Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Lounge access can make travel much less stressful. Whether you’re traveling during a busy season and need to escape the madness of the terminal or simply need a place to stay when your flight is delayed, lounge access can make the difference between being flustered and remaining calm.
Many cards provide Priority Pass memberships, but the American Express® Green Card takes a slightly different approach to lounge access. Instead of providing membership to a network of lounges or a set number of complimentary lounge access passes, the American Express Green Card provides up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year when you use the card to purchase lounge access directly from LoungeBuddy through its website or app.
Lounge access through LoungeBuddy starts at $9 per entry, although most lounges cost between $27 and $54. So today, we’re looking at how to maximize the $100 annual statement credit for LoungeBuddy passes that comes as a benefit of the American Express Green Card, which has a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Use other lounge passes first
If you have complimentary lounge access through other means, use that lounge access when it’s available so you can save your LoungeBuddy statement credits for other trips.
For example, if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you have access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which provides Centurion Lounge access, a Priority Pass membership and access to Airspace and Escape lounges, along with Delta SkyClubs on the day you fly. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Additionally, if you have select airline cards you may have access to the airline’s lounges when flying that airline or its partners. Elite status or flying in premium cabins also may afford you lounge access.
In short, it’s worth checking whether you have complimentary lounge options before booking a paid visit through LoungeBuddy.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
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Research your options
If you want to book a lounge using LoungeBuddy, you can see all the bookable lounge locations on the LoungeBuddy website. For example, the following image shows all the U.S. airports that currently have a lounge bookable through LoungeBuddy. As you can tell, there are still a lot of airports where you won’t have any lounge options.
You can use the LoungeBuddy website to compare lounge options before booking. It’s worth the time to compare amenities, important information, reviews and cost on the LoungeBuddy website to help you decide which lounge to visit. And you might be surprised at the little difference in cost between lounges. The Escape Lounge at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), for instance, actually costs less than The Club at CVG, so researching in advance will help you choose your most valuable option.
Likewise, if you decide on a particular lounge, it can be a good idea to determine whether you can purchase lounge access for less through another method if you’ll easily use your American Express Green Card’s $100 annual LoungeBuddy statement credit on other lounge visits.
Related: Airport lounge do’s and don’ts
Use LoungeBuddy to pay for extra guests
Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders get complimentary access for themselves and up to two guests to Escape Lounges, but you can use LoungeBuddy to purchase passes for additional guests if you’re traveling in a larger group.
Similarly, if a lounge participates in both Priority Pass and LoungeBuddy, you can purchase access for additional travel companions through LoungeBuddy if you aren’t allocated enough guests through your Priority Pass membership.
Related: How to get a family of four or more into an Amex Centurion lounge
Keep track of your usage
You can certainly keep using LoungeBuddy to purchase lounge access once you’ve exhausted the American Express Green Card’s $100 annual statement credit. But you may want to keep a note on your phone so you can track your LoungeBuddy usage.
This way, you’ll know when you book the lounge visit that puts you over the $100 mark for the year, which means you won’t see any more statement credits from your American Express Green Card for additional LoungeBuddy visits the rest of the year.
Related: Credit card perks you should be using
Splurge on an impressive lounge
Maximization doesn’t have to be about getting the most lounge visits from your American Express Green Card’s $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit.
Instead, maximization might mean using the statement credit to visit an impressive lounge you wouldn’t normally splurge to visit. For example, you can use the majority of your credit for a single visit for two to the Lufthansa Business Class lounge in New York JFK if you’ve been wanting to check it out.
Related: 7 lounges that are worth going out of your way for
Consider international lounges
Many lounges outside the U.S. cost less than domestic lounges. This means you may be able to squeeze more lounge visits out of the American Express Green Card’s $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit if you are abroad. Many of these lounges include more substantial food and better amenities than comparably priced lounges within the U.S.
For example, you’ll find multiple lounges bookable through LoungeBuddy in Singapore (SIN) that range in cost from $28 to $43 per entry, and in Bangkok (BKK), there are several lounges you can book for just $36 per entry. These prices are only slightly less than you’d normally find in the U.S., but it’s nice to have affordable options no matter where you find yourself.
A few lounges are accessible for even less. You can get an entry to the Mingalar Sky Lounge in Yangon (RGN) for $10. Similarly, the Aviserv Lounge in Mumbai (BOM) offers three-hour lounge access for just $9 or seven-hour access with a shower and sleep pod for $52.
With options like these, you can stretch your $100 statement credit if you’re traveling abroad.
Related: How valuable is a Priority Pass membership?
Bottom line
One benefit of the American Express Green Card is an annual $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit, which you can use in many different ways. You could visit a $10-per-entry lounge in Yangon 10 times, or use the credit to splurge for Lufthansa Business Class lounge in New York JFK. Maximization looks different for each traveler, but you have plenty of options to use your LoungeBuddy statement credit in a way that provides the most value to you.
If you want to learn more about lounge access and the American Express Green Card, check out the following guides:
For rates and fees of the Amex Green Card, click here.
In response to increased anti-LGBTQ+ legislation efforts in the U.S. in 2023, the Human Rights Campaign has declared what it calls a state of emergency for members of the LGBTQ+ community. It also released new state-by-state guidance on issues for the community in various states.
On June 6, the LGBTQ+ lobbying group released a guidebook aimed at the 75-plus bills that have been implemented in 2023 to restrict LGBTQ+ persons. They include more than 200 proposed bills targeting transgender youth.
The warning from the HRC comes at the beginning of Pride Month when hundreds of thousands of people will travel across the country to attend Pride parades.
It also follows a slate of anti-gay laws signed into law in places like Florida, where some Pride events have been canceled due to fears over safety. The NAACP issued a travel warning for Florida, saying the state has become hostile ” … toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”
We asked the HRC for a statement on potential travel warnings but did not receive a response in time for publication. However, the HRC report offers insights into the group’s decision to issue the warning and guidance.
“In 2023, we entered a new phase of legislative attacks, with bills passing in many states designed to erase entire communities of people under the law,” the HRC report says. “These new laws create dangerous situations and keep people from being able to participate in public life. More than 525 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 41 states in 2023 alone, with 220+ specifically targeting transgender youth.”
The report considers actions taken by states, such as banning drag shows, promoting conversion therapy and opposing gender-affirming care. It also includes states’ stance on bathrooms based on transgender identification and participation in school sports by transgender students. Additionally, the HRC outlines states with legislation like the LGBTQ+ Erasure Act, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, pronoun refusal laws and forced student outing laws.
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HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
The HRC says its guide is “designed to support all individuals and families regardless of their choices or options” and also provides resources for those in affected states.
For example, the HRC suggests visitors and locals review its State Equality Index, a comprehensive report of statewide laws and policies affecting members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families. The HRC also encourages people to examine its Municipality Equality Index for a more in-depth look at laws in specific cities. For more resources, the HRC provides an interactive State Maps feature outlining relevant laws and policies related to non-discrimination, healthcare and youth, among other issues that affect members of the LGBTQ+ community.
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This year so far, the HRC notes that 41 states have introduced more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills, including 22 states that now restrict participation in school sports by transgender students and 10 states that restrict restroom access for transgender students. It also notes that 19 states have bans on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender and nonbinary minors, with one additional bill on a governor’s desk as of the report’s publication.
Nationally, much attention has focused on recent Florida legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis impacting schools, including legislation restricting educational materials, such as books and teacher instruction related to gender and sexuality, along with legislation that prohibits transgender people from using restrooms in publicly owned spaces like airports.
“In 11 states, school personnel can either misgender transgender students, be forced to “out” them to their parents — even if that puts the student in danger at home — or be bound by ‘Don’t Say LGBTQ+’ laws that restrict their ability even to acknowledge the existence of LGBTQ+ people,” the HRC report says.
“Several states have combined administrative attacks on transgender youth and their families with legislative attacks, including Florida, Missouri and Texas,” the HRC report continues. “Several of these laws have been enjoined by federal courts, and dozens of additional lawsuits have been filed in recent months.”
Las Vegas, with its glitz, glamor, and vibrant entertainment scene, has long been synonymous with a thrilling vacation destination. However, when it comes to choosing a place to call home, many wonder if Las Vegas truly offers a desirable living environment. To help you make an informed decision, let’s explore the pros and cons of living in Las Vegas. From the excitement of world-class entertainment and access to outdoor pursuits to the challenges of scorching summers and traffic congestion, Las Vegas presents many different factors to consider. So, whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Las Vegas, purchase a home in the area on Redfin, or simply curious about what it’s like living in Las Vegas, join us as we delve into 11 pros and cons to help you determine if Las Vegas is the right place for you to put down roots.
Pros of living in Las Vegas
1. An abundance of activities
Las Vegas, known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” offers an unparalleled number of activities for visitors of all interests. From iconic resorts along the famous Las Vegas Strip like Mandalay Bay and the Venetian to downtown’s Fremont Street, visitors can explore an array of casinos, live performances, and stage productions. Beyond the gaming and entertainment scene, Las Vegas also offers luxurious shopping experiences, championship golf courses, and rejuvenating spas. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, such as the nearby Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam. Additionally, Las Vegas boasts a wide range of gourmet dining options, from celebrity chef restaurants to international cuisines. Some of which include Bouchon, Peppermill, and Carson Kitchen.
2. Food scene
Las Vegas has established itself as a food lover’s paradise, offering a remarkable culinary scene that rivals some of the world’s finest cities. Renowned for its diverse and extravagant dining options, Las Vegas boasts a multitude of Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chef establishments like Piccaso, Joel Robuchon, Gordon Ramsay Steak, and Giada.
The Las Vegas Strip alone is home to a staggering array of dining choices, where visitors can savor cuisines from around the globe, including Japanese, Italian, French, Mexican, and many more. Additionally, Las Vegas hosts numerous food festivals and events throughout the year, such as The Great American Foodie Fest and San Gennaro Feast. For those seeking a more casual dining experience, Las Vegas also offers an array of bustling food courts and food trucks like Block 16 Urban Food Hall and Eataly Food Court at Park MGM.
3. Access to nature
Despite its reputation as a bustling city of lights, Las Vegas provides easy access to breathtaking natural wonders and outdoor recreational opportunities. One of the most popular destinations is the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, known for its striking red sandstone formations and picturesque hiking trails. Adventurers can embark on scenic drives, rock climbing adventures, or simply take in the views. Moreover, within a few hours’ drive, outdoor enthusiasts can reach several national parks, including Death Valley National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park.
4. No state income tax
One of the significant advantages of living or working in Las Vegas is the absence of state income tax, as Nevada does not impose a personal income tax on its residents. This favorable tax environment means that individuals can keep a larger portion of their earnings compared to many other states in the United States.
5. Great airport
Las Vegas is served by Harry Reid International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the United States. As a major transportation hub, Harry Reid International Airport offers excellent connectivity to domestic and international destinations, making it convenient for travelers from around the world. The airport is located just a few miles south of the Las Vegas Strip, allowing for easy access to the city’s resorts and attractions.
6. An up-and-coming sports city
Las Vegas has rapidly emerged as a thriving destination for sports boasting an exciting and up-and-coming sports scene. The National Hockey League (NHL) welcomed the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017. Since its inception, the Golden Knights have made it to two Stanley Cup Finals, one in 2018 and another in 2023. Furthermore, professional football arrived in Las Vegas with the relocation of the Oakland Raiders to become the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. The state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium, situated just off the Strip, serves as the team’s impressive home venue. Las Vegas also is home to the Las Vegas Aces, a professional women’s basketball team. The Aces have quickly become a force to be reckoned with, boasting a talented roster and consistently making their mark in the league.
Cons of living in Las Vegas
7. The summer heat
Las Vegas is notorious for its scorching summer heat, creating challenging conditions for residents and visitors. With temperatures often soaring well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), the intense heat can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. The relentless sun and lack of shade make outdoor activities during the daytime difficult.
8. Lack of public transportation
One of the challenges in Las Vegas is the limited availability and effectiveness of public transportation. While the city has made efforts to improve its transportation infrastructure, including the implementation of a bus system and the Las Vegas Monorail, the overall public transportation network remains relatively underdeveloped compared to other major cities. The bus system, while serving some areas, may not offer comprehensive coverage, resulting in longer travel times and limited access to certain destinations. The Las Vegas Monorail primarily operates along the Las Vegas Strip, making it convenient for travelers staying in that area but less useful for those needing to reach other parts of the city. As a result, many residents and visitors rely heavily on private vehicles or rideshares to navigate Las Vegas.
9. Lack of greenery
One of the drawbacks of Las Vegas is its noticeable lack of greenery. The desert landscape surrounding the city means that lush vegetation and expansive green spaces are scarce. Instead, visitors and residents are greeted with a predominance of arid desert terrain characterized by rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and a limited presence of trees and plants. This scarcity of greenery can make the city feel stark and somewhat monotonous in terms of natural scenery.
10. You can’t see stars
One disappointing aspect of Las Vegas is the difficulty in seeing stars due to light pollution. The city’s vibrant nightlife and dazzling displays along the famous Las Vegas Strip create a continuous glow that permeates the sky, obscuring the natural beauty of the stars. The abundance of bright lights, neon signs, and illuminated buildings results in light pollution, which significantly diminishes the visibility of celestial objects. If you want to go star-gazing, expect to drive well outside the city before you begin to see twinkles in the night’s sky.
11. No four seasons
One aspect that some may find disappointing about Las Vegas is the absence of four distinct seasons. The city’s desert climate contributes to hot, dry summers and mild winters, with relatively little variation throughout the year. This lack of distinct seasonal changes can make it feel as though the year blends together without clear transitions between spring, summer, fall, and winter.
If Memorial Day 2023 was any indication, travelers should brace for big Fourth of July crowds at airports. On the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened roughly 2.7 million people at U.S. airports, the highest checkpoint volume thus far in 2023.
And summer travel is only just getting started. In 2019, the Friday before Memorial Day was the third-busiest day at U.S. airports for the entire year, losing only to the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the Sunday after July Fourth. This may indicate that airports could be even busier around Independence Day than Memorial Day weekend.
Making Fourth of July travel predictions is tricky this year because the holiday falls midweek, on a Tuesday. Some folks may take Monday off to enjoy a long weekend, while others may save their vacation time for a different holiday.
With that in mind, here’s some guidance around booking July Fourth weekend air travel and how you might be able to avoid the crowds (and potentially save money on airfare).
The best and worst days to fly July Fourth weekend
TSA collects data daily to capture the number of passengers screened at its U.S. checkpoints. NerdWallet analyzed the past four years of this data for the seven days before and after July Fourth.
In each of the past four years, the Friday before July Fourth was the busiest travel day ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. If that trend continues this year, travelers should expect U.S. airports to be especially full on Friday, June 30.
Are airports busy on July Fourth? The data shows the holiday is the least busy day to fly, with airport crowds averaging just 81% of what they are relative to the busiest travel day.
Based on an average of the past four years, here are the worst days to travel around July Fourth weekend, ranked from most to least crowded.
Pre-holiday:
Friday before.
Thursday before.
Monday before.
Post-holiday:
Sunday after.
Monday after.
Thursday after.
Instead, consider these options. Here’s what the data showed as the best days to travel over July Fourth, ranked from least to most crowded:
Pre-holiday:
Saturday before.
Tuesday before.
Sunday before.
Post-holiday:
Saturday after.
Friday after.
Wednesday after.
The smarter, cheaper Fourth of July travel itinerary
Based on recent historical trends, most people will kick off their Fourth of July weekend as early as possible, jetting off on Friday, June 30 — or even ducking out of the workweek early by departing on Thursday, June 29. Most travelers will likely maximize their weekends, waiting until Sunday, July 9, to fly home.
But following typical July Fourth holiday travel patterns could mean costs in terms of airfare and time spent waiting in line at the airport. Deviate from that schedule to find lighter crowds and perhaps better July Fourth flight deals, too.
