Maximizing credit card points and miles is an art form, and the right tools and apps can make all the difference. As we head into the peak travel season of 2023, it's more important than ever to have the right resources at your fingertips to ensure you're getting the most out of your rewards. That's why I'm thrilled to share with you my top picks for the best apps and tools to take your points and miles game to the next level in 2023. From tracking your credit score to finding airport lounges, here are the apps and tools that have earned a permanent spot on my phone.
TRAVEL FREELY
Travel Freely is an app that helps users keep track of their credit card rewards, annual fees, and bonus categories. It also has what they call a “Card Genie” that has the ability to recommend the best cards for users to apply for based on their spending habits and travel goals. I personally use it to keep track of all of my open cards, when the annual fees are due, when I received each Sign-up bonus etc. Having all this information in one place, and with a STUNNING visual interface is priceless! If you’re in the points and miles hobby, this app is a MUST!
Lounge Buddy:
LoungeBuddy is a must-have app for any traveler looking to make the most of their time at the airport. With LoungeBuddy, you can easily search for airport lounges all over the world, and see what they have to offer. I will literally use Lounge Buddy to check out airport lounges at potential layover locations before I even book my flight. I love it because you can see user photos and reviews of a lounge before you go, and you can preview what amenities it offers, as well as what is required for entry.
Another great feature is that you can tell the app what credit cards and airline status you have so that it can tell you exactly which lounges you have access to. If you’re going to be traveling anytime soon or booking any travel soon, be sure to download and check out this app first!
DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: Apple App Store
Card Pointers
This app is one of my favorites!! With so many credit cards offering various benefits and bonuses, it can be tough to keep track of all the perks that come with each card. That's where Card Pointers comes in. This app helps you take advantage of all the offers that come with a credit card, even those that are often forgotten. By tracking your credit cards, Card Pointers ensures that you never miss out on a bonus or a chance to earn more points.
Again, I personally love it for it’s super user-friendly interface and design! It is so easy to input your credit cards and receive personalized recommendations based on your spending habits. You'll even receive timely reminders about important dates, like when a specific offer you could take advantage of is going to expire. It doesn’t matter whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out on your points and miles journey, Card Pointers is an essential tool you will want on your home screen!
DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: Apple App Store, Google Play
Credit Karma
This app lets users monitor their credit score and credit report for free. Now, the primary reason I recommend this app might not be what you think! If you’ve spent any time researching points and miles you’ve no doubt come across the term “5/24 status” (if not check out my article all about it here!). Well, Credit Karma is the app I recommend to keep an eye on your credit report and to determine your 5/24 status! The credit score it displays is not always the most accurate, however its a fantastic point of reference! I Keep this on my phone to make sure I get notified of any changes to my credit score, and to keep an eye on what is reporting on my account! Anyone looking to travel using points and miles should start by downloading this app!
DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: Apple App Store, Google Play
Priority Pass
This app gives users access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. With Priority Pass, you can enjoy complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, and fast Wi-Fi, even if you're not flying in business or first class. If you don’t have a priority pass membership, you can actually get a complimentary membership by opening one of my all-time favorite Credit Cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. There are also other cards like the Capital One Venture X, or the American Express Platinum card that also offer various degrees of access to priority pass lounges! If you travel even semi-regularly, this is definitely worth your consideration!
DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: Apple App Store, Google Play
YNAB
While technically not a “travel” app…YNAB (which stands for "You Need a Budget") has eared a permanent spot on my phone and in my life! YNAB is a budgeting app that helps users keep track of their expenses and savings goals. With YNAB, you can create a budget that works for you and stay on top of your spending habits. This app can be particularly helpful for travelers who want to maximize their rewards while staying within their budget because of the unique way in which YNAB handles credit card spending. If you’re serious about traveling on a budget then YNAB!!
DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: Apple App Store, Google Play
BONUS:
For those interested in YNAB, you can snag a FREE YNAB budget consult CALL with my good friend and budget bestie Jordan!! (She can be your bestie too don’t worry!) She will teach you how to use YNAB to live more financially free than you ever thought possible! I can guarantee if you use an app like YNAB with the help of a coach like Jordan at Budget Bestie, your points and miles earning potential will go through the ROOF! Check out her Instagram right here.
CLosing Thoughts:
By using these apps, you'll be able to stay on top of your credit cards, earn more points, and make the most out of your travel experiences. While there are many options to choose from, these apps are some of my personal favorites and have helped me save time, money, and stress. So why not give them a try? Who knows, they might just become your new best travel buddies! Did I miss an app?? Comment below and let me know if there are any you think I should’ve included!! Thanks for reading!
As always comment or email info@artoftravelblog with any questions you might have!
~ Matt Borsic | Founder Art of Travel