As the cost of flights and travel continues to rise, many may think that a summer vacation is out of reach. However, using your points and miles for travel can make that affordable trip a reality.
Thanks to rewards credit cards, everyday spending can earn valuable rewards that can get you free flights or hotels. In fact, more than 15 million domestic visitor trips were awarded and earned for "free" through airline credit card points alone. This number has likely continued to grow, as rewards credit cards allow you to earn points every time you swipe at a grocery store, gas station, or restaurant.
Your everyday spending and domestic travel plans can also help the U.S. economy more than you might realize. For example, in South Carolina alone, more than 2,000 jobs were supported by visitors using airline credit card points. This is just one example of the positive impact of travel rewards cards on the economy.
This summer is the perfect time to take advantage of travel rewards cards, with many amazing events happening in the U.S. Your travel plans can have a positive effect on the economy while earning even more rewards for your spending.
Travel rewards cards can help you travel affordably this summer, and having different types of reward cards in your wallet can save you money and improve your travel experience. For example, airline co-brand cards give you access to additional and more affordable award availability, a free checked bag, seat selection, and a faster path toward elite status.
Hotel co-brand credit cards can also provide valuable rewards, such as room upgrades, free nights, and perks like free breakfast. Plus, the points you earn on these cards can be easily redeemed in various ways, like booking travel in credit card portals or transferring points and miles to airline and hotel partners.
The welcome bonuses on these cards are often high, meaning you can earn a large amount of points at one time that you can use to take your dream vacation for free, or at least more affordably.
2026 is shaping up to be the year of domestic travel, with America's 250th birthday and the centennial of Route 66 on the horizon. This is a great time to explore the U.S. and experience all it has to offer, from scenic road trips to cultural events and attractions.
Domestic travel can also make your travel experience easier and more affordable, as fuel costs and airfare costs are often lower for domestic routes. Plus, using points from travel reward cards can go further domestically, making it easier to plan a fun and affordable trip.
The travel industry supports 15 million American jobs, and domestic travel benefits small businesses, restaurants, shops, and the national economy. In the state of Florida alone, 2,293,034 visitors used airline credit card points for airfare to and from the state in 2024, supporting 29,606 American jobs and a total economic impact of over $3.5 billion dollars.
Americans currently have the right to earn points and miles on their purchases, but this freedom may be at risk. The Durbin-Marshall Credit Card Competition bill could change everything, taking away the consumer's choice over which network their transactions are routed. This could eliminate reward programs and take away your ability to earn points and miles, harming small businesses and putting them at risk of cyber attacks.
