, and the city is vibrant with blooming flowers.

Be mindful of traveling to Seville during one of their big festivals:

• Semana Santa (Holy Week): A deeply cultural and spiritual event leading up to Easter, where you can witness processions and pageantry unique to Seville.
• Feria de Abril (April Fair): Occurring two weeks after Easter, this festival features flamenco dancing, bullfights, and lots of local food and drink. The city comes alive with color and festivity.

Fall (September to November): The scorching summer heat begins to subside, making it a comfortable time to explore the city. The crowds are also fewer compared to spring. September and October still see many sunny days, with temperatures that are conducive to walking and outdoor activities.

I would not recommend traveling to Seville during the summer months of June-August. It gets very hot, like intensely hot which is why we avoided it and traveled in May just before summer. We already live in hot sunny South Florida and were not about to endure more heat on vacation.

Winter (December to February): Winters are mild compared to much of Europe, and while it can be a bit chilly, it’s rarely freezing. This can be a good time to visit if you prefer avoiding crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures.

How can I save money on food in Seville?

One of the things that makes Seville and most cities in Spain affordable is the food. It’s not uncommon to find a meal that is not only cheap but authentic and delicious.

Here are some tips for saving money on food in Spain:

Tapas Culture: Embrace the tapas culture! Tapas are essentially just snacks, but in Spain, sometimes the portions can easily be a full meal for half the price of an entree. I love it because it gives you a chance to try a variety of tasty dishes for a low price.

Menu del Día: Some restaurants offer a “Menu del Día” or “Menu of the Day” during lunchtime. It can be a substantial meal at a very reasonable price like 10-15 euros.

Eat where the locals eat: Stay away from the main tourist areas and ask some locals where they like to eat. We found an amazing restaurant off the main street from our hotel in an alley which was amazing.

It was called La Brunilda Tapas. We didn’t have a reservation, but we went there about 45 minutes before their opening time of 8:30 pm. We were the 2nd party in line, by the time they opened the queue had grown long, so I’m glad we arrived early!

Visit Local Markets: Markets like Mercado de Triana offer fresh produce and have various stalls where you can buy affordable, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and drinks. It’s a good opportunity to try local specialties for less.

Late (and big) Lunch: Spaniards typically eat lunch between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Many restaurants cater to this by offering their best meal deals during these hours, which are more substantial and affordable compared to dinner menus.

What are the must-try foods in Seville?

You will encounter a lot of ham, I have never eaten so many ham sandwiches in my life!

But it was so good.

It’s not uncommon to walk into a cafe and sandwiches that consist of just a few slices of meat in between two pieces of bread and pressed down flat like a panini. It’s simple yet delicious.

Tapas: Seville is famous for its tapas, which are small dishes shared among friends. Some popular options include:

• Jamon Iberico: A type of cured ham from the Iberian pig, renowned for its rich flavor.
• Tortilla Española: A thick Spanish omelet made with potatoes and onions.
• Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
• Salmorejo: A thick, creamy tomato soup that is served cold, often garnished with hard-boiled eggs and jamón.
• Churros con Chocolate: While not unique to Seville, no visit to Spain would be complete without enjoying churros with a thick hot chocolate for dipping. It’s a popular breakfast or late-night snack.
• Secreto Iberico: A high-quality cut of pork that is incredibly tender and flavorful, often grilled or roasted to perfection.
• croquetas

If you’re used to American food, I would recommend that you try new things in Spain. Many of the menu items may look or sound weird, but trust me you won’t regret trying something new.

Ready for 4 Days in Seville?

Seville has a way of capturing the heart with its quintessential laid-back Spanish vibe and the best part?

It won’t hurt your wallet!

Over four days, you’ll have plenty of time to sip on sangria (or a tinto verano), explore historic sites, and maybe even catch an inspiring Flamenco show!

I love how affordable Seville can be if you stay in the right area and are particular in the type of activities you choose.

Planning a trip to Spain? Check out these posts!

• Get Your VAT Refund in Spain
• Things I wish I had known before traveling to Europe
• Flying Iberia Business Class Miami to Madrid
• Madrid to Miami with Iberia in Business Class

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Planning to Visit Franklin TN in the Fall?

Whenever I think of Tennessee, Nashville’s iconic music scene always springs to mind. But just a short drive away, Franklin, TN, has a quintessentially southern, acoustic charm unlike anywhere else.

In Franklin, even the biggest names in music come to unwind, find inspiration, or call it home!

I’m not kidding- Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Tim McGraw, and Brad Paisley have all called Franklin TN their home at some point, and it is not uncommon to see a celebrity enjoying a cup of coffee or dinner around town.

My husband and I discovered just how magical Franklin can be during our visit in the fall.

As native South Floridians, we miss out on the fall colors, but Franklin has everything we love about the season.

We believe that it is worth a visit, whether you’re in Nashville looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway and no, I’m not just saying that because our last name is also Franklin.

In this post, we’ll discover the top 9 fall activities for couples in Franklin.

You’ll know why Franklin is a true hidden gem from live acoustic sets from up-and-coming musicians to fall festivals.

So, pour yourself a warm cup of cider and prepare to fall in love with Franklin, Tennessee!

Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Cozy Breakfast Date

Oh man, I’ve always loved Southern Food (it’s the biscuits for me) and Franklin does not disappoint!

There are so many cute breakfast spots in downtown Franklin and the surrounding areas that are perfect for a romantic breakfast or brunch date.

Our Pick: Merridee’s Breadbasket

Merridee’s Breadbasket is located downtown on the same street as the Franklin Visitor Center, but it is not a traditional sit-down breakfast spot.

When you walk in, you order at the counter, they give you a number and you sit wherever you want. They’ll bring your order to you.

I love this concept!

There’s also seating outside and since the restaurant is not directly on Mainstreet, it’s still peaceful to sit there during breakfast.

You must try the cinnamon roll specialty coffee, it was my favorite! They also have glass cases filled with desserts and pastries.

Some of our other favorite breakfast spots:

• Puckett’s Restaurant – located right next door to Merridee’s. It’s like walking into a small grocery market, but it’s a traditional sit-down restaurant.
• Biscuit Love – located downtown in the historic Corn House, just a few steps from the public square. You gotta get a biscuit sandwich!
• Five Daughter’s Bakery—If you’re more into sweets for breakfast, you can head to The Factory and grab a freshly made donut. They offer seasonal flavors!

2. Franklin’s Coffee Trail

I don’t know about you, but my husband and I are much happier when we’ve had a good cup of coffee, really any time of the day.

