Never Overlook These Travel Rewards Credit Card Benefits as Newlyweds

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‘Til death do us part means a travel partner for life. Use these perks to make that travel more fun — and more affordable. [[{“value”:”

Right off the bat, newlyweds traditionally have a big trip to plan — and pay for: the honeymoon. So, long before you say “I do,” you may want to start thinking about your post-nuptial travel rewards card strategy.

Top travel cards offer tons of great perks for couples, particularly when you start doubling up your cards. Here are some of the best perks to maximize as newlyweds.

Rewards and welcome bonuses

The rewards are the top perk of any good travel rewards card, particularly when those points can be transferred to hotel and airline loyalty programs. That’s how you score free travel and can get values of $0.03 per point and higher.

But when you have two players in the game, the rewards possibilities explode. For instance, you’re now able to earn twice as many welcome bonuses — you can even double up on the same card if the bonus is particularly awesome.

Of course, just as your rewards are now shared, so, too, is your debt. Make sure neither spouse is charging more than can be comfortably repaid before interest starts to accrue.

Companion passes

If you regularly travel with your spouse, then airline ticket companion passes can be a very valuable perk. These passes, offered by some airline credit cards, essentially offer an annual certificate for a free buy-one-get-one plane ticket.

For example, several Delta credit cards offer a companion pass each year after your card anniversary (and annual fee) date. Depending on the card, your companion pass could get you two first class round-trip tickets for the price of one (and a few government fees).

Airport lounge access

Airport lounge access is easily one of my top-three favorite travel perks. Yes, lounges can get busy. But hanging out in even a busy lounge is better than trying to find a seat at an inevitably crowded gate.

Plus, lounges offer free food and drinks — including alcohol in most cases — and much nicer bathrooms, typically without lines. Airline-branded lounges are also great places to get help with flight questions and rebookings.

If your credit card offers lounge access, you can likely get not only yourself in for free, but also your spouse. Guest pass policies will vary by lounge, though, so check the fine print before your flight.

Free award nights

The best hotel credit cards are ones that pay for themselves through free award nights. These certificates hit your account every year after your cardholder anniversary (and annual fee payment). Then, you can use them to pay for a free hotel night.

As a couple, you can make even better use of this perk by doubling up on your cards. Book two nights — using each spouse’s free night — and enjoy a long weekend. Most hotels will work with you to stay in the same room if you explain things politely at check-in.

Hotel elite status

Nearly all cobranded hotel credit cards offer some sort of complimentary elite status for cardholders. And while a lot of hotel elite programs have been devalued over the years, I’ll still argue that they can be worth having (especially when they’re included with your card).

Heck, even just skipping the check-in line by hitting the dedicated members desk can save you time — and, let’s be honest, it feels pretty good, too. Beyond that, a surprise upgrade is always an enjoyable perk. And sharing a complimentary breakfast with your spouse is a great way to start the day.

Luxury hotel benefits programs

With or without elite status, travel rewards cards could unlock a ton of perks for you and your spouse through their luxury hotel programs. For example, American Express has its Fine Hotel & Resorts program, which offers extra perks when you book a stay at eligible hotels through Amex Travel. (Chase has a similar perk called the Luxury Hotel & Resort program.)

These benefits can be very lucrative, and include:

Free breakfastRoom upgradesProperty creditsGuaranteed late checkoutComplimentary wifi

The extra perks can easily turn a small splurge into a luxury-packed weekend at a five-star hotel. How’s that for a date night?!

Free checked bags

If you — or your partner — or both of you — tend to overpack, then flying as a couple can get expensive once all those checked bag fees add up. In that case, consider picking up an airline credit card for your airline of choice.

A lot of airline cards will offer free checked bags as a cardholder perk. Even better, this typically extends to at least four people in your party, meaning you can apply the perk to you and your new spouse without needing a second card.

Maximizing perks: Authorized users vs. two players

With some credit card perks, adding your spouse as an authorized user is enough to give them access. For instance, authorized users typically share the primary cardholder’s lounge access.

However, not all perks will be doubled or shared. Statement credits, for instance, may be triggered by the spending of an authorized user, but they aren’t doubled.

In this case, consider when it’s beneficial for your Player 2 to open their own card account. This lets them earn the welcome bonus as well as enjoy any other perks or credits that aren’t shared by authorized users.

Travel rewards cards are a great way to improve your travel experience — and value. And that goes double (often literally) when your new spouse starts playing the game, too.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Brittney Myers has positions in American Express. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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