If you’re employed by an airline or have access to a buddy pass, which credit card should you consider?

Many of our articles focus on earning miles for free flights to your desired destinations—whether that’s a beach getaway, a family reunion, or a cruise port. But what if you already enjoy complimentary flights and aren’t interested in that aspect?

Those who work for an airline or possess a buddy pass fall into this category, and we realize this topic hasn’t been addressed before. TPG reader Kenzie reached out with inquiries about credit cards for individuals who already have free flights available, and it warrants exploration.

Let’s explore how to develop a credit card strategy if you’re part of the airline industry and frequently fly at no cost.

Start with the Fundamentals

Before diving into the specific credit card strategies for those who already benefit from free flights, it’s essential to keep some key concepts from our beginners guide in mind:

• Beginning with Chase credit cards is often advantageous due to the issuer's 5/24 rule
• Transferable points hold greater value than fixed-value points or points limited to a single loyalty program
• Always pay off your credit card bill in full each month to avoid interest and safeguard your credit score
• Having a long-term credit card strategy can help you gather as many points and miles as possible while achieving your travel objectives

Once you’re familiar with these fundamentals, you can begin crafting your credit card strategy.

What should your credit card strategy be if you travel for free?

You’ll want credit cards that address other travel needs, including hotels, cruises, trains, and ride-hailing services. Additionally, look for cards that offer essential travel protections for issues like trip cancellations, delays, and lost or delayed luggage.

To outline your credit card strategy, consider the following questions:

• What are your travel aspirations? Are you aiming to backpack through Southeast Asia, stay in an overwater bungalow on a secluded island, share an Airbnb with friends in a European city, embark on a cruise to Antarctica, or something entirely different?
• What’s your travel style? While similar to the previous question, think about whether you’d prefer a few nights in a luxury hotel or would rather maximize your points by opting for budget hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals.
• Who will accompany you on these trips, and how can they contribute? If you’re traveling mainly with colleagues who also have free flights from working at an airline, your strategies may align well. You could collectively pool points for accommodations or take turns redeeming points for various trip elements together.

Next, identify which points can assist you in reaching your objectives. Generally, transferable points are the most beneficial as they provide excellent value and a wide variety of redemption choices. For travel expenses requiring cash payment, a fixed-value card or one with a "purchase eraser" feature can be very helpful.

Transferable Points Credit Cards

Transferable points allow you to transfer them to travel partners. Instead of using these points like cash in a booking platform or as a statement credit, you can transfer them to airline and hotel partners for valuable redemptions.

Numerous credit cards provide transferable points, including:

The details for the American Express Green Card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information presented on this page has not been verified or provided by the card issuer.

*Upon enrollment, available via the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will retain their upgraded status until December 31, 2024. Please note that enrolling through the standard Hertz Gold Plus Rewards registration (e.g., at Hertz.com) will not automatically recognize a cardholder as eligible for this program, and they will not be upgraded to the corresponding status tier without additional steps. Other terms apply.

**Starting February 1, 2025: Eligible Platinum Card Members will enjoy 10 visits annually per Eligible Platinum Card to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day flight operated by Delta.

If you find that transferable points won't serve your needs well, a fixed-value card might be a more suitable choice.

Fixed-Value Points Credit Cards

Unfortunately, there are travel expenses that cannot be prepaid with points, such as seaplane transfers to a Maldives resort, rail passes in Europe, and daily subway tickets for navigating major cities.

Fortunately, several credit cards allow you to reimburse these types of expenses using fixed-value points. You can redeem them for statement credits to offset these purchases.

Here are some examples of credit cards that provide fixed-value points:

The details for the Altitude Go, Altitude Connect, and Altitude Reserve cards have been independently sourced by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

With Bank of America and U.S. Bank, you cannot transfer your points to partner programs. Instead, you can redeem your points as a statement credit to cover travel expenses.

Hotel credit cards

The advantage of a hotel room is that, unlike an airline seat, it can be shared with a friend, partner, or spouse. This means your hotel points and free night certificates can stretch further when both of you are earning rewards together.

Including hotel credit cards in your collection is also an excellent way to enjoy additional benefits, such as room upgrades or quicker access to elite status.

Here are some hotel credit cards currently worth your attention:

The details for the Hilton Aspire card have been gathered independently by Dinogo and have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

To figure out which card suits you best, it's essential to clarify your priorities. Are you seeking a card with a low annual fee and moderate benefits, or do you desire premium elite status for suite upgrades when you check in?

Should you explore other credit cards tailored for specific travel needs?

You might be curious about whether to pursue credit cards designed for particular types of travel, like those associated with cruise lines.

In most situations, opting for a general travel credit card is a smarter choice for paying for a cruise than using a cruise-specific card. The cards mentioned earlier, which earn transferable points, offer much higher rewards when used for cruise payments.

Moreover, some transferable-points credit cards come with benefits like trip cancellation and trip delay insurance—features you won't find with cards linked to specific cruise lines.

Key takeaway

If you're already enjoying free flights, you've tackled the priciest aspect of travel for most people and the biggest drain on points. For those with a buddy pass, a customized credit card strategy is essential. By identifying your travel objectives and earning the points needed to achieve them, you can effectively merge your complimentary flight access with various forms of free travel.

For the Capital One products mentioned on this page, some benefits may be offered through Visa® or Mastercard® and can differ by product. Please refer to the corresponding Guide to Benefits for more information, as terms and exclusions apply.