Thankfully, Franklin has a coffee trail with plenty of amazing options for that perfect cup of Joe!

You can find the best spots by signing up for the Franklin Craft Coffee Trail, one of many free digital passports available, with no app download required.

Once signed up, you’ll have access to discounts at coffee shops around town. When you check in to 5 or more locations, you can pick up a prize from the downtown Franklin visitor center.

We stopped at a few shops during our stay:

• McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions – located inside the stunning Harpeth Hotel where we were staying.
• The Coffee House At Second And Bridge – located practically next door to the Harpeth Hotel in an old quaint southern house.
• The Fainting Goat Coffee Co. – across the street from The Carter House!
• Honest Coffee – we stopped by during our visit to The Factory in Franklin.

3. Scenic Drives Around Franklin

Coming from South Florida, we miss out on the leaves changing colors during the fall season. Thankfully, when driving around Frankin, there’s no shortage of beautiful scenery.

If you’re headed to Franklin, chances are you’ve rented a car so I highly recommend you go on some scenic drives to experience the charm of southern homes, farms, and old silos.

It’s something that my husband and I love to do when traveling!

Check out these routes:

Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville, to Natchez, Mississippi. Franklin is home to the iconic Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge, a perfect photo opp, especially in the fall!

Old Natchez Trace runs parallel to the Natchez Trace Parkway and is known for beautiful estates and old farms, you’ll drive through some of the most affluent areas of Franklin.

Leipers Fork Scenic Route is a must-do when you’re in Franklin! It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown Franklin and the village is like taking a trip back in time. It’s so cute!

Franklin Road: If you’re heading to Nashville, you’ll likely be taking Franklin Road. It’s a beautiful scenic drive so even though it’s sad that you’re leaving Franklin, at least you have a nice drive to enjoy on the way!

4. Discover the Charm of Leiper‘s Fork

Leiper’s Fork is approximately 8 to 10 miles southwest of downtown Franklin. The drive usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Not only is the drive one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, but this village is something out of a Hallmark movie!

There’s so much to do in Leiper’s Fork! It’s a relaxed atmosphere with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s no wonder so many celebrities call Leiper’s Fork and Franklin home.

We also had the opportunity to enjoy dinner and an open mic night at Fox & Locke. More on that later!

5. Hop On and Hop Off Scenic Tour

Who doesn’t love a hop-on hop-off tour?

It’s our favorite way to see a new place because it gives you a nice overview of the area and also serves as transportation to all of the major sights and attractions.

“The Franklin Hop” had a live tour guide knowledgeable about Frankin’s history, particularly during the Civil War, he even brought props!

He also gave us “homework” including books to read and movies to watch to understand better what it was like in Franklin and the South.

We caught the tour downtown at the Franklin Visitor Center.

The trolley tour takes you around downtown Franklin and beyond while making stops at major sights like the Factory, The Moore-Morris History & Culture Center, Carnton, and Carter House.

It’s one trolley that hits each stop every hour. The route is quite scenic!

Fun Fact, The Culture Center has a really cool presentation where you step into a saloon and are greeted by bartender hologram! The way they tell the history of Franklin is state of the art. A must visit!

6. Leisurely Picnic at Arrington Vineyards

Set on 95 beautiful acres, Arrington Vineyards is a serene escape with panoramic views of the rolling countryside of Middle Tennessee. And a fun fact, it is co-owned by country music artist Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn.

It’s truly a picturesque setting and perfect for a day out as a couple, but it’s even better with friends!

At the vineyard, you can bring your own picnic, and purchase a wine flight, glass, or a bottle to enjoy while listening to live music at several spots on the grounds.

It takes about 20 minutes to get there from downtown Franklin and the drive has breathtaking views of the Tennesee countryside.

7. Enjoy a Walk and Self-Guided Tour on Main Street

One of our favorite activities was grabbing a coffee and walking on Main Street in Downtown Franklin.

The downtown area was decorated for fall and it was so cute and quintessentially southern. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars.

I also love that they are so pet-friendly! There are white dog bowls on Main Street, so cute.

Be sure to make a stop at the Franklin Theatre, known as the Crown Jewel of Franklin’s Main Street which offers movies, live music, dance performances, and more.

There are also self-guided tours on the Visit Franklin website as part of the digital passport program including the Great American Main Street.

All self-guided tours are free!

8. Catch Live Music at Local Venues

Probably, the coolest experience of the entire visit was the live music, especially at Fox & Locke restaurant in Leiper’s Fork.

On Thursday nights, Fox & Locke hosts an open mic night. It attracts a mix of local talent, musicians passing through, and some driving hours to grab a spot to perform.

The cover is only $7 and purchasing tickets is highly recommended. They sell out in minutes!

The lineup was amazing—we listened to artists from around the world! Some performed covers and others performed original songs for the first time.

I know I’ll be hearing some of these songs on the radio someday, the talent is next level!

Several celebrities walked in to listen or hung out outside. One of which was Patrick Cassidy (yes, those Cassidys) came to watch his son perform – Jack Cassidy.

It was honestly one of the coolest experiences and one that my husband and I will be talking about for years to come.

It was better than any of the live performances we experienced in Nashville – and that’s saying a lot because I’ve been to the Bluebird Cafe!

But that’s not all, there’s live music everywhere in Franklin. Here’s some of our favorites:

• Tornado Room – located in Leiper’s Fork just below The Country Boy restaurant (across from Fox & Locke). It’s an intimate speakeasy that is actually used as a tornado shelter!
• Kimbro’s Pickin Parlor – located in downtown Franklin, is like a huge house party with live music, games, and food.
• Gray’s on Main – located on Main Street, Gray’s is a pharmacy turned bar and restaurant with live music on the 2nd floor.

9. Photo Ops at Pumpkinfest

Our trip to Franklin fell on the 39th annual Pumpkinfest which is held on Main Street and welcomes over 100,000 people!

They set up what was dubbed “Autumn Alley” on a section of Main Street with a ton of super fun fall-themed photo opportunities, games, and live music.

We had a lot of fun getting those fall pics that can never happen in South Florida.

The festival has a main stage for live performances, vendors selling arts and crafts, and plenty of fun food stalls from homemade donuts to German delights!

It was a fun way to enjoy the season!

Fun Fact, this year Franklin also celebrated the 225th anniversary of the city’s founding.

How far is Franklin from Nashville?

Franklin, TN, is just a hop, skip, and a jump from iconic Nashville. It’s only about 21 miles south of Nashville and an easy drive.

