Credit Card Strategy: How I Travel Hack My Adventures
Get started with points and miles, or want to make sure you are not leaving points behind? Check out these strategies to help you become the Ultimate travel hacker. If you are new here, I am Julie. No Point Left Behind is a collection of all the ways I have utilized points, miles, and other travel hacks to travel the world over the past 20 years. I break down how I use points and miles to travel with my family.
Let’s Travel Hack Together
If you enjoy learning how we travel as a family using points, miles, and smart credit card strategies, I’d love for you to follow along:
✨ Why Credit Card Strategy Matter
Credit cards aren’t just for emergencies or cashback. When used strategically, they unlock free cruises, flights, hotels, and perks most people overlook. I’ve booked Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyage cruises using points, casino matches, and smart card combos—and you can too.
🤔 New to points and miles? I’ve got answers to your most common questions. Read the FAQ → Frequently Asked Questions
👩👧 Stay-at-Home Moms Can Get Credit Cards
Yes, you can qualify—even without a traditional paycheck. Most banks allow you to list household income, which includes your partner’s salary or shared resources.
Great starter cards:
Chase Freedom Unlimited – easy approval, great multipliers
Amex Everyday – no annual fee, flexible points
These cards build your foundation as Player 1—the strategist behind your family’s travel wins. Learn more ->Credit Cards Stay at Home Mom
🎮Player & Player 2 Strategy
Think of Player 1 as the lead travel hacker. Player 2 (your partner, spouse, or trusted friend) supports the strategy.
How to play smart:
Stagger applications to earn multiple welcome bonuses
Add Player 2 as an authorized user to boost spend and perks
Split cards to cover more categories (groceries, travel, dining)
This duo strategy helped me book back-to-back cruises with stacked perks. -> Player 1 Player 2 Credit Card Rewards
🔄 Strategic Downgrades & Retention Offers
Don’t want to pay high annual fees forever? You don’t have to.
Smart moves:
Downgrade premium cards to no-fee versions
Call for retention offers before canceling
Product change to cards that better fit your current strategy
This helps maintain a strong credit history while rotating benefits
🧃 Stack & Save: Layering Offers
This is where the magic happens.
Stack like a pro:
Book through travel portals (Chase, Amex, Rakuten) for extra points
Use promo codes from cruise lines + credit card perks
Combine casino status, portal cashback, and onboard credit
Examples: I break down all my trips here ->Real Points & Miles Adventures
🕵️ Hidden Travel Credits You Might Be Missing
Your cards may offer perks you’ve never used:
Global Entry / TSA PreCheck reimbursements
Airline incidental credits (seat upgrades, baggage fees)
Cruise onboard credits via travel portals
Lounge access, priority boarding, and trip insurance
🧩 Two-Card Combos That Work Hard
You don’t need 10 cards to win. Just two smart ones can unlock serious value.
My favorite combos:
Chase Sapphire Preferred + Freedom Unlimited
Pick a combo that fits your spend—and watch the points roll in.
📬 Ready to Travel Smarter?
Let’s Travel Hack Together
If you enjoy learning how we travel as a family using points, miles, and smart credit card strategies, I’d love for you to follow along:
