Always wondered how it happens Have been using credit cards for some time, never found as much in rewards. What can a novice change in his cards?
There are certain cards which help you get free tickets(not entirely free though)
Most famous ones are Vistara cobranded cards. Eg Sbi Vistara Prime Card
You get the card at annual fees of Rs3500 With this you get 1 Vistara Premium Economy Ticket which would easily cost 8-10K INR if you were to book by paying
Additionally you get more Premium Economy tickets each time you hit a spend milestone.
1.5lakh spends in a year - 1 more ticket 3lakh - another ticket 4.5 Lakh- another ticket 8 Lakh - another ticket
In addition you get 1 upgrade voucher using which you can upgrade your ticket from category X to category Y. This is via the Vistara Silver Tier Membership which is complimentary with the card. It also gives 5kg addition baggage allowance
There are more such cards in market like idfc vistara, axis vistara (business class variant as well)
Plus you get 4 cv points per 200rs spend which again can be used for booking. A del to blr flight costs 7500 cv points
Then there are other category of cards where you earn reward points and you can convert those points to the loyalty points of certain airlines which can again be used to book tickets with that airline.
Thanks @Headhunter
Really appreciate you taking out the time
Will check this out!
There are no free lunches in this world. Change your mindset. Don't change your cards.
I’m simply saying there’s a way to optimize better
True Sigma Mindset is asking for such hacks on Grapevine, Reddit and YouTube. Which is what the OP is doing. Do check for downsides as well.
Axis Vistara might possibly be one of the entry level variants that offer easy to understand process for ticket redemption.
Once you’re done with that, start exploring AmEx for one of the best in class offerings against points.
@salt , can you explain the amex part? I don't see them having good redemption for flights. Best ratio I have seen is Marriott Bonvoy.
@Legend_WaitFrIt_Dary You might be correct.
So personally, I prefer to own fewer credit cards. As a result, AmEx typically yields me better reward points across various use cases.
However, travel specific cards are obviously better. But if I keep on getting credit cards for each use case then it is a hassle to manage them all.
Maybe, someone can launch an app for this. CRED? 🙌🏻😂
Writing this while waiting for my free (not really) flight back from a domestic vacation, haha.
One of the answers mentioned Vistara Co-Branded cards in detail, so not writing about it again - but yeah this has made it possible. I have been using Axis Vistara Signature (aka Premium Economy in Vistara tickets) card for availing these tickets.
Why (not really) free?
Other cards usually convert to Air Miles and use it for buying tickets - haven't done this so can't comment.
I used DCB for free air tickets, the same card use to offer 33% points (selected vendors including amazon) in lieu of your monthly spends. 1 point is equivalent to 1 rs when redeemed for air tickets. My monthly spends were ~ 50k on that card, you can do the calculations now.
I'm 24 and haven't started using a credit card yet. I don't even have one. Am I going right or wrong??
What are some good credit card options that would benefit someone who travels often? Something with an unlimited/decent number of lounge access, or offers on flights, or rewards like miles, or maybe even offers on hotel stay? Basically a...
Considering the ongoing devaluation of credit cards across the banks which one is the best?
Is there any expert here who can suggest things. I have a lot of areas of improvement. Investment, offers, banks etc. So if you're an expert in these topics please contact me or comment here.
