$18,900 in FREE FLIGHTS this year | How to Travel for Free with Credit Cards

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My Current Favorite Credit Cards (some are referral links--thank you for your support if you choose to click!):
BEST FOR COMPLETE BEGINNER: erikakullberg.com/cards
Chase Freedom Unlimited (I think this is the best for true beginners - has no annual fee. I think you should save the points though, and wait to redeem them until you’ve gotten a different Chase, like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserved, since then you’ll be able to redeem points for travel instead of cash back, which has a lot more value in it. Feel free to comment if you’re interested in this strategy and I’ll explain more in detail.)
BEST FOR NEW TO TRAVEL HACKING BUT NOT NEW TO CREDIT CARDS: erikakullberg.com/csp
Chase Sapphire Preferred (I think this is the best for someone not new to credit cards but new to travel hacking and OK with an annual fee)
CURRENTLY IN MY WALLET FOR EVERYDAY SPENDING: capital.one/2DheZj5
Capital One Venture Rewards Card (My current favorite for just everyday spending given it offers 2x points on all categories)
TIMESTAMPS:
1:07 Basic Concept of Travel Hacking
4:02 Six Key Tips to Know To Start Travel Hacking
11:59 My Step-by-step Process for Redeeming Flights
In today’s video we’re covering one of my FAVORITE topics… free travel USING CREDIT CARD POINTS! I’ve saved thousands of dollars on travel ($18,900) just by learning about travel hacking, and in this video I’m going to teach you how you can start traveling the world with credit card points too. I’ll cover everything you need to get your first free flight, including a basic overview on travel hacking, the tips you have to know before getting any credit cards, and my step-by-step process for redeeming free economy flights, free business class flights and free first class flights!
📖 Read more about this topic:
17 Surprisingly Simple Travel Hacks with Big Impact - erika.com/travel/travel-hacks/
📌Join 4 million followers on Instagram to see my other money videos: / erikankullberg
NOTE: This description contains some affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a minimal commission if you click through and use these links (at no additional cost to you).
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. Although I am a lawyer by profession, I am not your lawyer and no attorney-client relationship is established with you in any way. This video, and the ideas presented in it, are for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial or legal advice.

[@4UCESO]

I was told to hate credit cards. Now I have a total of 8. I have a really good credit score while rotating my credit cards and ALWAYS keeping 0 balance. It all comes down to education, focus, discipline and good habits. For people that have really bad impulse buying issues, I would recommend caution. Great Video Tutorial!

[@MarkReese]

Hey there - well said, and congrats on breaking the old mindset to build up an 8-card setup for yourself! 😃💯 Which cards get the most use?

[@alisf12]

You’re right, I just hate the credit score system in general. It’s a system designed to keep you in debt and with the little education given about credit cards in schools it’s not hard to see how people find themselves drowning in debt. Yes they might be at fault personally but the system isn’t great either

[@vacationboyvideos]

@@alisf12 your cute

[@alisf12]

@@vacationboyvideos *you’re

[@vacationboyvideos]

@@alisf12 u wrote me? 😍 Thank u, u can correct me anyday!😍

[@MihadAlzayat]

I meet my minimum spend by dropping it on Hennessy shots at the club the night before I board my free flight Tokyo. True story.

[@MihadAlzayat]

Erika Kullberg - Personal Finance Tips I loved it so much. I only realized you live in Tokyo after I left my comment. What are you doing there if you don’t mind me asking? From your mug I’m assuming you went to Georgetown for law?

[@MihadAlzayat]

Erika Kullberg - A Lawyer's Personal Finance Tips thanks for the thorough response, always cool to learn about someone else’s life. I’ve lived in Northern Virginia for a while now, since 13. I went to Tokyo and South Korea this year for about 3 weeks each, really enjoyed both but I see myself being in japan if I didn’t have to work their insane hours. Currently a software engineer and trying my hand at KZbin. I’ll see where it goes. Your videos are solid and the editing great. Keep it up and stay in touch. Feel free to reach me at my email which is on my channel. Cheers

[@suavecito6114]

@@MihadAlzayat shut up simp

[@stylez914]

This is totally something I’d do 😂😂

[@drewdawson3830]

😂😂😂 brilliant

[@zoegwynn]

this has been the clearest video i've seen on the subject so far. I really appreciate you walking us step by step! i can't wait to try this when corona is over!

