Content provided by Bankrate.com. New York Post and its content partners earn compensation from the affiliate companies that appear below. This content does not include all available financial offers, and compensation may impact how and where links appear in the content.

Picture this: you’re sipping on a margarita, lounging on a white sand beach, soaking up the sun in a luxurious all-inclusive resort. Sounds like a dream honeymoon, right? 

Now, imagine being able to fund your next three adventures with the rewards you earned from that very same honeymoon. That’s exactly what my wife and I did.

When we tell people about our travel experiences, we often hear, “Wow, that must have been a once-in-a-lifetime trip!” or “It must be nice to travel so much.” But here’s the thing: travel doesn’t have to be a rare luxury or an unattainable goal. 

In fact, credit cards — yes, you read that right — can be your ticket to more frequent and affordable travel. Here’s how. 

As budget travelers, my wife and I usually opt for cost-effective accommodations like hostels and Airbnbs. However, we wanted to indulge in a more luxurious experience for our honeymoon. 

We decided to book a seven-night stay at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, through a travel agent. The total cost, including accommodations and travel expenses, was around $8,000.

While we wanted to splurge on our honeymoon, we couldn’t completely suppress our penny-pinching instincts. That’s when we discovered the power of credit card welcome bonuses and rewards programs, specifically with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

The Sapphire Preferred card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. My wife and I each opened a card and split our honeymoon payment, instantly meeting the minimum spending requirements.

In addition to the 120,000 points we earned from the welcome bonuses, we registered the second card through the referral program. This got us an extra 15,000 points. 

The card also offers 2X points on “other travel purchases.” That way, we racked up another 16,000 points just by paying for our honeymoon.

When all was said and done, we had amassed a staggering 151,000 reward points. These points covered our round-trip flights for three upcoming trips to Chicago, Nashville, and Phoenix — all without touching our bank accounts. And believe it or not, we still have points left over!

Most cards allow you to exchange your points for cash back, but you’ll generally only get one cent per point (ex, 60,000 points equals $600). To get more bang for your buck, consider purchasing travel through your credit card’s reward program. 

For example, when you redeem your 60,000 welcome bonus points through Chase Travel with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card, your points are worth 25% more. Using the example above, 60,000 points would equal $750 in travel. 

To get the most out of your points, research the specific airlines, hotels, and travel partners available with your card’s rewards program before applying.

With countless cards vying for your attention, focus on those with solid welcome bonuses, achievable minimum spend requirements, and reasonable annual fees. Here are three standout options:

Credit card welcome bonuses and rewards are designed to be enticing. But it’s crucial to understand the rules of the game to reap the benefits without falling into potential pitfalls. Here are three tips to make the most of your cards. 

The golden rule of credit card rewards hacking is always making your payments on time. Many of these credit cards have high APRs, often over 20% and sometimes close to 30%. However, if you pay your bill in full and on time, you’ll pay zero interest.

Nationwide credit card debt has surged to over $1 trillion, marking a concerning new record. To make sure the cost of carrying the card doesn’t outweigh the rewards, only spend what you can afford to pay off on your card and never carry a balance. 

Credit card issuers heavily rely on your credit score when determining your eligibility for any given card. A FICO score of 670+ will qualify you for most credit cards, while options may be more limited if you fall into the 580 to 669 range. If your score is below 580, it’s smart to improve it before diving into rewards hacking.

Opening a new credit card may temporarily lower your credit score. But using your card smartly can help boost it in the long run. By making timely payments, managing debt, and diversifying your credit mix, you can improve your score. 

Failing to meet the minimum spend requirement within the timeframe may forfeit your credit card’s welcome bonus. However, there are several creative ways to ensure you hit your target on time:

Once you’ve earned your welcome bonus and redeemed your reward points, you have three options for your credit card(s):

Credit cards are often associated with overwhelming debt. But using your card the right way can actually be profitable. By leveraging welcome bonuses and rewards, you can turn expenses like your honeymoon into funding for your next adventure.

If you’re ready to embark on your credit card rewards hacking journey, remember to make timely payments, maintain a good credit score, and hit those minimum spend requirements. With a little planning, you’ll be well on your way to making your travel dreams a reality.

Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.