In this post, you will learn the credit cards every real estate investor needs in their wallet so that they are travel hack.
On February 28th, we hosted a Facebook Live to talk about two of my favorite things: traveling and real estate investing. You can still view it in the Addicted to ROI Facebook group.
In the Facebook LIVE, we cover how we use shopping portals to maximize our real estate investment spending to then in turn travel more.
Six Credits Cards for Travel Hacking Real Estate Investors
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Hands down, the best card in our wallet is the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Not only do you earn 3x points on dining and travel you also gain access to the Ultimates Reward portal, where you can spend your well-earned points.
The biggest CSR benefit that I enjoy is lounge access. Unlimited access to the Priority Pass welcomes me into hundreds of airport lounges around the world, where I enjoy high-speed internet with FREE food and drinks during any layover. In a lounge in Mexico City, I’ve enjoyed a free manicure.
Having Priority Pass has also allowed me to buy less expensive flights with what others may consider less ideal flight patterns. Now, instead of a $600 direct flight, I may purchase a $280 flight with a three-hour layover. That three-hour layover isn’t a headache. It’s a trip to the lounge for a meal while I answer emails or write another blog post, like this one.
CSR also gives you $300 back annually on travel and reimburses you for when you renew Global Entry or TSA Precheck. Yes, I have Global Entry and would never travel without it. The CSR has countless benefits including rental car insurance and even medical reimbursement for that time I crashed my motorcycle in Vietnam.
If the $550 annual fee is not appealing, we understand your hesitation. For us, we get more than enough back that it pays for itself that we will continue to recommend this card to everyone. If you want the credit card benefits without the $550 annual fee, we both recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred with its lower $95 annual fee. That way you still have access to the Ultimate Rewards portal. While I prefer the Chase Sapphire Reserve in my wallet, having one of these two cards is better than zero.
2. American Express Platinum
Similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the American Express Platinum gives you many of the same benefits. If you have a partner, we recommend one partner hold the CSR and the other partner hold for the American Express Platinum.
3. Chase Ink Business Preferred
This card has no annual fee and gives you access to the Ultimate Rewards portal. You can pool together your points with your CSR or CSP. This card has wonderful cell phone protection and the best sign-up bonus.
“But Sarah, I don’t own a business. I work a nine-to-five; I work for the man.”
That’s okay! You are a real estate investor, right? Your real estate business counts and the Chase Ink Business Preferred is making our top three credit cards to have for a good reason.
4. Chase Freedom Unlimited
Similar to the Chase Ink Business Preferred, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has NO annual fee and allows you to pool your points with the Ultimate Rewards portal. The Chase Freedom Unlimited gives you 5% cash back on different categories each quarter. Right now, I am earning 5% cashback on my phone bill and internet bill.
Last year, one quarter earned you 5% cashback on home improvement purchases. You better believe I was getting 5% cashback on everything I bought at Home Depot and Lowe’s.
5. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
With a $95 annual fee, you automatically become Silver Elite Status in Marriott and earn one free night at one of the 7,000 Marriott locations. You also earn 6x points per $1 spent at Marriott locations.
6. Delta Skymiles Gold American Express
You earn 2x points per $1 spent on Delta flights and free checked luggage on Delta flights, which we know can add up these days with airlines charging $50 per bag. If you fly Delta, the Delta Skymiles Gold American Express also gives you priority boarding.
Note: if you don’t fly Delta often enough, don’t apply for this one.
Be sure to catch the Travel Hacking FACEBOOK LIVE recording.