[@MarkReese]

Hey Zoe! Did you get any new cards w/ big bonuses this year to save up for a post-corona trip? 😃✈

[@anuj8825]

Did you try it yet?

[@KaiDLeifert]

Great content and I love the calculations! As a side note for those in Europe, with most flight carriers your best value comes with upgrades from Economy to Business Class. This is especially true for trans Atlantic flights.

[@MarkReese]

Hey Kai - right on 👊 Those international flights in premium cabins can give awesome value for points / miles 😃✈️ Which cards are you using most regularly?

[@michellet204]

I seriously love your honesty and transparency. Your advice is solid! Thanks erika

[@MarkReese]

Hey Michelle! Since watching Erika's video earlier this year, did you decide to get any new credit cards to save up points for a future trip? 😃✈

[@kevinrichardson3961]

Thank you for the video. I saw someone else talk about how you can leverage credit cards to travel and I'm interested in getting started. What I like about your video is that you actually listed examples on how you can plan a trip and decide if you want to pay cash or use points. I currently only have one card which I've had for years and basically use it to accumulate points to buy Christmas Gifts for my kids but I think now I'm interested in taking it to the next level and use to travel.

[@thedailyadventurers4508]

The examples were great and the timestamps to skip to the more advanced skills were helpful! Thank you!

[@MarkReese]

Hey there! Did you get any new cards w/ large bonuses in 2021? 😃✈

[@samira1334]

You did such a great and clear job explaining - thank you!!

[@MarkReese]

Hey Samira! Did you get any new credit cards throughout 2021? 😃💳

[@natashad.5754]

This was soo helpful! Thank you for breaking this subject down step by step

[@MarkReese]

Hey Natasha - totally agreed! 😃💳 Did you get any new cards earlier this year to save up rewards for future trips?

[@ruchika5502]

I have heard these concepts before but your clarification was the best

[@estifanosberta-samuel2570]

Great points, you actually answered all of my questions, thanks for posting!!

[@MarkReese]

Hey Estifanos! Did you get any new card approvals in 2021 after viewing Erika's video? 😃💳

[@ythtp1998]

Thank you Erika! What a logical simple outlay. I love it ❤️ Of course I did subscribe 🙌🏽🎉

[@maximizedmoney]

Loved the personal breakdown of points vs. dollars. This is my struggle with my CS Preferred card. Something in my spirit just doesn't sit right with paying more in the portal vs. in cash. Usually, I judge it off a $100 difference but this is a better strategy. I've been considering my next card so I took tons of notes. Thank you!!

[@geraldmccray3301]

this was REALLY helpful. i’m new to utilizing credit and you are definitely helping. thank you for this!

[@MarkReese]

Hey Gerald! Awesome that you're now in the credit game 👊 Which cards have you gotten so far? 😃💳

[@Richard-ok5un]

Amazing! Best video ive seen on this topic.

[@365vacay]

This is still the best and most succinct tutorial. Kudos!

[@slymm619]

This is DEEP!! I love it. I am wanting to do more international and domestic flights

[@connolly447]

Hi Erika, thank you for your channel! These hacks are really helpful ☺️

[@LoveReesie]

This was very very very helpful thank you so much !

[@MarkReese]

Hey Reesie! After watching Erika's video earlier this year, did you decide to get any new credit cards? 😃💳

[@LexFerrante]

I had no idea about the length of open credit cards affecting your credit! We use the Chase Sapphire card for everything! Looking forward to more financial tips! New subbie here!

[@paul9008]

Extremely helpful!

[@SeanLei]

This is such a thorough explanation! This year I got the venture, and 2 chase ink business cards and just booked Hawaii + Japan for free! Also thought I had subscribed and needa binge your vids

[@SeanLei]

@@Erika2 Tokyo and Kyoto end of May! Definetly as the trip gets closer I'll ask you for recs 😁

[@marjakullberg2545]

Very interesting information and well done video as before, Erika!

[@yokonakamura698]

Great video, Erika! I learned so much from this video. I will start making my travel plans using my credit card. So excited! Thank you.

[@MarkReese]

Hi Yoko! Did you apply for any new credit cards since watching Erika's video a couple years ago? 😃💳

[@brittla200]

Such an excellent video! Very thorough and extremely healpful!

[@MarkReese]

Hey there! Did Erika's video from awhile back get you into the credit card rewards game, too? 😃✈️

[@melosfunchannel5704]

Thank you! Well explained 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@NickPeitsch]

Excellent video! Love the b-roll clips you created.

[@NickPeitsch]

Erika Kullberg - Personal Finance Tips I was thinking that’s gotta be a BIT awkward 😂

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

Did someone say snipe? 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

@@Erika2 🤣😂🤣😂

[@kobylomax]

This was super helpful

[@questlyft360]

This has been very helpful.. Thanks a bunch, love how you break down your POV, am guessing the judges in your cases really understand where you're coming from👌😊💯🎯 Fan from Uganda 🇺🇬

[@davidj7516]

Thank you very much for your time and posting. Every teenager should watch this.

[@mrpauljyoung]

I am a major points junky having used these techniques for years. This was the best video I’ve seen on the subject overall - great job!

[@davemartinez4143]

What a thorough breakdown. Thank you for the video. You got a new subscriber here

[@ai_foodexplorer]

Thanks Ericka your info is helping a lot 👌

[@EasyPathFinancial]

Great information you shared. Great video as well.

[@ldstiesto]

What a great video! Thanks for the advice

[@MarkReese]

Hi Juan! Did Erika's video encourage you to get any new cards this year? 😃💳

[@johndeluna774]

Excellent, well organized, presentation.

[@maidsinpink6400]

Great video!!! Love this information

[@wyckede356]

Great video, one of the best that I have seen thoroughly explaining not only the topic but strategy as well breaking down the cost analysis of when to use points rather than cash. My question is could you explain more how to close cards when your churning credit cards without it affecting the length of your credit card history?

[@Erika2]

Thank you! The best way when you can is to downgrade the card. Also for the credit card history, this is why you always want your first card to be one with no annual fee--because you'll want to keep it open forever (since that will serve as your credit card that you've had open the longest)

[@alejandrorodriguez4189]

Love your videos great advice 💯🙏

[@cynnabnz]

This video was so helpful. People brag about travel hacking, but won't usually go into such detail as you have here. Thank you so much, this guves me confidence to finally try my hand at CCs w/points.

[@kitcloudkicker72]

Thank you Erika. You put a lot of effort into making your videos. This is very informative as I knew nothing about this topic. Now I where to start 😀

[@Erika2]

I’m so glad to hear! Thanks!

[@MarkReese]

Hey Kit! Over the past year did you open up any new credit cards since watching Erika's video? 😃✈️

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

This is an excellent video because your explanation of travel hacking is comprehensive. So much so that I shared your video with friends. Thank you for producing this!

[@MarkReese]

Hi L.A. Rivas, Esq. - have you added any additional credit cards to your wallet over the past year? 😃✈️

[@paytonbrown3994]

Very educational. Thank you very much!

[@AnaG]

So informative. I’ve been saving my points but afraid to use them become I didn’t know how to figure out if it was worth it or to pay cash

[@lily_pb]

love the background setup

[@angelicadejesus801]

Great info!

[@iLLy143]

so helpful!. ty!.

[@mohammedazeem4718]

Thank you Erika , very informative

[@MarkReese]

Hey Mohammed - have you gotten any new credit cards this year? 😃💳

[@bevuzoma5226]

Wow this was super helpful!

[@cleardesigners]

The example was awesome and key for me to understand.

[@kukuna2012]

this is Sooooooooo helful! thank you so much

[@NoelleRollinsArt]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@MarkReese]

Hi Noelle! Are you using any credit cards to earn rewards on your monthly expenses? 😃💳

[@randystover5]

Thanks Erika I really liked this video!

[@randystover5]

I'm not sure what that is

[@davidrosenman976]

The examples are super helpful thanks

[@KevinConwayChannel]

I have not paid for travel in over FOUR YEARS because of those sweet, sweet credit card points. Totally agree!

[@TheGoldenAgeofHardRock]

Same here Kevin, we've already booked hotels and flights next summer to Vancouver and Honolulu. Flights and hotels all free!

[@TheGoldenAgeofHardRock]

@@Erika2 The Hilton at Waikiki Beach!

[@TheGoldenAgeofHardRock]

@@Erika2 Love maxing out those Hilton Honors points!

[@chatitobbq4613]

@@TheGoldenAgeofHardRock which cc you have ty.

[@mcruz4467]

What a great education on credit card bonus hacks!. thank you for your information.

[@Sarah-np9yb]

Hi! New to your channel and love it! Can you do a separate video on Chase Freedom and how to redeem points to travel?? Thank you!