It took us around 30 -40 minutes driving during peak rush hour. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway from Nashville or if you want to spend the day there – although I don’t think that’s enough!

Is Franklin, TN worth visiting?

Absolutely, Franklin, TN, is undoubtedly worth a visit! Franklin is a charming city steeped in history, particularly from the Civil War era and the Battle of Franklin.

But even if you’re not into history, just walking around the downtown area and visiting the quaint antique shops and boutiques gives quintessential Southern town vibes.

And you can’t miss the live music scene! Even if you’re not into country music, you can’t walk down the street without stopping to listen to whoever is performing.

You never know, you could be listening to the next Taylor Swift!

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I’ve been in the points world since 2015 and I can honestly say that I didn’t even hear about 5/24 until I dug deep into the rabbit hole, joined a few Facebook groups, and followed some people on Instagram.

And unless you’re looking to apply for a ton of credit cards within a short amount of time, this rule may never affect you.

But we’re all about being strategic and earning as many points as possible with as little effort as possible so with that in mind, I think it’s an important topic to discuss.

So in this post, I’ll tell you exactly what it means to be under 5/24, why it matters for your strategy and your status, and what you should do if you’re over 5/24.

This information is vital to creating a strategy that will work best for you in the long term.

Because points and miles are a long game, and we’re in it to win!

What Is the 5/24 Rule?

The term 5/24 refers to the number of (personal) credit cards you’ve opened within the last 24 months.

So let’s say that in the last 24 months, I’ve opened:

• Costco Credit Card
• Target Credit Card
• Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

So according to the above list (just an example, I don’t have those cards), I’ve opened 3 personal credit cards in the last 24 months.

That would mean that I’m currently at 3/24.

It’s as simple as that.

But what about this 5/24 rule?

The 5/24 rule is an unofficial guideline that Chase uses when deciding whether to approve your application for most of their credit cards.

According to this rule, if you’ve opened 5 or more credit cards—from any credit card issuer, not just Chase—in the last 24 months, Chase will likely deny your application for a new credit card.

It doesn’t matter if you have a stellar credit score or a high income.

The rule still applies.

So even if you’re financially responsible and pay off your balances every month, having opened 5 or more credit cards in that timeframe could stop you from getting approved.

Why Does the 5/24 Rule Matter?

Now we could sit here and discuss why Chase would have this rule, but that doesn’t matter.

It’s not something that they advertise, but we know the rule does exist.

Why does matter?

Those Welcome Bonus offers!

Of course, we want to snag some welcome bonus offers for new credit card applications, but we also want credit cards that will earn us great points for years to come.

So, if you want a laid-back strategy where you have a lot of opportunities to earn with many options to redeem, there’s no better program than Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.

Chase travel rewards credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® are the cornerstone of a long-term points and miles strategy.

All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

Not only do they earn very lucrative points, but they also offer amazing benefits.

What’s great about Chase Ultimate Rewards® points is that there are several opportunities to earn besides the credit cards mentioned above.

So if you play your cards right (pun intended), you could be well on your way to flying in business class for pennies on the dollar with very little effort.

That’s why you want to be strategic about the credit cards you choose to apply for.

You wouldn’t want to block yourself from Chase credit cards too early on before you experience all that Chase Ultimate Rewards® points have to offer.

Which Credit Cards Count Toward the 5/24 Rule?

When it comes to the 5/24 rule, it’s important to know which cards count toward your limit.

But it is also important to realize that this rule only matters when you apply for any credit cards issued by Chase.

It doesn’t matter if you’re applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card.

If the credit card is issued by Chase, you’ll need to be under 5/24 for the best chances of approval.

So which cards count?

Well, mostly personal credit cards count toward your 5/24 status and it doesn’t matter if they’re from Chase or another credit card issuer.

And it also doesn’t matter what type of credit card it is.

If it shows up on your personal credit report – it counts.

However, it’s not just personal cards that can affect your 5/24 status—some business credit cards also count.

For example, some business credit cards from Capital One and Discover will show up on your personal credit report and count toward the 5/24 limit.

There is good news, though!

Most business credit cards from issuers like American Express, Citi, and Chase do not count toward the 5/24 rule.

Even though these cards might be on your radar, they won’t add to your tally as they don’t show up on your personal credit report.

What if I’m an Authorized User?

This is a great question!

Being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account can still affect your 5/24 status. Even though you’re not the primary cardholder.

The reason for this is that these credit cards still show up on your personal credit report.

Many points and miles experts will caution you against being added as an authorized user for this reason, but I don’t think it needs to be so black and white.

Being added as an authorized user is not the end of the world.

You can always have yourself removed without issue.

But before you do that, make sure you are the primary cardholder on your own credit cards as well.

And remember, we’re talking about credit cards added to your report in the last 24 months.

If your mom added you as an authorized user 5 years ago, there’s no need to worry.

Just make sure that your entire credit report doesn’t only have credit cards you’re an authorized user on.

You need to build credit on your own.

Being an authorized user can be convenient for many reasons, so don’t freak out.

If you don’t plan to apply for a ton of credit cards within a short period, then it doesn’t really matter much anyway.

Also, if you get auto-denied for being over 5/24 because you’re an authorized user that’s also not the end of the world.

You can call Chase and explain that you’re not the primary cardholder and see if that is enough to push your application through to approval.

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How to Strategically Manage 5/24

Managing your 5/24 status is key to unlocking some of the best travel rewards Chase has to offer. But how do you know where you stand?

How to Know Your 5/24 Status

Checking your 5/24 status is as easy as checking your credit report.

Services like Credit Karma and Experian give you easy access to your credit score and list out your credit accounts and the date you opened them.

You can add this to a spreadsheet and easily figure out your status.

There are also some great apps out there that can help you manage your 5/24 status and keep you organized.

Personally, I like to add my credit cards to the Travel Freely app to keep things simple.

Strategies for Prioritizing Chase Cards

Since the 5/24 rule can prevent you from getting approved for Chase cards, I think the best strategy is to apply for Chase cards first, before venturing out into other credit card companies.

Here’s a solid strategy:

• Apply for Chase Cards First
• Monitor Your 5/24 Status
• Stay away from Store Credit Cards
• Leverage Business Credit Cards
• Employ a P2 Strategy

Store credit cards, like those from Target or Costco, still count toward your 5/24 status. Trust me, they’re not worth a 5/24 slot.

Employing a P2 Strategy can help keep you stay under 5/24 longer and earn you double the rewards.

Some people think that if you’re married your credit scores are combined (not sure who spread that rumor), but that’s not true.

Even if you’re married, your credit reports and credit scores are completely separate from one another.

What to Do if You’re Over 5/24

So, you’ve hit (or exceeded) the 5/24 limit—what now?

Don’t worry, being over 5/24 isn’t the end!

Wait Until You Drop Below the 5/24 Threshold

The most straightforward approach is to wait until enough time passes for your card applications to fall out of the 24-month window.

Every month that goes by gets you closer to being back under the 5/24 limit.

I think this only makes sense for two reasons:

1. You don’t have a core group of credit cards yet.
2. You don’t have a lot of big spending coming up.

I don’t think you need to constantly be applying for a lot of credit cards to be successful with points and miles.

But if you don’t have a core group of credit cards so that you can maximize your everyday spending then you’re just leaving points on the table.

Equally, if you do have a core group of credit cards and you don’t have enough spending to meet a minimum spending requirement, then it can be nice to take a break from new credit card applications.

We try to apply for a new credit card once or twice a year, but in the meantime, we maximize our earnings on the credit cards we already have.

Focus on Other Credit Card Issuers

While you’re waiting to drop below 5/24, you can still build your points and miles strategy by applying for cards from issuers that don’t follow the 5/24 rule.

Remember 5/24 is a Chase rule, but other credit card issuers have their own rules.

Here are some options:

Capital One: My next favorite mix cards are the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are great options, offering flexible rewards and easy redemption options like transferring to travel partners.

American Express: The flexible Amex Membership Rewards offers great value with their American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express cards which can be transferred to a variety of awesome travel partners.

If you don’t already have one of these I would recommend starting with the Gold so you can earn the welcome bonus for the Platinum in the future.

Citi: The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great earner for the flexible Citi ThankYou points, which can be transferred to several travel partners.

You can also check out CardMatch to find welcome offers targeted specifically to you.

Leverage Business Credit Cards

My favorite way to keep me under 5/24 is by leveraging business credit cards.

Many business credit cards don’t show up on your personal credit report. Hence why they don’t count toward 5/24.

It’s great because almost anyone is eligible for business credit cards.

Business credit cards open up so many more opportunities for earnings, benefits, and perks.

Keep in mind that Chase Business Credit Cards are still subject to the 5/24 rule.

So although they will not count toward your 5/24 status, you’ll still need to be under 5/24 for your best chances of approval.

Some great business credit card options:

• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Business
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, and Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

Be Patient and Strategic

Understanding and managing the 5/24 rule is a crucial step for anyone serious about maximizing their points and miles.

Chase offers some of the best travel rewards cards on the market, but they’re not the only ones in the game.

Don’t rush into things, take a little bit of time to be patient and work on a strategy that works best for you.

Remember, the key is to take your time.

Whether you’re just starting out or already over the 5/24 limit, carefully planning your credit card applications will help you make the most of your travel rewards.

Need More Resources?

Check out these posts:

• 8 Points and Miles Myths Debunked
• Are Travel Rewards Credit Cards Right for You?
• Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards which is safer?
• Why Credit Card Annual Fees are worth it
• New Card? Here’s what you should do next

Want to Travel More for Less?

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• Find the Best Price for Travel

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Most people think of “Airbnb” as synonymous with vacation rentals.

Airbnb happens to be the most well-known vacation rental site, but in reality, there are plenty of reputable sites you can use to reserve vacation rentals, and yes even with points and miles.

I’ve been earning and redeeming points and miles for travel since 2015.

Although it’s possible to use them to book vacation rentals, should you?

Using your points to book vacation rentals can be a great way to save money on travel, but if you do it the right way.

In this post, we’ll talk about why you may or may not want to use your points to book vacation rentals, the types of points you can use to redeem, and how to do it.

Best Credit Card Programs for Vacation Rentals

Before diving into how to use your points and miles for vacation rentals (yes, even Airbnb), it’s important to figure out which points you should be earning.

Because you can’t redeem points that you don’t have!

Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® allow you to transfer to travel partners or get a statement credit to cover the cost. You may even find vacation rentals on Chase Travel℠.

All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

American Express Membership Rewards: The American Express® Gold Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express, give you the option to book travel through the Amex Travel or offset the cost with a statement credit.

Capital One Miles: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also offer great flexibility for redemptions.

You can transfer points to travel partners or redeem miles to reimburse eligible travel purchases on your credit card statement.

Citi ThankYou® Points: The Citi Strata Premier Card allows you to book travel, including vacation rentals, through the Citi TravelSM portal, transfer to travel partners, or offset travel expenses on your statement.

How to Redeem Points for Vacation Rentals

Technically, there’s no way to go onto the Airbnb website and redeem points for a stay. They don’t have a loyalty program. But there are still ways to save money with points.

But don’t pigeonhole yourself into Airbnb.

It’s just a website to find vacation rentals, but it’s definitely not the only legit option out there.

Transferring Points

Some big hotel chains are starting to get into the vacation rental game and I’m here for it!

One of the main reasons I like flexible points with travel rewards credit cards is the option to transfer and convert into many other types of points and miles currency.

So if I have Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points, I can use those points in a variety of different programs by transferring the points to one of many transfer partners available.

Transferring points is usually how I can get the best value for my points.

But when it comes to vacation rentals, that may not be the case.

So if getting the best redemption value is important to you, I’d recommend doing the math and deciding whether it’s worth it.

Remember there’s no such thing as a bad redemption. The goal is to never pay full price.

Marriott Homes and Villas

Marriott Homes and Villas is a great option for vacation rentals if you’re a Marriott loyalist. You can earn and redeem Marriott points and there are options available around the world.

If you have a lot of Marriott points and you’re itching to get rid of them, this could be a good option for you.

Keep in mind that even though you’re booking through Marriott, you’re still dealing with a host or property management company.

Transfer Partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points and American Express Membership Rewards.

Vacasa with Wyndham

Vacasa has a network of over a thousand vacation rentals in the Americas. Lucky for us, they also have a partnership with Wyndham.

Even luckier for us, you can use Capital One Venture Miles and Citi ThankYou Points to transfer to Wyndham and book rentals with Vacasa.

Important note: You can’t use Wyndham points directly with Vacasa. You’ll need to check for availability online and then call Wyndham at 800-441-1034.

I would recommend holding off before transferring any points to Wyndham until you have confirmed availability on the phone with Wyndham.

Transfer Partners: Capital One Venture Miles and Citi ThankYou Points.

Hyatt points with Hyatt Homes & Hideaways

If you’ve been around for a while, you know that I’m a huge fan of Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points. One of the things I love the most about their points is the partnership with Hyatt.