Try these travel days instead:
Embrace Saturday travel: Rather than rush out from work on Friday afternoon to jump on a flight, relax at home that evening and depart Saturday morning instead. Simply shifting your trip by one day could likely result in going from one of the busiest to lightest travel days of the July Fourth travel period.
The same goes for traveling back home. While it can be tempting to extend your trip as long as possible before work starts on Monday, skip the Sunday flight and fly home on Saturday instead. Bonus: You’ll give yourself a day at home to rest and recover before you hit the next workweek (how responsible of you).
Fly on July Fourth: If you don’t mind traveling on the holiday, you’re looking at the single emptiest air travel day of the period.
Do one better by flying out early on the holiday. Travel booking app Hopper’s spring 2023 Flight Disruption Outlook found that flights that depart from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. are half as likely to be delayed versus flights with scheduled departure times after 9 a.m.
Plus, a morning flight improves your odds of catching the fireworks at your final destination.
Fly on Wednesday, July 5: Will July 5 be a busy travel day in 2023? Likely no. This year, July 5 falls on a Wednesday, one of the cheapest days to fly year-round. Plus, according to TSA’s data, July 5 has been a consistently light travel day. In 2019, July 5 was the lightest travel day for the week after the holiday (July 5 fell on a Friday that year).
Moreover, for U.S. domestic economy tickets in 2022, Wednesdays were about 22% lower than peak prices on Sundays, according to a NerdWallet analysis of Hopper data.
July Fourth travelers in 2023 can feel confident that a July 5 flight itinerary will afford them cheaper airfare plus less congested airport queues.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Memorial Day weekend has passed, and the summer travel season is here. The Transportation Security Administration screened nearly 10 million passengers over the four-day holiday weekend, including a post-pandemic daily record of more than 2.7 million travelers on Friday, May 26.
As millions of travelers take trips by plane, cruise ship or road this summer, we’ve gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.
Whether you’re an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.
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How to find travel deals
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.
Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don’t mind altering your family’s plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.
One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights. You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you’ve selected.
It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the “Explore” button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.
However, Google isn’t the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.
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Don’t sleep on mileage awards, either. If you’ve been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it’s time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.
No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights, there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.
You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren’t available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.
Be your own best advocate
Since there are air traffic controller and pilot shortages, airports struggling with staffing in some areas and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.
There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.
First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You’ll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.
You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.
Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here’s what you should do next
Download your airline’s mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you’ll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.
If your flight is canceled, you’ll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.
We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there’s a delay. Sometimes, an airline’s Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.
Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.
I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I’m booked in case something goes awry. This way, I’ll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.
Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You’ll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays.
If you’re stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport’s secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.
Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck
One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You’ll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.
Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free
TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry, you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.
If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you’re approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.
Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta
The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear.
Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear
The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You’ll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.
A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn’t perfect at all airports where it’s so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.
Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit
Make copies of your important documents
Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver’s license, your state ID and/or your passport.
You should have copies of your IDs in your phone’s library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID and didn’t bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn’t have the physical document.
TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. “I also leave a copy of it at home if I’m traveling alone,” she said.
Check expiration dates
If you aren’t 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.
Related: How and when to renew your passport
Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver’s licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don’t forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.
Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.
Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.
Consider travel protection
When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection. Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express, offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.
Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations
If the coverage offered by your credit card isn’t enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance. These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.
Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.
Tips for your luggage
TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.
First and foremost, try to be on “team carry-on” whenever possible. If you don’t check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.
Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that’s the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.
Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage
After last year’s baggage delays and luggage disasters, we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing.
If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. “As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency,” TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.
Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. “The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip,” he said. By making sure those items you’ll use most are easiest to reach, you’ll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.
Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.
Staying safe on your journeys
From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you’re away from home.
To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it’s still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.
Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.
Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you’re supposed to be or the last place you visited.
If you’re arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you’re arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.
Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room’s security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.
Some final tips
For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship’s departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.
Bottom line
Whether you’re fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.
Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights, sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards. Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.
Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
As a traveler, I am firmly team carry-on and will very rarely check a bag, while some of my colleagues prefer to always check a bag.
Even if you insist on checking a bag, certain items should always go in your carry-on.
Here are 10 items to never check, according to our TPG travel team.
Identification documents
This one should go without saying since your identifying documents, such as a passport or valid driver’s license, are among the most important items for a traveler to keep close, especially if you’re traveling abroad.
If you’re traveling domestically and don’t need a passport, all travelers age 18 and older still need a driver’s license or other state photo identification card from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) to pass through security at U.S. airports. A full list of Transportation Security Administration-accepted forms of identification is available here.
Once you’ve reached your destination, you’ll likely need to show some form of ID to check into a hotel or rent a car. If traveling abroad, we recommend carrying a picture of your passport with you while keeping your passport (and other valuables) securely locked in your room (in a hotel safe, if available).
Additionally, consider printing your travel itinerary and other important documents in case something happens to your phone or you can’t access Wi-Fi, says Erica Silverstein, TPG senior cruise editor.
Phone and charger
A phone is among the most helpful tools when traveling, especially if you have a plan that allows you to use your data internationally.
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From navigating and figuring out directions in a new place to visiting cities you’ve visited before, your phone can be a lifeline when traveling. This also means frequently having to charge your phone, which is only possible if you’ve brought the right charger and any converters to be able to use the plugs (if applicable).
Keep all of your electronics and chargers in a carry-on for easy access on the plane, where you can also use the in-seat charging portal. Charging inflight ensures your phone is fully charged before exiting the plane, minimizing the chance of a dead battery en route to your hotel or other accommodations since your room may or may not be available for check-in when you arrive.
This is also helpful if you have a lengthy layover between flights since you can’t guarantee you’ll find access to a charging station at an airport.
As a female traveler who sometimes travels solo, a working phone is crucial. All travelers, solo or not, should pack a portable charger in their carry-on and always bring that with them when they go out and about.
Headphones and electronics
In addition to your phone, some travel with other Apple products, such as an iPad and Apple Watch, requiring separate chargers. If you’re like me, you’ll never travel without two sets of headphones (one wireless and one not) since wireless ones may run out of battery.
This is also courteous for your fellow passengers since most airlines prohibit flyers from listening to shows or music out loud while also potentially providing you with headphones, depending on the airline and route.
Keep your headphones and AirPods within easy reach at all times.
If you happen to travel with a suitcase with a battery pack for charging, such as those from Away, remember that these must be carried on per TSA rules.
A change of clothes
Per my earlier comment, the last time I checked a bag, it was a huge mistake. I missed my connecting flight due to inclement weather and my luggage was sent without me to my final destination. That left me spending the night in an airport hotel in Miami with just my backpack and the clothing I had been wearing for almost an entire day.
I’m not alone in this experience.
“I always keep at least one change of clothes for myself and each of my kids in my carry-on, even if I am checking a bag,” said Tarah Chieffi, TPG travel news reporter. “If our checked luggage is delayed or lost, or if inflight accidents occur, we always have a fresh change of clothes.”
This scenario is exactly why it’s important to pack at least one spare outfit in your carry-on item.
She also recommends throwing in a grocery bag or large zip-close bag for dirty clothes in your suitcase. Some suitcases even come with a reusable laundry bag.
You’ll likely appreciate having a fresh change of clothes, especially on long-haul flights and those with long layovers. You might even be able to access an airport lounge or an aircraft with showers, which is even better for freshening up.
Even if your flight is short and direct, it’s still helpful to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your baggage gets delayed.
Reusable water bottle
Another item we recommend traveling with is a reusable water bottle. Just make sure the bottle is empty before you pass through airport security since most airports limit the number of liquids you can take through security.
Once you head to your gate in the post-security area, you’ll likely find free water refill stations where you can fill up your reusable bottle, including some with filtered water.
During your flight, request water and then pour that water into your bottle so it’s full at all times. Just remember to take your water bottle (along with your other items) off the plane when you disembark. I’ve lost two Hydro Flasks this way.
Also, flying can dehydrate you, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. It’s important to pay attention to your water consumption on travel days and make sure you are getting enough.
Considering how much airport stores charge for water and other items, bringing your own water bottle saves money — and eliminates single-use plastic.