[@nraghu99]

Great video

[@btlim4316]

My problem with this strategy is two. First with airlines, I typically do not know which airlines would offer the best deal. So you may start accumulating points on united to exchange for a $1000 ticket, then Philippines airline comes in and offer a $700 flight. So you end up not using those points. When using points for hotel, usually only high end hotels allow that. I usually just stay in cheaper or boutique hotels which are cheaper. So in the end I find myself spending less if I buy ticket and hotels with cash and using points as statement credits than to use the points directly to purchase.

[@SwagOnSwoosh]

I really liked the .02 to justify using the points. I value them more after watching this great video. Thanks

[@MarkReese]

Hey Mike! Which credit cards are you using most to earn rewards right now? 😃💳

[@robertojimenez721]

Love the channel... you’re awesome!!! Good info..😉

[@Erika2]

Thanks so much!

[@MarkReese]

Hey Roberto! Did you get any new credit cards this year? 😃💳

[@carolinaespinoza154]

Thanks for the content! What is your thinking process for credit card shopping? And I’d love to hear your insight/opinion about Amex!

[@Liznvx]

This is AMAZING! ❤❤

[@robertmelgoza6941]

Hi Erika thanks for your great advice following

[@leyannaa]

Learned something new! Thanks girl

[@Erika2]

I'm so glad!

[@MarkReese]

Hi Leyanna! Did you decide to apply for any new credit cards this year since watching Erika's video? 😃✈

[@riverargueta7595]

Thank you for making this video !!!! I want to start traveling more next year and I want to know what the best credit card is for me ! Now I’m set to apply for a new card ! 🥰

[@GoMinivan]

Finally the first! and Only step by step of travel partners. I always get so confused at this point. Thank YOUUUU! Do you maximize hotel stays with cards?

[@MarkReese]

Hey Linda! Regarding your question above, were you referring to using a hotel-specific card to earn more points at a particular chain? Or something else? 😃✈

[@mathildaandmike]

I like how meticulously you track your spending/savings. Also, that you emphasize taking advantage of your day-to-day expenses with the card that offers the best deal. Where are you planning on traveling next?

[@MarkReese]

Hey Mathilda & Mike! Did you two get any new cards in 2021 to earn rewards for a future trip? 😃✈💳

[@MOBAGamingNYC]

Good quality content :)

[@yeranishunor4854]

I love your KZbin channel! :)

[@MarkReese]

You’re into the credit card game too! 😄🙌✈️💳 Great video!

[@hustonbrayan6095]

Legit?? I bought a cc from *Ericroboti* on telegram best Vendor I know and very trustworthy. He sell cc,fullz,Bank,Drops,and Dumps

[@rutgers16]

Really cool explanation

[@joshuacharlery5826]

Thanks Erika

[@nithinkumars1916]

Thank you Erika, this was super useful.I also have Chase Sapphire Preferred. In your example, when deciding the cents/mile, you compared both for Singapore Airlines. What if there was another airline which was cheaper? How can you compare miles across different airlines then?

[@philluv]

Just starting this process and your video was so good and answered a lot of questions that I'm definitely subscribing!

[@Erika2]

So glad to hear!

[@marlondohall3161]

Erika can you book me a flight using your point for a total stranger really need the help to get home had a return ticket from Antigua to Jamaica but did put a pass on my ticket because I wasn’t ready to leave and that cost me to lose my ticket reply if you want to help the airline is Caribbean airline

[@marlondohall3161]

Please do if you can would really appreciate it because I really don’t have the money to buy a one way ticket really broke have been here to months and no job as yet so I really want to go

[@MarkReese]

Hey Phil! Did you end up getting any approvals for new cards this year? 😃💳

[@philluv]

@@MarkReese I actually did!! Went to disney world and paid nothing for airfare, rental car, or hotel!

[@kayiah_the_nerd]

Awesome example of how being financially responsible with credit cards and finances can reward you BIG TIME! We do the same in our household. EVERY expenses go on the credit card we share to get more points. We love traveling, so getting more points for us is a big deal.

[@thanhconghoi7120]

Nice to meet you,I learner

[@rameshkrishnan5651]

It's great to see a fellow Tokyoite give succinct and useful advice on Personal Finance! :) One question: Which Japanese credit card do you recommend? I am looking to accrue points at low cost. I am a student.