When I transfer my points to Hyatt, I’m usually guaranteed great value.

So, when I learned that Hyatt also has a site for vacation rentals I was pretty excited!

Important Note: However, it is important to note that you will not get the same redemption value for Hyatt Homes and Hideaways as you would with transferring your points for Hyatt Hotel stays.

So for me, I’d rather reserve those redemptions for hotel stays. But if you have a nice stash of points and you don’t have another way to use them, go for it!

Transfer Partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points.

Bluegreen Vacations

Choice Privileges has a partnership with Bluegreen Vacations through their Ascend Collection. If you’ve never heard of Choice Hotels, think Radisson or Comfort Inn.

You can redeem Choice Privileges points for these properties directly on the website.

Transfer Partners: American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Venture Miles, and Citi ThankYou Points.

Book Direct and Redeem for Statement Credit

If you really need to book your rental directly on the Airbnb website or other sites like VRBO. I’ve got a solution for you!

Capital One Venture Miles has a feature that makes covering your travel purchases with points pretty simple.

You can redeem miles and reimburse eligible travel purchases on your credit card statement.

However, you must do it within 90 days of the purchase.

Again, the value is likely not as great as transferring your points to a transfer partner, but if you can’t find any other vacation rental options then do what you gotta do!

Booking through a Travel Portal

This is one of the options that I like the least. When booking through a bank travel portal, you’re always redeeming at a fixed value.

That’s not so different from the other options, but what I really don’t like is that you won’t find many options within the portal as you would with other sites.

You’ll find this option with all the major travel rewards credit card companies:

• Chase Travel℠
• Amex Travel
• Citi Travel
• Capital One Travel

Keep in mind that you won’t find the same availability through a travel portal that you can on a site like Airbnb. But it is an option if you need to use your points.

Gift Cards

Ok, this is my least favorite option. Many of the travel rewards credit cards I’ve mentioned also have the option to redeem your points for gift cards and Airbnb is usually one of them.

I don’t like this option because if you’re going to redeem points for gift cards don’t waste your time applying for travel rewards credit cards like the ones I mentioned in this post.

Most rewards credit cards these days give you the option to redeem points for gift cards. You don’t need to apply for travel rewards credit cards that have annual fees for that option.

Why Vacation Rentals?

It’s no secret that the more well-known way to redeem points and miles is to do it for airfare and hotels.

But even if you use cash, there are some unique advantages to booking a vacation rental versus a traditional hotel.

Comfort of Home: Hotels can feel corporate or stale. Sometimes you want to vacation with the same comfort of home with amenities like a full kitchen, living room, pool, etc.

Yeah, you can get that sometimes with a hotel, but it’s just not the same.

More Space for Larger Groups: If you’re traveling with a large group or family it can feel disconnected to book several rooms at a hotel and also pretty expensive.

Sometimes it’s nice to have everyone under one roof and in most cases, it’s much more cost-effective and convenient.

Unique and Diverse Properties: One major perk to vacation rentals is the unique types of accommodations that you can find.

Whether you want to stay at a house on the beach, a cozy cabin in the woods or a historic home downtown, vacation rentals can provide a more unique experience.

Living Like a Local: Vacation rentals can also offer a more authentic experience, especially if you’re in a neighborhood rather than a tourist-centric area.

Privacy and Space: Vacation rentals can also feel more private and intimate than hotels.

Long-Term Stays: Hotels are great for stays from just a few nights to a week, but can get pretty expensive if you stay longer-term. Vacation rentals can a more affordable option.

Cons to booking Vacation Rentals

While vacation rentals are great, there are cons to everything.

Consistency and Standards: There’s a sense of consistency with hotels vs. vacation rentals.

If you stay with a specific hotel chain there’s a level of service and standards that you expect. Vacation rentals can be a bit of a crap shoot.

Services and Amenities: Hotels come with certain amenities that vacation rentals don’t like housekeeping, dining and room service, concierge services, etc.

I also don’t like how most vacation rentals make you pay a cleaning fee and then ask you to take out the trash, start the laundry, and run the dishwasher.

Location: While vacation rentals can be located in unique or residential areas that offer a local experience, if you’re looking to stay more central or in touristy areas you may have a hard time.

Cancellation Policies: I highly value flexibility and I find that vacation rentals can be more strict with cancellation policies. They sometimes require expensive cash deposits and I don’t like to deal with that.

Hidden Costs: Another reason that I don’t like vacation rentals is the hidden fees that you don’t see until you’re ready to book.

Sure, the rate per night could be cheap, but once they tack on service or cleaning fees you may as well stay in a hotel.

Support and Problem Resolution: This varies greatly. I’ve had hosts be very responsive with issues and some that are just rude or don’t respond.

At least with a hotel, there’s staff on hand to handle anything that could come up.

Should you use your Points for Vacation Rentals?

Here’s the thing, do I think that your points are better spent elsewhere?

Yes.

Does it matter what I think?

Not really.

I just want to give you all of the information so that you can make an informed decision that works best for you and your travel goals.

Personally, I would use booking a vacation rental as an opportunity to earn points rather than burn them. This way, I can then use those points for more lucrative redemptions in the future.

But, I also fully believe that there is no such thing as a “bad redemption” because as long as you are saving money on travel you are always winning!

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In many cases, a person’s entire strategy may revolve around grabbing as many welcome bonuses as possible.

I know people with over 40 credit cards because all they do is chase after that next welcome bonus.

While it’s true that earning a welcome bonus can be a great way to boost your travel reward earnings with very little effort, that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to be successful.

I’ve been earning and redeeming points for travel since 2015 and it’s taken me a while to develop a strategy that works best for me.

In this post, I’ll explain exactly what a welcome bonus is and how it works, but most importantly I’ll help you decide how and whether you should implement it into your strategy in a way that works best for you.

What’s so great about a Welcome Bonus?

If you’re on Instagram, countless accounts constantly talk about flying in business class seats or all-inclusive resorts for “free” all because they earned multiple welcome bonuses.

And there’s a reason for that.

One welcome bonus could indeed earn enough points to book things like:

• Roundtrip Business Class Flights to Europe.
• Multiple roundtrip flights in Economy to Europe.
• Spend the weekend at a luxury resort for $0.
• and much more!

A welcome bonus can jumpstart your earnings and get you traveling for a fraction of the cost pretty quickly.

What is a Welcome Bonus?

Some people see a welcome bonus as credit cards giving away “free” money.

But that’s only kinda somewhat true.