Snacks
Not unlike the water, don’t rely on the airport or inflight snacks since food options when traveling may not be available or open when you need them.
“I always bring snacks, which are especially helpful if your flight is unexpectedly delayed while you’re on the plane with no option to get off,” said Senitra Horbrook, TPG credit cards editor.
Prescriptions and other medications
If you take medication daily, it’s wise to pack any prescriptions into your carry-on luggage along with any over-the-counter medications you take frequently or might need, such as pain relievers or allergy medicine.
For example, I always bring several days’ worth of Tylenol, Benadryl, vitamins, probiotics, etc., as well as a few extra supplements of my daily medicine in case I end up staying longer than anticipated.
I also pack a few extra pairs of contact lenses. I wear dailies and prefer them over wearing my glasses, though I bring my glasses as a backup. I also bring adhesive bandages, just in case.
Assistance items
For senior travelers or those who require assistance, do not keep any assistive/medical device item, such as a walking stick or handicapped placard, out of reach.
A good rule of thumb — if it’s anything you can’t live without for half a day or more, put it in your carry-on, says Erica.
Hand sanitizer, wipes, paper towels and tissues
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many travel with hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes to wipe off seats, tray tables, seat belts, etc., upon boarding.
These items are small and can easily fit in your carry-on item. Just ensure your hand sanitizer does not exceed 12 ounces, which is an allowance specifically for hand sanitizer that the TSA implemented during the pandemic. All other liquids must still meet the 3.4 ounces or 100-milliliter size requirement.
Other items to consider bringing in your carry-on are paper towels and a washcloth in case of spills or other situations where you need to dry your hands.
You might be able to find tissues and band-aids at airports and on planes, though they’re likely not going to be great quality. Tissues are small enough to pack a few in your carry-on in case of unforeseen circumstances, from the sniffles to a paper cut.
Valuables
Beyond your phone and important travel documents such as your passport, keep your most important items close to you while traveling, including jewelry.
These items would fall under the “hard to replace if not irreplaceable” category, depending on how sentimental they are to you.
Bottom line
Once you’ve decided on the items most essential for your carry-on, be sure to decide what carry-on item makes the most sense for them to go in.
For example, if you have two carry-on bags, one smaller one that fits underneath the seat in front of you or one suitable for the overhead bin, think about what items you might need most often throughout the flight and position those in your smaller bag.
For everything else, you can always get up and retrieve items from your larger bag from the overhead bin.
One important distinction between advanced award travelers and those newer to the world of points and miles is how each group searches for award space.
Those with experience earning and burning points and miles will carefully study various partner award charts, looking at where to transfer their flexible points and what sweet spots they can utilize. Meanwhile, beginners may log into their United MileagePlus or American Airlines AAdvantage account, search for the destination they want to visit and book the first award they see regardless of price or convenience.
While anyone can accrue a good amount of points by earning welcome bonuses on top travel credit cards, this difference in redemption strategies is huge. Using the right partner program to book your award could save you as much as 50%, depending on the carrier and route.
With major programs switching to dynamic pricing and 500,000 miles for one-way business-class flights to Europe becoming increasingly common, it’s more important than ever to know the best ways to maximize your points and miles.
Today, we’ll look at some of the best value sweet spot award redemptions. While this list is not exhaustive, if you plan to travel to one of these destinations and have points at your disposal, these are surefire ways to get an excellent redemption value every time. If you’re new to the world of points and miles and any of these destinations interest you, you can use this as a road map to instant success.
ANA premium cabins to Japan with Virgin Atlantic points
Virgin Atlantic’s partner award chart for ANA is one of the best sweet spots out there. While availability can be hard to come by, and the first-class rates recently increased, this remains an incredible use of Virgin points.
The sweet spot
For this sweet spot, it’s important to know that the prices differ if you’re flying from the West Coast versus the central and eastern U.S. You can also book one-way flights for half the round-trip prices noted below.
ANA’s new business class is called “The Room,” and its new first class is referred to as “The Suite.” Both are excellent products that we are big fans of here at TPG — and flying in either means you can visit the always-popular Japan.
You’re allowed an open-jaw routing as long as you stay within the same region of the U.S. (West or Central/East). This means you can mix and match airports wherever you find award space.
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For example, flying from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) and then returning from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) would be a valid itinerary, costing only 95,000 points in business or 170,000 points in first class.
Availability can be scarce — you will have the best luck booking 12 months in advance (as soon as the seats are loaded) or last minute (less than 14 days before departure when unsold seats are often loaded for awards). Your best bet for finding availability is to search for it using the United MileagePlus website and call Virgin’s Flying Club to book.
Related: Feels like first class: Flying ANA The Room business class from LA-Tokyo
Earning Virgin Atlantic miles
Virgin Atlantic miles are among the easiest to earn. You can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One, Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy to Flying Club. Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from Amex or Citi that could drop your costs even further.
Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value
Iberia business class to Spain with Avios
Iberia Avios can unlock one of the cheapest ways to fly to Europe in business class.
The sweet spot
The key to this sweet spot is to fly a nonstop, Iberia-operated flight of 3,001 to 4,000 miles on off-peak dates (check Iberia’s peak and off-peak calendar). This is because Iberia uses a distance-based award chart for its flights.
Iberia operates several transatlantic flights that fall into the 3,001- to 4,000-mile distance band. As such, you can book Iberia flights between the following city pairs for just 34,000 Avios, plus modest taxes and fees:
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).
BOS to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN).
JFK to MAD.
JFK to BCN.
IAD to MAD.
While flights from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to MAD are slightly outside this range, they also price at 34,000 Avios one-way in business class.
Earning Avios
There are three primary ways for U.S.-based travelers to earn Iberia Avios:
Related: 4 versions of Avios: When to use Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, Iberia and British Airways
Qatar Airways Qsuite business class to the Middle East or Africa with AAdvantage miles
Qatar Airways has won numerous awards for its innovative Qsuite business-class product, regarded as one of the world’s best business-class experiences.
The sweet spot
If you don’t live near a Qatar Airways gateway, you may be able to find an itinerary that allows you to connect domestically in the U.S. for the same cost.
You can search for award availability online, even if you don’t have the necessary miles. Just note that award space may be difficult to come by, so check back regularly if you can’t find flights on your desired route.
Earning AAdvantage miles
There are a few American Airlines cobranded cards you can use to quickly accrue AAdvantage miles.
The information for the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard and AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
You can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to American Airlines AAdvantage at a 3:1 transfer ratio. Additionally, if you pay your rent with Bilt Rewards or spend on the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees), you can transfer your points 1:1 to AAdvantage. Points transfer from Bilt to AAdvantage instantly.
Related: Best uses of American Airlines miles
Cathay Pacific business class to Asia or Africa with Alaska miles
The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan used to be one of our favorite airline programs, as the program once offered some incredible award flight sweet spots. Sadly, Alaska has removed many of its award deals, but Cathay Pacific is one of the remaining Mileage Plan sweet spots that you should book before it disappears.
The sweet spot
Flying with Cathay Pacific from the West Coast to its Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) hub will cost 30,000 miles each way in economy. If you can find available seats in premium cabins (which is difficult), you’ll pay 50,000 miles per person in business class and 70,000 miles per person in first class.
You can also continue on to several points in Asia, such as various destinations in India and Dubai International Airport (DXB), paying just 50,000 miles per person for a one-way flight in economy. Expect to pay 62,500 miles for a one-way business-class ticket and 70,000 miles for a first-class ticket.
Unfortunately, Cathay Pacific’s premium cabin seats are extremely tough to find. If you find availability, we recommend booking immediately. If you need to cancel your ticket later, Alaska will redeposit the miles and refund the taxes and fees without penalty.
Earning Alaska miles
Alaska miles aren’t the easiest to earn, as they are not linked to any major transferable program. Thankfully, Alaska’s broad list of airline partners means you can earn when flying with many different airlines.
Alaska Airlines also has two cobranded credit cards with Bank of America.
Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card: Get a $100 statement credit, 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare, plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card: Get 50,000 bonus miles, a $100 statement credit and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare, plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Related: Which credit card should you use for Alaska Airlines flights?
