5 Tips to Maximize Your Travel Rewards for the Holidays

It is almost the end of the year which means many of us are busy planning our holiday travels. Let’s face it, traveling during the holidays can be costly. But the good news is you can make the most of the points you have accumulated throughout the year to help reduce those costs. Here are 5 tips to help you use them effectively and save on your holiday adventures.

1. Know the Details of Your Rewards Programs

The best way to maximize your rewards is by becoming familiar with the ins and outs of your rewards programs. Whether it is airline miles, hotel points or credit card rewards, the most important details to note are the redemption options (how many points are needed) and the expiration dates of those rewards. Points often lapse so make sure to strategically use them before it is too late.

2. Use Credit Cards for Everyday Purchases

A smart way to rack up points quickly is to use your rewards credit card for everyday purchases. Speaking of, did you know that SESLOC offers a Local Rewards¹ program, where eligible SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards² cardholders earn more points per dollar when they shop at participating local businesses? From amazing retailers to restaurants, wineries, grocery stores and beyond, choose to spend where you earn more. Remember to pay off your balance each month to avoid interest charges.

3. Take Advantage of Credit Card Perks and Benefits

Rewards credit cards like the SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards credit card offer concierge service³ to assist in booking accommodations, provide emergency travel and roadside assistance when the unexpected happens, and have no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally. And not only can points be redeemed for travel discounts but can be used to receive cash back⁴ and redeem savings on gas to help decrease the costs of your trip. It gets even better as you can now Gift Your Points⁵ to another eligible cardholder and send them on a dream vacation! Do not overlook the benefits and learn more today.

4. Plan Early

The holidays are one of busiest times of the year for travel, so it is best to plan early while options are not limited. Perks like award seats and affordable flights can fill up quickly. If possible, book your tickets early so you can save on costs and earn points to use towards your travels.

5. Benefit on Promotions

Keep your eyes peeled for promotions as airline and hotel rewards programs often offer bonus miles or points for bookings during the holidays.

Also, with SESLOC Rewards⁶, you can redeem your earned reward points from your HomeFREE Checking™ debit card OR your SESLOC Visa Signature^® Rewards credit card for things like cashback, gift cards, sporting events, super-cool items and travel to boost the experience of your upcoming trip. AND if you have both accounts, your earned debit and credit card reward points are automatically combined under one account, increasing your redemption power.

Next Steps

The key takeaway from these tips is that you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy your travels. By investing a little time in searching for deals, strategically managing your points and taking advantage of available rewards, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses. The trip can be just as much, if not more, enjoyable when you are not worried about your budget.

So, as you plan your next adventure, keep these strategies in mind and consider learning more financial tips on how to prepare for your travels from SESLOC’s archive of educational articles. Wishing you happy travels and joyful holidays ahead!

1. Local Rewards bonus points are earned on purchases made at participating Local Businesses only. Participating Local Businesses (“merchants”) are subject to change at any time without notice. Participation in Local Rewards does not constitute an endorsement on the part of either the merchant or SESLOC Credit Union. Purchases made at participating merchants processed through third-party services (e.g. DoorDash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats etc.) may not qualify for bonus points under Local Rewards. Local Rewards is part of the SESLOC Rewards program; see seslocrewards.org for complete terms, conditions, restrictions and eligibility that apply. For any questions regarding Local Rewards, contact SESLOC Credit Union.

2. Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. See a summary of Visa Signature^® card benefits and view the complete benefits guide.

3. SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards cardholders are responsible for the payment of any and all charges associated with any goods, services, reservations or bookings purchased or arranged by the Visa Signature Concierge on cardholders’ behalf. Any such purchases or arrangements are solely between the cardholder and the respective merchant, and Visa is not a party to the transaction. All goods and services subject to availability. See full terms of service at visasignatureconcierge.com.

4. ACH deposit may take up to ten (10) days to be applied, and statement credit may take up to two (2) billing cycles.

5. Maximum gift is 50,000 points and gifting is nonrefundable. Please see complete terms at seslocrewards.org

6. SESLOC Rewards program Terms and Conditions can be found at seslocrewards.org The SESLOC Rewards program (“Program”) is a service provided by SESLOC Credit Union (“Sponsor”) and managed by ampliFI Loyalty Solutions, LLC (“Administrator”). Participation in the Program is exclusive to those who have a current HomeFREE Checking™ debit card or a SESLOC Visa Signature® Rewards credit card issued by the Sponsor. There is no pre-registration required. By making eligible transactions with a HomeFREE Checking account debit card and the SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards credit card, the cardholder is accepting the terms and conditions of the Program. See seslocrewards.org for Program terms and conditions. You retain the option to utilize these services as long as you are a HomeFREE Checking or SESLOC Visa Signature Rewards cardholder, subject to terms and conditions. Sponsor and Administrator reserves the right to modify, expand, discontinue, or retire any part of the program at any time.