A welcome bonus, also known as a sign-up bonus or simply “SUB”, is an incentive offered by credit card companies to new cardholders to entice them to apply for and use a new credit card.

But there’s a catch.

Yes, indeed, the bonus you earn can essentially give you hundreds and even thousands of dollars in value but it’s not technically free.

Applying for and getting approved for a new credit card is only half the battle. If you want to earn the welcome bonus, you’ll need to meet certain requirements.

How it works

Here are some things to know about a welcome bonus and how it works:

Eligibility Criteria: A welcome bonus is generally only available to new cardholders.

Meaning, if you already have that specific credit card or one in the same family (rules vary by bank) you’re technically not eligible for the welcome bonus.

There are some ways to get around this but the rules vary by bank.

For example, Chase lets you earn the welcome bonus for some of their credit cards every 48 months (from when you earn it, not when you activate the card).

So if you’ve had the credit card over 48 months you may be eligible to get the bonus again.

However, you’d need to cancel your current credit card or product change (downgrade) to a different Chase credit card.

This may allow you to earn a welcome bonus for the same credit card more than once.

Criteria for Earning the Bonus

The most common criterion to earn the bonus is spending a specific amount of money on the card within a set period after opening the account.

This spending requirement can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the card.

We often refer to this requirement as the “minimum spend”, “min spend” or simply “MS”.

There is usually a time limit by which you must meet the spending requirement to earn the bonus. The most common is around three to six months from account opening.

Type of the Bonus

Not every welcome bonus is created equal. There are 3 main types:

• Points/Miles
• Cashback
• Free Night Certificates

Each holds a different value based on the type of currency.

Value

Welcome bonuses can be quite lucrative and greatly boost the value of your rewards to the point that even if the credit card has an annual fee it’s still worth it, especially for the first year.

Meeting the Minimum Spend

The biggest hurdle to earning a welcome bonus is meeting the minimum spend requirement.

The requirements can range widely from one transaction to $30,000 or even more. But it just all depends on the credit card.

The worst thing you could do is apply for a new credit card, get approved, and then fail to earn the bonus. That’s why it’s important to have a plan and a strategy.

Looking for tips?

I’ve got an entire post dedicated to helping you meet the minimum spend.

What about Annual Fees?

As you start to research travel rewards credit cards more and more you’ll start to realize that the best credit cards come with an annual fee.

I know it seems dumb to pay money to spend money. I get it.

But think about wholesale stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. If you pay their annual membership fee, you get access to amazing discounts and other perks that make it all worthwhile.

It’s the same thing with credit card annual fees. Now, some are more worth it than others. I’m not saying that every credit card annual fee will work for you.

But before you decide, you must know how annual fees work and figure out for yourself whether or not they are worth it.

What is an Elevated Welcome Bonus?

While welcome bonuses for travel rewards credit cards are standard it is also very common to have “limited time” elevated welcome bonuses available.

This is essentially when the credit card company “sweetens the deal”.

Personally, we usually only apply for one or two credit cards (each) a year (in player 2 mode), so when we do I like to start with the credit cards that have an elevated welcome bonus.

But I don’t just go for any elevated offer. It has to work for my specific strategy.

Important Note: Don’t wait on elevated bonuses!

Elevated bonuses are great, but if you have a specific credit card in mind I would not hold off while you wait for an elevated welcome bonus offer.

These offers are sorta random and there’s no guarantee when they will be available or for how long.

The sooner you can earn a welcome bonus the sooner you can use the points.

If you want to earn as many points as possible with as little effort as possible, don’t waste your spend waiting on an elevated bonus that may never come.

It’s generally best to keep the train moving!

There’s no shortage of good welcome bonuses even if they aren’t elevated.

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Considerations Before Chasing Welcome Bonuses

I hear people say that credit card welcome bonuses are a scam and it’s just a way for credit card companies to get you deeper into debt and for some people that may be true.

So it’s important to evaluate your specific situation before jumping into the deep end.

Financial Impact: Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Always have a plan and a strategy.

Credit Score Implications: Although I don’t think you need 40 credit cards, the number of credit cards you have will have little impact on your score IF you’re being responsible.

• Don’t apply for too many credit cards at once. This is a major red flag to banks.
• Keep your credit score at least 700.
• Hard inquiries will temporarily ding your score, but it should bounce back.
• Always pay off your statement balance on time and in full. You shouldn’t be paying any interest on your purchases because that will negate any benefits from the welcome bonus.

Long-term Value: Don’t apply for the credit card solely for the welcome bonus. Take a look at the earning rates and benefits of the credit card. Is it a long-term keeper?

Don’t jump on Free Night Certificates

Another consideration before you jump on that credit card application is the type of bonus being offered.

We talked about the different forms of welcome bonuses, the most common being Points/Miles, Cashback, and Free Night Certificates.

I would recommend cautioning yourself against free night certificates whenever possible.

Here’s why:

Free Night Certificates usually expire after one year from when they are issued. You can see if they will grant you an extension, but there’s no guarantee. It would be a bummer to earn these and then lose them.

In contrast, points, miles, or cash back will usually not expire for as long as you have the credit card.

Free Night Certificates typically have to be booked separately. I’ve never seen it where you have (5) free night certificates and can book them on the same reservation.

I’ve always had to book separate nights and then ask the hotel to combine them. Not a deal-breaker, but a little extra pain in the butt.

Free Night Certificates typically are capped at a per-night value. They try to get you by saying the welcome bonus is worth 250K (for example), but it’s misleading.

If you have a free night certificate that is capped at 40K points per night and try to book a night that costs 60k points, you may not be able to use it or you’ll need to pay the difference in cash.

Some chains let you top off a free night certificate with points, but that’s usually capped too.

I think that this type of welcome bonus only makes sense if you have a specific plan.

You don’t want to waste the spend on something that you may not be able to use. Be strategic!

Are you ready for a Welcome Bonus?

Whether you’re ready for a new credit card welcome bonus is completely up to you.

Let’s look at some factors:

• When was the last time you applied for a credit card?
• Is your credit score at least 700?
• Are you under 5/24? Will this impact your status?
• Can you meet a minimum spend with minimum effort?
• What type of points and miles currency would you be earning? Does that make sense for your strategy?

It’s ok if you’re not ready for a new credit card or a welcome bonus.

There are many ways for you to maximize the credit cards that you already have. I’m a big believer in ignoring the FOMO. Don’t feel like you’re missing out.

The most important thing is that you do what’s right for you and your strategy.

Current Favorite Welcome Bonus Offers

If you are ready for a welcome bonus, I’ve got a running list of ones that I think are great for a laid-back or “lazy” approach to points and miles.