Short-haul flights on British Airways with Avios
With dynamic pricing in some programs showing up to 100,000 miles for a single flight in economy, British Airways is a good alternative. The Executive Club program offers low prices on short flights.
The sweet spot
British Airways only charges 4,750 Avios each way for off-peak flights it operates from London to destinations up to 600 miles away. This includes destinations in Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, France, Germany, Austria and Italy. Taxes will set you back just $31 (this can vary depending on current exchange rates), though you also have the option to reduce this to $1 by redeeming 9,250 Avios.
Award flights include full-size cabin baggage and checked baggage.
Earning British Airways Avios
The easiest way to earn a meaningful number of Avios for everyday spending is by applying for the British Airways Visa Signature Card. You’ll earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. TPG values Avios at 1.5 cents each, making the full bonus worth $1,125.
The British Airways Visa Signature has a $95 annual fee and earns 3 Avios per dollar spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Level. Plus, you can earn 2 Avios per dollar spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. All other purchases earn 1 Avios per dollar spent.
British Airways is also a transfer partner of Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, making Avios one of the easiest currencies to earn.
Points transfer from Capital One, Chase, Bilt and Amex at a 1:1 ratio (in addition to occasional transfer bonuses of up to 40%), while Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Avios at a 3:1 ratio. Plus, you’ll get a 5,000-Avios bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred.
Related: 5 reasons why you should care about British Airways Avios
Air France-KLM Flying Blue promo awards
From paid ticket sales to redemption promotions, there are endless opportunities to book travel at a discount. However, few sales are as reliable as the Promo Rewards we see each month from Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
With Flying Blue adopting dynamic pricing with highly variable rates in all classes, this monthly offer is an excellent way to save on award travel.
The sweet spot
These monthly Promo Rewards regularly appear on the Flying Blue website and offer discounts on flights to and from select cities or region pairs. All discounts are only bookable through the end of the month, and there’s a set travel window.
Each month, the destinations, discounts and classes change, so keep an eye out for what is currently available. In the past, we have seen deals like:
39,000 miles in business class from Miami International Airport (MIA) to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), flying KLM.
22,500 miles in premium economy class from IAD to Munich Airport (MUC), flying Air France.
11,250 miles in economy from ORD to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), flying Air France.
Earning Flying Blue miles
Boosting your Flying Blue balance is easy since the program partners with all major transferable points currencies.
You can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards. You can also transfer Marriott points at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points you transfer.
Based on our tests, Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase and Citi transfers should post almost instantly. However, that wasn’t the case with our test transfer from Marriott, which took three days to arrive in our Flying Blue account.
Related: Is KLM premium economy worth it on the 787 Dreamliner?
Domestic United flights with Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles
United’s dynamic pricing means you won’t find a set price for flights booked via the MileagePlus program. However, when there is saver-level inventory (the X fare class for economy or the I fare class for business), Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles becomes one of the best options available.
The sweet spot
For any domestic flight in the U.S., including to or from Hawaii, Turkish requires just 7,500 miles each way in economy. If you’re lucky enough to find domestic first class, those award tickets only cost 12,500 miles each way.
For example, we found a round-trip ticket in economy from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Hawaii’s Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) that only requires 15,000 Turkish miles plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.
This exact same flight would be 25,800 United miles.
The key to this sweet spot is finding saver-level inventory. You can search for these fares on United.com, though note that award tickets in any fare class other than X for economy and I for business class are not bookable through partner programs.
Earning Turkish miles
Miles&Smiles partners with a trio of programs: Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Bilt Rewards. You can transfer rewards from any of these programs at a 1:1 ratio, and our tests indicate that transfers should process instantly.
Related: The ultimate guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards
Bottom line
When it comes to making award reservations, you need certain stars to align. A little bit of flexibility is required to make the process run smoothly, and that might mean changing the dates of your trip a bit or opting for a destination with more plentiful award space. If these three things fall into place, you’ll have a solid award flight.
However, there’s a fourth element to the equation: value. If you can score one of the above sweet spots, you’re essentially guaranteed to get incredible value from your redemption.
Additional reporting by Andrew Kunesh and Ethan Steinberg.
Elite airline status can deliver frequent flyers a lot of perks, including free checked baggage, priority boarding access and even complimentary upgrades.
United Airlines has four published elite status levels. Of these, Premier Platinum is the second-highest tier. Here’s a look at United Platinum benefits, how to earn this status and how much it’s worth.
United Premier Platinum perks
United’s MileagePlus program provides those with elite status a variety of benefits intended to make flying simpler and more lucrative. Here’s what you get once you reach Premier Platinum status:
9x miles on flights. For every eligible dollar spent on airfare, members will earn 9 United miles.
Free checked bags. Premier Platinum members get three complimentary checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each.
Priority check-in. Take advantage of the Premier Access check-in desk, where it’s available.
Priority boarding. Members and their companions receive Group 1 boarding.
Priority security. In airports with priority screening, Premier Platinum members have access to faster security.
Free same-day changes. Free confirmed changes to other eligible flights within 24 hours of boarding.
Better seating. Complimentary access to Economy Plus or preferred seating for the member and up to eight companions when booking.
Unlimited, space-available complimentary upgrades. Upgrades to first class begin clearing at 72 hours before your flight.
Instant upgrades on eligible fares. Those purchasing a Y or B fare class will receive an instant upgrade to first class if space is available.
United Club membership discount. A $50 discount off the regular annual cost of a United Club membership.
Access to sold-out flights. Ability to purchase Y-fare-class flights up to two hours before departure.
PlusPoints. Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints per year, which can be used to confirm upgrades to premium cabins starting when you book.
More award availability. Those with Platinum status and above have access to better award availability for premium cabins.
Waived fees. Fees charged for booking by phone are waived.
Star Alliance Gold status. Includes benefits such as free checked bags, lounge access, priority check-in and more on eligible partner alliance bookings.
Avis elite status. Complimentary Avis President’s Club elite status.
How to earn Premier Platinum elite status
To earn Premier Platinum status with United, you’ll need to complete the following requirements within a calendar year:
Fly at least four segments with United or United Express.
Complete 36 premier qualifying flights (PQFs) and earn 12,000 premier qualifying points (PQPs). If you don’t meet the PQF threshold, you can qualify by earning 15,000 PQPs instead.
A PQF is determined by the number of flights you’ve taken with United or a partner airline. Each segment within an itinerary counts as a flight, so if you have a layover on a one-way trip you’ll receive two PQFs, whereas a nonstop flight would earn you one PQF.
The amount of PQPs you’ll earn is determined by the cost of your ticket (base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges), along with certain eligible upgrades you can purchase.
Award flights are eligible to earn PQFs and PQPs. Each flight segment is worth one PQF, and you’ll earn one PQP per 100 miles redeemed for your itinerary.
How much is United Premier Platinum status worth?
How much is United status worth? In general, airline elite status relies pretty heavily on luxury benefits such as priority check-in and faster access to phone agents that don’t have a price tag attached to them.
However, there are quite a few included perks you would otherwise generally have to pay for, such as checked bags, an upgraded seat and lounge access.
In our analysis of major U.S. airlines, NerdWallet ranks United Platinum second among similar high-tier statuses. It trails behind Alaska’s MVP Gold 75K, which provides a 63% return on spend in our calculations.
Premier Platinum status, meanwhile, provides a 49% return on your investment.
According to our analysis, it costs an estimated $12,658 to earn Platinum status. For that investment, you’ll receive perks worth roughly 49% of that amount, or $6,235.
What else you need to know
PlusPoints upgrades can be incredibly valuable. Upon earning status, Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints, which can be used to confirm upgrades on flights ahead of time.
Although it’s possible to use those 40 PlusPoints to upgrade two domestic flights to first class (they cost 20 PlusPoints apiece), it’s generally a far better value to use these for a long-haul international flight.
It costs as few as 40 PlusPoints to upgrade from an economy class long-haul flight to United’s Polaris business class, which features a lie-flat bed, superior food and drink options, and even pajamas.
