Sign up for a Bonus Card Now to Get Your Vacation Travel Discount
It’s hard to think about the holidays when you turn on the air conditioner and sweat like crazy, but now is the time to start budgeting. If you’re hoping to save on year-end travel with a little rewards hack, you’ll want to get started soon.
A recent study by NerdWallet found that it is best to apply for a new travel promotion credit card no later than five months prior to travel. We’ve written extensively about this research, and the rewards can vary from card to card (and from journey), but it’s a good general rule of thumb to follow.
This will ensure that you receive the signup bonus offered by most cards, as noted in the US News & World Report. They explain:
The five month period applies if you plan to use your new credit card points or miles to book a flight. This period includes:
- About two weeks to receive the card after submitting the application
- Three months to spend on a card is enough to earn a sign up bonus
- Enough time to book your trip at least 47 days in advance – perfect time to get the best deal
If you only plan to book a hotel room, the lead time may be shorter. However, be aware that hotel rooms may fill up faster during the holiday season, so plan accordingly.
Travel hacking has become quite popular because credit cards offer pretty decent sign-up-only travel deals: you can often squeeze a full free ride out of the deal. However, we must point out that this is only beneficial if you use your credit cards responsibly and pay them in full on a monthly basis. For more information, go to the full version of the message at the link below.
Photo by MIKI Yoshihito
It’s Time To Apply For A New Credit Card For Your Vacation | US News & World Report