[@esther-cam4343]

Thank you so much . Much needed video from a women’s point of view 🤗

[@MarkReese]

Hey Esther! Are there any travel cards on your radar for 2022? 😃✈

[@johnsoto879]

Great video! Do you take into analysis the number of points for the flights if you were to book through the chase travel site? Since you have the reserve card, could that translate to using fewer points?

[@MarkReese]

Hey John! Yep, it's often worthwhile to compare the mileage rates directly with the airlines vs. bank portals to choose the option that requires the fewest number of points 😃✈ Which cards are you using most at the moment?

[@Je.rone_]

*Nice vid* 💪🌚

[@Je.rone_]

@@Erika2 no need to thank me I'm your friendly neighborhood black Vito💪🌚

[@Ema25Henao]

Lifechanging!!! Thanks for introducing me to travel hacking

[@andrewandretti7379]

WOW, she is one honest Lawyer in America.

[@MarketScraper]

Almost 19k!? That's cray cray! I need to step up my travel game :) Looking forward to your 200k debt video!

[@MarketScraper]

@@Erika2 Will do, thanks Erika!

[@williamwarner8189]

I've been doing this for yearsss. I didn't know it had a name. 😅. But as you explained clearly...BE DISCIPLINED! If debt is created, you're doing it wrong. Thanks for your insights.🤗

[@SussmanFinancial]

Thanks for the info! Question: How soon can you reapply for the same card that you recently cancelled and get the bonus again?

[@julianagarcia2971]

Hi! Super helpful video. Do you have a template of the spreadsheet you can share? I like your system of keeping track of the cards :)

[@carmelabalos4714]

Once you hit your minimum purchase and earned your points, do you tranfer your points before closing the card? Please advise.

[@JakeBroe]

I currently have 16 credit cards. It's a super fun hobby.

[@Erika2]

Haha, that's amazing! You have me beat!! I guess that's why you're my go to for credit card advice :)

[@lpgiftsandtravel]

thanks I am a new travel agent and I want to learn as much as I can

[@juliuscuartero5928]

Love love your video! I have a question regarding expiring American Airlines points. Can you ask for an extension?

[@YouEsqEnt]

You are AMAZING. 🤗 I just discovered this channel. Thinking of subscribing

[@Erika2]

Thank you!

[@MarkReese]

Hey Jonah! Since watching Erika's video earlier this year, did you decide to open up any new credit card accounts? 😃💳

[@YouEsqEnt]

@@MarkReese why you ask

[@MarkReese]

@@YouEsqEnt - Curiosity, I enjoy learning what people use ✌️

[@hazelgacula8672]

Awesome content!!!

[@MarkReese]

Hi Hazel! Did Erika's video get you into the credit rewards game at all? 😃💳

[@hazelgacula8672]

@@MarkReese absolutely! Happy holidays

[@MarkReese]

@@hazelgacula8672 - Awesome! Right back at you 🎅

[@jermaineboyd6594]

Great tips and hacks..I didint know this hack when I had a chase freedom credit card not that I use it for flights but just dinning out,but its good to know,I'm planning on taking my possible first flight next summer to Orlando great vid.

[@jermaineboyd6594]

@@Erika2 I wish that was the case its a conference...spiritual that is and business.. On your video after next can you do one with money making apps?

[@jermaineboyd6594]

@@Erika2 I look at some a give you some apps names that makes money

[@MarkReese]

Hey Jermaine! Have you added any additional credit cards to use alongside your Chase Freedom card? 😃💳

[@laosta692002]

Erika, do you recommend credit card churning to obtain points? Also, are you still using american credit cards in Japan?

[@amirahjackson9884]

ERIKA! I LOVE YOU!

[@Erika2]

Love you!!

[@amirahjackson9884]

@@Erika2 do you have a video on traveling w regular credit cards vs. business credit cards?

[@LiLsIcKViDeOs]

Max rewards is a literal life changer when it comes to tracking all the things mentioned in this video

[@MarkReese]

Hey Junior - totally agreed 😃👊 Have you been liking it yourself?

[@general3113]

Maybe already asked but would it make more sense to book through chase ultimate rewards instead of transferring points to united? There’s an incentive that your points are worth more that way.

[@usharose8903]

Question: I had the impression that if you are constantly getting new cards and then canceling them (temporary cards as you call them) it can have a negative impact on your credit. What are your thoughts on this?

[@mateogranados9673]

Great video, very informative! Do you have any experience dealing with the BofA Travel Rewards Card? I want to transfer points but I am not sure of the process