Travel-hacking: Best credit cards for vanlife

Travel-Hacking: Best Credit Cards for Vanlife


Credit vs. Debit Card

Debit Card

Pros:

  • Spending your own money & budget control

Cons:

  • Limited fraud / unauthorized withdrawal protection
  • No building credit score

Credit Card

Pros:

  • Build credit
  • Rewards / benefits
  • High-interest loan in case of emergencies

Cons:

  • High-interest debt

Cards: The Safest Option for Vanlife

Cards are probably the safest option you have for vanlife. Cash can be good for budgeting but is also more likely to be lost or stolen. Consider using the envelope trick for budgeting with cash.

Traveler's Cheques

Considerations:

  • Traveler's cheques are becoming less common due to the prevalence of credit and debit cards.
  • They offer security, as they can be replaced if lost or stolen.
  • However, they may not be as widely accepted as cards, and fees may apply when purchasing them.

What is Travel Hacking?

Travel hacking refers to the strategic use of various travel-related rewards, such as:

  • Frequent flyer miles
  • Hotel/accommodation points
  • Groceries (Ibotta / Checkout51)
  • Fuel
  • Insurance benefits
  • Other credit card rewards
  • Clothes, shoes, tech

Remember, these benefits are designed to get you to spend MORE money. So be really careful you’re using it to YOUR advantage.

Best Travel Credit Cards

Capital One Quicksilver - Cashback

Pros: Offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. Simple rewards structure without categories.

Chase Sapphire

Pros: Preferred by many travelers for its generous sign-up bonus, valuable points system, and benefits like travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.

Capital One Venture Card

Pros: Known for its straightforward rewards system, offering miles that can be used for various travel expenses. No foreign transaction fees.

Charles Schwab Debit Card

Pros: Charles Schwab's debit card is widely praised for its no ATM fees worldwide, making it an excellent choice for cash withdrawals during travel.

Using Credit Cards Abroad

Notify Your Bank

Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid unexpected card blocks due to suspicious activity.

Credit Cards vs. Cash

Credit cards are generally safer than carrying large amounts of cash. They offer protection against theft, and you won't be held responsible for unauthorized transactions.

PayPal Card

A PayPal card can be a convenient option, especially if you frequently use PayPal for online transactions. Earn 3% cash back on PayPal purchases and 2% on all other purchases. It offers a secure and widely accepted payment method.

Additional Tips

Emergency Cash

Have a small amount of local currency in cash for emergencies or situations where cards may not be accepted.

Rewards and Benefits

Choose a credit card that aligns with your spending habits and offers rewards or benefits suitable for your travel needs.

Check for Fees

Be aware of any foreign transaction fees, currency conversion fees, or ATM fees associated with your cards.

Secure Online Banking

Ensure that your online banking is secure, and consider using two-factor authentication for added protection.

Recommended Resources for Travel Hacking

  • The Points Guy (thepointsguy.com): This website offers comprehensive guides on maximizing travel rewards, credit card reviews, and travel news. It's a great resource for beginners and experienced travelers alike.
  • Nomadic Matt (nomadicmatt.com): While primarily a travel blog, Nomadic Matt's website also includes guides on how to travel on a budget, including tips on earning and using travel rewards.
  • Head for Points (headforpoints.com): This UK-based site covers a range of travel-related topics, including air miles and hotel points. It's particularly useful for those based in or traveling to Europe.
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