These are all travel rewards credit cards that earn “flexible” points and miles that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels, and more.

Personal Credit Cards

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

Business Credit Cards

• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Earn up to $750 bonus cash back intro offer. Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Business: Earn 150,000 bonus miles after you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, and Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

Or Check out CardMatch for the best offers personally for you!

Looking for more tips?

I have a cluster of posts dedicated to points, miles, and travel reward credit cards. Check them out!

• Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards: Which is better and safer?
• 8 Points and Miles Myths Debunked
• 7 Free Award Travel Apps You Should Download Today
• Are travel rewards credit cards right for you?
• How to apply for business credit cards
• Once you’re approved there are some do’s and don’ts you should follow

Want to Travel More for Less?

Grab Your Free Budget Travel 101 Course!

Join my FREE course and I’ll get you started traveling more for less!

• Intro to Budget Travel
• Intro to Points and Miles
• Find the Best Price for Travel

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The post What is a Welcome Bonus? appeared first on Traveling Franklins.

As a points and miles enthusiast since 2015, I’m on a mission to ensure that I’m always maximizing spending to get the most points with as little effort as possible.

And I can’t think of a better opportunity than holiday shopping. You’re already spending the money, so let’s get those travel rewards!

In this post, I’ll teach you the best strategies to maximize your rewards during the most wonderful (and often the most expensive) time of the year.

From choosing the right credit card to navigating online shopping portals, I’ll guide you through practical tips to not only save money but also travel more—for less.

Choose the Right Credit Card

The first step to maximizing your holiday shopping is choosing the right credit card to swipe while you shop. Remember, you don’t want to use a debit card for everyday purchases, especially on your holiday shopping.

Don’t do it!

Credit cards are not only safer and more rewarding, but you may also get some valuable purchase protection or extended warranty options.

But the main reason is because you want to earn the maximum amount of rewards possible.

However, not all credit cards are created equal, especially when it comes to earning travel rewards.

So let’s take a look at the factors you should consider when planning your holiday shopping.

Earn a New Welcome Bonus

Probably, the easiest way to take advantage of the money spent on holiday shopping is by applying for a new credit card for a welcome bonus.

All the travel rewards credit cards I recommend always have great welcome bonus offers. These are my current favorites:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
• Or check out CardMatch for the best offers personally for you!

Advertiser Disclosure:
All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

One welcome bonus offer could get you business-class flights for less than $300 or roundtrip economy flights to Europe.

If that’s not your speed, what about booking an all-inclusive luxury ranch for $0?

I also love business credit cards for this!

Business credit cards usually have higher minimum spending requirements but with very lucrative welcome bonus offers.

Applying for business credit cards can be intimidating especially if you feel that you don’t have a “legitimate business”.

But honestly, you may be surprised to learn that you are eligible for business credit cards.

Here are some of my favorites that always have great welcome bonus offers:

• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The bonus will be deposited into your account as 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Earn up to $750 bonus cash back intro offer. Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Business: Earn 150,000 bonus miles after you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

Advertiser Disclosure:
All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Traveling Franklins.

And what about those annoying annual fees? Well, although they may be annoying, they may also be worth it.

The credit cards with the best welcome offers will likely come with annual fees.

So think of it this way, if someone came to you and said “I’ll give you $1,000, but you need to give me $95 first.” what would you say?

I would say, hell yea! Sign me up.

Hence the reason I have so many great credit cards that continue to bring me value year after year.

Should you get a new credit card?

If you know that you have a significant amount of holiday spending coming your way it can be a good idea to apply for a new credit card and snag a lucrative welcome bonus.

If you can meet the minimum spending requirement easily, it’s a no-brainer, seeing as that’s one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to applying for new credit cards.

The next biggest hurdle is the impact on your credit score, but the short answer is that as long as you’re being responsible the number of credit cards you have alone is of little impact to your score.

With that being said, you don’t need to go crazy applying for credit cards!

You just need to be strategic about which ones you get and how you use them.

Bonus Categories

Now, if you decide that getting a new credit card welcome bonus is not the right move for you, that is totally ok!

One of the major don’ts about applying for a new credit card is doing it without a plan to meet the minimum spend.

But even if you just don’t feel comfortable with applying for a new credit card right now, there is nothing wrong with that.

If you already have a core group of credit cards, then the next best thing to a welcome bonus is to maximize your bonus categories.

Many credit cards offer bonus points or cash back for specific types of purchases. So during the holidays, you want to use the cards that offer increased rewards on categories like department stores, online shopping, or even groceries.

Here’s why maximizing bonus categories is so important:

• Let’s say you plan to spend $1,000 at a specific store.
• If you use a credit card that earns you 1% or 1x then you’ll earn $10 or 1,000 points on that one purchase.
• Now, if instead, you used a credit card that earns you 2% or 2x, then you’ll earn $20 or 2,000 points on that same purchase.

2,000 points may not seem like a lot, but trust me it all adds up.

You could book a domestic one-way flight for as little as 6,000 points with some airline miles currencies.

For some credit cards, the bonus categories can change quarterly or the same all year round. I like to earn at least 1.5 or 2x (depending on the type of points currency) for every $1 I spend.

So, if I can’t earn that with a credit card bonus category then I’ll use a credit card that gives me a flat earning rate for all purchases.

I like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card because not only do they earn 2x on every purchase, every day but they also earn flexible points that can be used for travel!

Important Note: If you applied for a new credit card to earn a welcome bonus you should disregard bonus categories.

Your priority is to hit the minimum spending requirement first. Once you do that, you can maximize bonus categories.

And hey, maybe your new credit has the best earning rate for that purchase anyway!

The welcome bonus is just a bonus after all. You’ll still get the normal earning rates for the credit card.

Redeem Credit Card Offers

Another way to earn more with your core group of credit cards is to redeem credit card offers.

Many credit cards partner with retailers to provide special promotions, such as extra cash back or bonus points when you spend a certain amount.

You can find these offers on the banking app.

The thing about these offers is that you have to manually activate them before you make a purchase. Otherwise, you’d miss out.

Some people like to browse these offers and plan their shopping around what is offered.

But, I like to be lazy about it.

I use a tool like Cardpointers to auto-add these offers so that I don’t have to browse through each one and activate them myself. You’ll need the browser extension for this feature.

Cardpointers also help me to figure out which of my cards is the best one for each purchase I make. I think it’s a great tool for the lazy budget traveler!

Don’t fall for the Store Credit Cards

This is a big trap really any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season!

Do not waste your time with store credit cards.