Even better, there’s no limit to which flights are eligible, which means those 40 PlusPoints could be used on the longest, most expensive flights, where the price difference between economy and business class can be thousands of dollars.
United Platinum status is valuable
Although it takes work to earn elite status with an airline, it can often be worth it, especially if you travel often. This is the case with United’s Premier Platinum status, which provides a bevy of benefits to those who invest.
Along with perks such as free checked bags, better seating and complimentary elite status with other partners, Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints, which can be used for incredibly valuable international business class upgrades.
(Top photo courtesy of United Airlines)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Okay – your flight’s booked, you’ve requested time off from work, and your family knows you’re going. The bare essentials for going on your trip are done.
Even so, you have this nagging feeling like there’s some more… adulting to do before you leave.
Indeed, there are definitely a few additional steps you’ll want to take before your big trip to ensure your personal finances stay taught and tidy while you’re adventuring abroad.
(P.S. I traveled to 41 countries in my 20s, so please enjoy learning from my mistakes!)
What’s Ahead:
1. Let your bank and credit card company know that you’re traveling
Setting a “travel notice” with your bank is a quick win and can be done in a single phone call. Some banks will even let you do it from your online dashboard.
When you set a travel notice, you’re essentially telling your bank: “hey, I’ll be in Bolivia in August – so if you see a charge from a hostel in La Paz, that’s not fraud – that’s just me.”
Without a travel notice, your bank will typically block your account until they hear confirmation that it’s just you. This could leave you in a sticky situation – you may be unable to withdraw cash, buy food, or check into your accommodations until you call your bank.
So, be sure to set a travel notice so your bank doesn’t flip out when you try to buy your first cuñape.
2. Download banking and payment apps
After visiting 41 countries, I’ve learned one universal truth about group travel: money changes hands between you like the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
Restaurant tabs and outdoor market negotiations quickly devolve into a humbling frenzy of open wallets, wads of cash, and grown adults counting on their fingers.
“Oh, shoot – can anyone spot me twenty Euros?”
“I’ve got plenty of pesos if anyone needs any.”
“Does anyone have an extra 5,000 Yen for the tip?”
At the end of the day, sipping Sopporo at the hostel, you’ll need to settle your tab with your cohorts – and that’s when having your banking and payment apps pre-installed is a godsend. Not only do Zelle and PayPal automatically convert to the recipient’s currency, but they also save you a nighttime trip to the ATM – which can be expensive and dangerous.
Read more: Make Paying Easier With The 10 Best Payment Apps
3. Get a budgeting app to help you stay on track
In addition to a payment app, it’s helpful to have a budgeting app while you travel so you can stay on track with your financial goals.
On a more personal note, establishing a budget before your trip and sticking to it takes a ton of the stress and guilt out of travel. Take it from me, when you’re traveling on a budget, without a budget, every nonessential expense can come with a heaping side of guilt.
Another five euro beer in Bavaria? I probably shouldn’t.
This beautiful painting of Ha Long Bay that’s only $30? Ehhh…. not when I’m between jobs.
Not knowing how much you’re allowed to spend when you’re traveling can be a huge buzzkill. But conversely, once you set a budget, your mindset shifts and you feel much more confident and relaxed in your spending:
I can safely afford three craft beers tonight.
Even if I buy this beautiful painting, I’ll still have $220 left in my art budget!
So I passionately suggest establishing a budget before you head overseas – it’s low-key the #1 stress reliever before a big journey!
Read more:9 Best Budgeting Apps To Take Control Of Your Finances
4. See what travel perks and insurance you already get with your rewards card
Sure, 2% cash back rewards are great – but did you know that your credit card might also include up to $25,000 worth of trip insurance?
It’s a lesser-known perk of many rewards cards, but yes – many credit cards these days include travel-related insurance and coverage including:
Trip Delay Reimbursement. Delay coverage would reimburse you for extra expenses due to a delay, like hotels/meals after a canceled flight.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption. This is the big one; if you or even just someone in your family misses a trip due to sickness, a death in the family, severe weather, or even jury duty, your card could cover your trip for up to $25,000.
Baggage Delay.If your bag is delayed by at least 12 hours, your credit card company will actually reimburse you for typically around $150 of clothes and toiletries to get through the day.
Lost Luggage Reimbursement.If your bag never arrives, your card company could cover the replacement cost of your luggage plus contents, usually up to $500 or $1,000. You should know, however, that by law airlines are required to reimburse you for up to $3,500 for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage.
Travel and Emergency Assistance Services.Stuck in a foreign country with a canceled flight? It may not be your first impulse, but calling your card issuer can actually save the day. Many credit card companies have 24/7 travel concierges that can help you make emergency travel plans.
Emergency Evacuation and Transportation Coverage.Finally, and this one became more common during the pandemic, if you incur hotel/transportation costs during an emergency evacuation, your credit card may cover it.
Head online and read your credit card’s cardholder agreement, top to bottom. That’ll give you an idea of the perks included, which could save you tens of thousands of dollars under the right (unfortunate) circumstances.
5. Get traveler’s insurance
Whether or not your card includes some trip insurance, you’ll still want to consider plugging any sensitive gaps. Travel insurance is cheap, relieves a ton of stress, and some consider it to be essential.
There are three types of travel insurance:
Financial travel insurance covers your trip itself, and may already be covered by your credit card. It includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage, baggage delay reimbursement, and more.
Medical travel insurance covers you during your trip and includes your medical bills for emergency evacuation, basic healthcare, etc. Even if you’re traveling to a country with affordable out-of-pocket healthcare, the U.S. State Department reminds us that medical transportation costs can reach $100,000 alone.
Comprehensive travel insurance quite simply includes both Financial and Medical travel insurance.
I know, when you’re budgeting for a trip, purchasing $50 to $300 or so worth of insurance that you might not even use feels like a frustrating tax.
But think of it this way – even if you never end up using it, travel insurance still has a tangible benefit – every day, it removes stress from your trip. For a couple of hundred bucks, it prevents any interruption in your goal to achieve financial freedom.
6. Bring a travel rewards card
Depending on where you’re going and for how long, you might consider applying for a travel rewards card to bring with you.
Now, the credit card companies would have you believe that getting a new credit card is as simple and straightforward as ordering a burrito.
It’s not, and there are some hidden caveats/drawbacks for you to seriously consider before applying:
Credit card applications hurt your credit score. When you apply for a new credit card, the company will make a hard pull of your credit, causing an immediate drop of five to seven points.
Travel rewards cards typically require excellent credit. Because travel cards are “lifestyle cards” that encourage high spending, the card companies want to know that they can trust you to pay your bill when you’re back home. Therefore, they typically require a credit score of 750 or higher
The best travel cards charge an annual fee.The best travel cards almost always charge a $95 annual fee (or higher). Granted, they also tend to have generous signup bonuses ($500+) if you spend enough within your first three months.
The best time to get a travel rewards card is before you book your trip. That way, you can put your trip on your new card for extra cash back and to make progress on earning your signup bonus.
Aside from getting trip insurance, better cash back on travel expenses, and a signup bonus, the final perk to bring a travel rewards card is zero foreign transaction fees. Most non-travel cards will charge a 3% fee on every purchase you make overseas, making your cash back rewards null and void.
If you plan to go shopping abroad, a travel card (or at least one with no foreign transaction fees) is an excellent companion.
Read more: Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
7. Turn on notifications for every single transaction
Circling back to my very first point, you definitely should still give your bank a travel notice so they don’t immediately freeze your account as soon as you try to make a purchase overseas.
That being said, I recommend you still set up alerts for every single transaction made on your card while you’re traveling.
What if you’re in Bolivia, but that charge at the hostel in La Paz wasn’t you? Now, the roles have reversed – your bank probably thinks it’s OK, but you obviously don’t.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have your bank ping a notification to your phone every time there’s a transaction on your account. Yes, you may get eleven pings a day, but I promise – it’s all worth it for that one ping that makes you go: hol’ up.
8. Prepare to use card lock
Let’s say you do get an alert for a fraudulent charge. Or maybe, you’ve simply lost your credit card and want to prevent any bad guys from using it.
What now? Do you call up Chase and cancel your card?
Hold the phone, because canceling a credit card could have seriously negative consequences on your personal finances. To start, every merchant you have on autopay will experience a missed payment, which could lead to a disruption in subscription services and even a dip in your credit score.
Plus, and I’m pulling from personal experience here, canceling a credit card abroad means that card is donezo. Six feet under. In most circumstances, your card issuer won’t be able to get you another physical card until you’re back home.
Besides, what if you find your card behind the hostel bar right after you cancel it?
That’s why card lock is such an essential feature for travelers. Card lock is a simple toggle in your banking app that lets you block any new transactions on your card. Pre-authorized transactions are allowed, but the bad guys won’t be able to charge anything new. They’ll probably assume you already canceled it and toss it in the trash.
Card lock is also a no-brainer if you’re searching for a lost card, or you do know where it is and just need a few hours to retrieve it.
9. Automate your bills
Speaking of pre-authorized transactions, another key step in ensuring a smooth trip (financially speaking) is to ensure that you won’t come home to any delinquent bills.
You’ll be glad you set up autopay for your rent, utilities, etc. if you haven’t already. It’s not just decidedly unfun to return from Bali to a pile of bills – it can also be expensive and hurt your credit score.
Some less patient merchants (notably utility providers) keep their fingers on the trigger, and as soon as you miss a payment they’ll ambush you with late fees and report your delinquent payment to the credit bureaus.
So, be sure that all of your bills, rent, etc. are set on autopay so you don’t get in trouble while you’re gone. And TBH, just keep everything on autopay so you don’t miss any payments in the future!
Read more:Automatic Payments Explained – Everything You Need To Know About AutoPay
10. Suspend your paid subscriptions
Conversely, if you’ll be gone for more than a month, you might even consider canceling some of your subscriptions until you’re back. This is a frugal life hack that I’ve used to save hundreds during my overseas adventures.
For example, you may want to consider canceling the following services (and more) if you won’t be using them while overseas:
Hulu.
Disney+.
Peloton.
HBO Max.
Spotify.
Netflix.
After all, these services let you reactivate on a whim, so you might as well suspend your subscription and save $20, $40, even $100 during each month you’re gone.
Not only is it effortless to re-subscribe – they’ll often give you promos for it (e.g. reactivate now to save 20% off your next three months).
Now, if it’s a subscription to a small business, like a local gym or a life coach, I’d encourage you to continue supporting them even while you’re overseas.
But Disney? They’ll be fine.
11. Remember to skip your meal deliveries
I’m giving this one its own header because it caused me a surprising amount of stress on my recent jaunt to the Bahamas.
While I was checking my email in Nassau, I got a notification that my Freshly box was out for delivery.
Oops.
Now, if it were just a regular package I could’ve rolled the dice and let it sit on my porch. If I were feeling paranoid, I probably could’ve gotten a pal to swing by within a few days and hide it.
But fresh meals? They had hours before they expired and I lost $100 worth of meal prep (and created tons of food waste).
For an undisclosed amount of bribery, I finally got my up-the-street neighbor to rescue my meals and keep them in her fridge for five days, but lesson learned – skip any fresh meal deliveries while you’re overseas.
12. Have a plan for your mail and packages
On a similar note, it pays (literally) to have your mail and packages taken care of while you’re gone.
If you go online, you can typically redirect UPS and FedEx packages for delivery to the nearest brick-and-mortar store for complimentary safe-keeping – even if the package is already in transit.
USPS offers a service called USPS Hold Mail® that, as the name subtly implies, will hold your mail at the nearest post office for up to 30 days. You can set it up online by creating a USPS account.
(Fun fact – you can also opt-out of junk mail for $2).
13. Freeze your credit report
This is a newer travel tip that some would consider extreme, while others consider it 100% necessary. I’ll let you be the judge.
Remember card lock, which prevents your credit card from being used? Well, there’s a more intense version of that where you can actually prevent your entire credit report from being used.
When you travel abroad and use your credit card in more places, the threat of identity theft naturally rises. Then, the usual first step in identity theft is that the bad guy will start applying for loans in your name.
At this stage, the lender sends a request to the credit bureaus to release your credit report, and when they see you have good credit, they give the bad guy whatever he wants.
But if you freeze your credit report, it stops the bad guy right in his tracks.
To freeze your credit report, you have to call up each of the three credit bureaus:
Equifax (1-800-349-9960).
TransUnion (1-888-909-8872).
Experian (1-888-397-3742).
They’ll ask you for a password to release it again – be sure to get it tattooed on your arm (or your friend’s arm) because you won’t want to lose it. Then, all you have to do is unfreeze it again when you apply for your next loan or line of credit.
14. Sublet your apartment
If your lease allows it, subletting your apartment while you’re gone could cover the cost of your trip!
When you sublet, you’re essentially letting a renter stay in your space while you’re gone. You’re effectively a landlord for a few weeks/months during your trip, and you’ll have to issue a lease of your own and collect rent.
You’ll likely want to collect a security deposit, too, to cover any potential theft or damages to your property.
Subletting makes the most sense if your renter is someone you trust – a friend, colleague, family member, etc. A total stranger might squat in your space, refuse to pay rent, and simply disappear before you return (with your stuff).
For that reason, subletting isn’t for everyone; but if you have a renter in mind and could get a lot for your space, it’s definitely worth investigating!
Read more: How to Sublet Your Apartment Safely
15. Make sure you don’t pay for data roaming
There’s a scene from An Idiot Abroad where Ricky Gervais knows Karl gets charged 70 pence every time he receives a text message in Egypt so he keeps texting him this:
Even if your data carrier says they include data roaming in your monthly bill, don’t believe them. T-Mobile claims they include unlimited data roaming and a “low rate ceiling” for global travelers, and yet felt justified charged a family $13,470.19 while they traveled – $1 per megabyte.
Here’s the crazy thing – the family’s phones were on airplane mode the entire time – but apparently, certain apps these days can shrug off airplane mode and vampire data regardless.
So, the key to avoiding roaming charges is to either:
Go into Airplane Mode Settings and ensure that Cellular Data is disabled.
Prepay for roaming data, if it’s essential.
Only then will you ensure that you never pay 70p for a text from Ricky Gervais again (actually, that might be worth it).
Read more: Should You Buy An International SIM Card For Your Next Trip?
16. Download a VPN
My final travel tip for safeguarding your finances is to download and start using a virtual private network, or VPN.
VPNs are essential travel tools because, among other things, they scramble your data while you browse the web. You’re going to be using a lot of public WiFi while you’re traveling, especially in airports, and that’s precisely when you’re the most vulnerable to having your data stolen (ID, bank passcodes, etc.)
Thankfully, even the cheapest VPN (~$3 a month) can protect you and ensure your sensitive financial data stays invisible.
Plus, VPNs can also help you circumvent national firewalls and download region-locked content. Want to download a movie only available on Netflix Canada? Want to visit Western social media while you’re in China? VPN.
Even if you’re unfamiliar with VPNs, they’re super easy to download and use – so be sure to pick one and tinker with it before you depart!
Summary
Money is a serious consideration for every big trip, but if you plan it well and implement a few key travel hacks, I guarantee you’ll have a less stressful (and more lucrative) adventure overseas.
A credit union is a nonprofit institution that’s owned by its members. Compared to a traditional bank, a credit union tends to offer more personalized service.
You can turn to a credit union for a variety of financial products, like checking and savings accounts, credit cards, car loans, and mortgages. Some regional and federal credit unions also offer wealth management services and other extras.
A typical credit union only accepts members who live in a specific region or work for an eligible employer. For example, they may require that you’re a resident of Atlanta, Georgia or work as a teacher.
The good news is some credit unions require less and make it easy for just about anyone to join. If you’d like to join a credit union but don’t want to worry about the strict membership requirements at most institutions, you’ve come to the right place.
38 Best Credit Unions Anyone Can Join
There are hundreds of credit unions that anyone can join, but we’ve done the heavy lifting and found the best ones for you. The credit unions below, which are overseen by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) may be an option for you, regardless of what you do for a living or where you’re located.