I know that it’s tempting to sign up for store credit cards when you’re promised a significant discount on your holiday purchases, but this is what holds you back from amazing rewards.

While saving 10%, 20%, or even 30% on a large purchase might sound appealing, these cards are not as rewarding as they may seem.

The biggest mistake that people can make in the points and miles world is not realizing that not all rewards are created equal.

I mean, sure if you’re spending $100 at the store and you can get 50% off that purchase by applying for the store credit card that sounds like a great deal.

But when you consider that earning a new welcome bonus with that same purchase could give you $1,000 in value, it’s small potatoes.

Things to consider:

Yes, they are real credit cards – this means that you will get dinged on your credit report.

Counts towards 5/24 – for some reason, people don’t realize that a store credit card will count toward your 5/24 status. If the credit card shows up on your personal credit report then it counts toward 5/24.

You miss out on a lucrative Welcome Bonus: Don’t waste a hard inquiry for a lame discount. If I’m going to have a hard inquiry on my report, I want to make sure I’m getting great bang for my buck.

The fact is that the welcome bonus offers from travel rewards credit cards are way better than store credit cards.

Limited Usability and Rewards: I think the best types of rewards are for travel, but they need to be flexible. Travel Rewards credit cards with banks like Chase, Capital One, or American Express give you many opportunities for redemptions. But store credit cards limit you to their specific store.

Higher Interest Rates: Since we pay offer our credit card statement balance in full and on time, this doesn’t really matter, but it’s still a ding against them.

Fewer Additional Benefits: The benefits I get from travel rewards credit cards far outweigh anything I could get with store credit cards. My credit cards give me benefits like travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, and more.

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Use Online Shopping Portals

Online shopping portals can be a goldmine for earning extra points, miles, or cash back over and above what you’d earn from your regular spending.

Here’s how you can use these portals to your advantage:

What is a Shopping Portal?

Shopping portals are websites that partner with retailers to bring them shoppers.

The shopping portal earns a commission for each shopper they bring to the stores and they share that with the consumer (you).

Using a shopping portal is at no cost to you and using them can offer you valuable rewards in the form of cashback, points, or miles.

The best part? All you do is click from the shopping portal, you still make your purchase direct through the retailer!

Here are just a few examples of shopping portals:

• Airlines: American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, etc.
• Hotels: Wyndham Rewards Shopping
• Non Travel: Rakuten, BeFrugal, TopCashback, etc.
• Credit Cards: Shop Through Chase^® (must be a current cardholder)

When you choose a shopping portal, you’ll be earning the reward currency for that specific portal. So as with anything, be selective about which shopping portals you use.

You don’t want a lot of money in all different types of currencies. It’s like if you have $10 in Canadian and $10 in USD. You don’t have $20.

It’s the same logic with rewards. You don’t want a little in a lot of different types of currencies. You want a lot in very few types of currencies.

How Shopping Portals Work

Log In to the shopping portal you want to use or use their browser extension.

Select a Retailer: Choose a store and activate the offer. If you’re already on the store website, make sure you are using the browser extension for the shopping portal and you activate the offer.

Keep in mind that each offer may have certain terms and conditions so you’ll want to review that when activating.

Shop as Usual: Once the offer is activated, you’ll just shop and check out as usual!

Earn Extra Rewards: Once you make the purchase, you can track it within the shopping portal and wait for your rewards!

Don’t Forget to Stack!

The real trick to stacking is combining all these strategies together.

Here’s an example:

1. You use a credit card that earns you a new welcome bonus.
2. That same credit card may earn bonus points in your spending category.
3. You activate a credit card offer that is eligible for this purchase.
4. You use a shopping portal to earn money on your purchases.

That’s a 4-way stack!

Add in deals like Black Friday or Cyber Monday and you’d make that a 5-way stack!

Here’s are some more apps that you can stack with:

• Fetch
• United MileagePlus X
• Fluz
• Dosh

Remembering to stack ensures that every dollar you spend works harder for you!

Common Objections

Before you go shopping, I wanted to address some common thoughts and objections I’ve heard from people who may be hesitant to maximize their points and miles earnings this way.

I Don’t Spend Enough

You might be thinking, “I don’t spend enough to make rewards or points worthwhile.” But here’s the thing—earning points and miles doesn’t have to mean spending beyond your means.

• Focus on Bonus Categories: Use a card that offers extra points on everyday spending like groceries or gas.
• Capitalize on Holiday Spending: Even limited holiday expenses—gifts, meals—can give your points a boost.
• Stack Small Wins: Shopping portals and credit card offers can add extra points on routine purchases.
• Think Long-Term: Points add up over time, and some redemptions (like domestic flights) require only a few thousand points.

I Don’t Want to Open New Credit Cards

You don’t need multiple cards to maximize rewards.

With even a single card, you can make strategic purchases in bonus categories, use shopping portals, or leverage cashback offers to add value to your spending.

If you have existing cards, review them for any bonus categories and seasonal offers – many credit cards offer spending bonuses without a new application.

I’m Worried About Overspending

The goal is to earn rewards on purchases you’re already making.

Don’t ever spend more just to earn points. Set a holiday shopping budget, and use your credit card strategically to reach it without overspending.

If you don’t have the discipline to use a credit card without overspending, then you should take a pause on anymore credit cards until you can get that under control.

Let’s work smarter!

I Don’t Travel Enough to Justify Points

Points and Miles are not only for the frequent traveler.

In fact, if you are a frequent traveler using points for travel is much harder than if you’re not. If you don’t travel often, then you don’t need as many points to make a dream trip come true!

Let’s go shopping!

Yes, it’s a bummer that you have spent so much money on holiday shopping, but it doesn’t have to be!

Let’s turn that around and think about how many opportunities to make the most of that spending by getting us closer to an almost free trip!

So before you do your shopping answer these questions:

• How much do I plan to spend?
• Is that enough to meet a new minimum spend?
• Am I ready for a new credit card?
• If not, which credit cards will earn me the most on my shopping?
• Can I stack on these purchases?

If you do that, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your holiday shopping with points and miles!

Want to Travel More for Less?

Grab Your Free Budget Travel 101 Course!

Join my FREE course and I’ll get you started traveling more for less!

• Intro to Budget Travel
• Intro to Points and Miles
• Find the Best Price for Travel

I WANT IT FOR FREE!

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Thank you!

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If you experience any issues, please reach out to me at support@travelingfranklins.com.

The post Ultimate Guide: Maximize Holiday Shopping with Points and Miles appeared first on Traveling Franklins.