Just keep in mind that you may have to make a donation, join an organization, live in a certain state, or meet some other eligibility requirement. We encourage you to explore this lengthy to list of credit unions anyone can join so you can hone in on the ideal credit union for your unique situation.
1. Alliant Credit Union
Alliant Credit Union made its debut in 1935 to serve the employees of United Airlines. It stands out for it high-interest savings and checking accounts with low minimum opening deposits as well as excellent customer service.
You’ll also receive access to more than 80,000 free ATMs across the U.S. and get reimbursed up to $20 in out-of-network ATM charges per month. Since it only has two brick-and-mortar locations, you should feel comfortable with online banking. If you’d like to join Alliant Credit Union, make a $5 donation to Foster Care to Success.
2. Connexus Credit Union
Connexus Credit Union was founded in 1935 and has a widespread presence in Wisconsin as well as more than 54,000 ATMs across the country. It couldn’t be easier to join the credit union as all you have to do is pay a one-time $5 fee to the Connexus Association, which supports financial education through college scholarships.
As a member, you can open one of its three checking options with high APYs and a traditional savings account or one that’s specifically designed for the holidays.
3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, or PenFed, was founded in 1935 as a credit union for military and civilian government. Today, this Virginia-based credit union has opened it doors to anyone as long as they open a savings account and deposit a minimum of $5. It offers two savings accounts, including the Regular Savings and Premium Online Savings.
In addition, you can find checking accounts, CDs, and money market accounts. Other products include Coverdell Education Savings Certificates, IRAs, credit cards, mortgages, home equity loans, and student loans. Plus, you can enjoy modern perks like mobile check deposits, online bill pay, and instant transfers.
4. First Tech Federal Credit Union
First Tech Federal Credit Union is headquartered in California. The credit union offers many benefits, such as excellent customer service, many branches throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, online banking, and mobile banking.
It also has the Dividend Rewards Checking Account, which gives you 1.00% APY on balances below $1,000. You don’t have to live in California to join as long as you donate to a nonprofit called the Financial Fitness Association.
5. Consumers Credit Union
Consumers Credit Union was established in 1951 as a local credit union. Based in Illinois, it’s one of the largest credit unions in the state with over 100,000 members and more than $1.2 billion in assets.
You can join it, even if you don’t live in Illinois. All you have to do is donate the $5 membership free to an affiliated nonprofit. You can open almost all of its accounts online, except for the checking accounts and IRAs. The credit union also offers a high-yield checking account that offers high interest if you meet certain criteria.
6. Langley Federal Credit Union
Langley Federal Credit Union is based in Virginia and made its inception in 1936. At that time, members of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the predecessor to NASA, chartered the credit union.
Today, Langley offers membership to anyone who pays a fee to support an important cause in Virginia and deposits at least $5 into a savings account. You can choose from a checking account without a monthly fee, a variety of no-fee savings accounts with competitive interest compounds monthly, and Visa Cards with cash back rewards.
7. Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lake Michigan Credit Union made its debut in 1933 by a group of teachers. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it has 51 branches in Michigan and southwest Florida. Since it’s part of the Allpoint ATM network, members can enjoy free access to more than 55,000 free ATM.
To join, donate $5 to the ALS Foundation and deposit $5 into a Member Savings account. Once you do, you can earn perks through the MORE rewards program and redeem them for complimentary checks and free out-of-network ATM transactions.
You may also open the free, no frills Max Checking account. Note that the Member Savings account, which you must open to become a member, requires a minimum daily balance of $300 or you’ll be charged a $5 monthly fee.
8. Lafayette Federal Credit Union
Lafayette Federal Credit Union was founded in 1935 as an alternative to traditional banks. It offers numerous perks, like no minimum balance requirement or monthly maintenance fees, online banking, mobile deposits, free direct deposit, and special discounts.
You can join it if you live, work, worship, or attend school in Washington D.C. If you live outside the D.C. area, you may still become a member as long as you invest in a lifetime Home Ownership Financial Literacy Council (HOFLC) membership for only $10. This nonprofit focuses on helping consumers navigate the path to homeownership.
9. Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union has 26 branch locations across Minnesota. APFCU offers MyPlus Rewards that gives you points if you keep a certain amount of money in your bank account or use its debit or credit card.
To be eligible to join, all you have to do is donate $25 to the Affinity Plus Foundation and open a basic savings account. If you live and work in Minnesota or have a family member in the state, there are other ways to become a member.
10. Chevron Credit Union
Chevron Credit Union has been around since 1935 and has 19 branches that span six states, including California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Utah and Virginia. It operates under two brands: Chevron Federal Credit Union and Spectrum Credit Union.
To become a member, join one of its nonprofit partner organizations, such as the Contra Costa County Historical Society. You’ll also need to deposit $25 into a primary savings account and maintain a $25 minimum balance.
Chevron also offers a second chance checking account called New Solutions for those who need help rebuilding their banking history.
11. Ascend Credit Union
Since its inception in 1951, Ascend Credit Union has offered a variety of products, like checking and savings accounts, a money market account, Christmas Club account, youth accounts, credit cards, and loans.
If you’re interested in these services, join The Nature Conservancy, Tennessee Chapter and you’ll be eligible automatically. Note that there is a one-time fee of $25.
12. Hope Credit Union
Hope Credit Union is a black-owned credit union that was organized in 1995 by the Anderson United Methodist Church in Mississippi. You can join if you pay a $10 membership fee and show a foreign passport, permanent resident card, or Matricula Consular. Plus, you may use an ITIN number instead of a Social Security number.
Hope Credit Union provides a number of personal bank accounts, business banking accounts, and transformational deposits. With its transformational deposits, you can participate in socially responsible investing.
13. Boeing Employees Credit Union
Boeing Employees Credit Union, or BECU, was established in 1935 for Boeing employees and currently caters to more than 1 million members. But despite its name, you don’t have to work at Boeing to join.
Its products and services are available to you if you become a member or donor to the KEXP, which is a nonprofit art organization or the Sea Hawkers Central Council. The most noteworthy benefit of joining is the first-time homebuyer grant in which you can receive $7,500 toward your down payment and closing costs.
14. Hiway Credit Union
Hiway Credit Union made its debut in 1931 to serve employees of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. It offers a free checking account with no monthly fee or minimum balance requirements, a free money market account with a $500 minimum deposit, credit cards, and loans.
You can qualify for a Hiway Federal Credit Union membership if you donate to the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation for $10 per year or the Association of the U.S. Army, which costs $40 for two years.
15. GreenState Credit Union
GreenState Credit Union was founded in 1938. It provides its members with personal accounts, business accounts, credit cards, loans insurance, wealth management services, and more.
GreenState was named one of the fastest growing credit unions in 2021. As long as you live or work in the state of Iowa, you can become a member and take advantage of its services without any issues.
16. Cascade Credit Union
Cascade Credit Union made its debut in 1952 to serve employees of the Cascade Division of the Great Northern Railway. Today, it’s open to many people and offers great perks like members-only sweepstakes, competitive rates, online banking tools, financial counseling, and group insurance benefits.
If you’d like to join, simply become a member of the Great Northern & Cascade Railway Association (GNCR) and pay an annual membership cost of $40. The credit union can help you fill out your application online or in-person at a local branch.
17. Wildfire Credit Union
Wildfire Credit Union began in 1937 as Saginaw Telephone Employees Credit Union, its original credit union name. Its first location was in the basement of the home of Hank Kosk, the credit union’s treasurer.
After some office upgrades, the credit union opened the doors to its current location on Bay Road in Saginaw and merged with Flint Telephone Employees Credit Union that same year. Today, Wildfire Credit Union offers several deposit accounts as well as personal banking and business banking services. You can join if you live, work, worship, or attend school in Michigan.
18. Nextmark Credit Union
Nextmark Credit Union made its debut in 1958. Its offerings include personal and business checking, home equity loans, personal loans, credit cards, gift cards, and more.
To join, you must live in a qualifying county in Virginia or make a donation to Herndon Elementary PTA, a Title I school.
19. Technology Credit Union
Technology Credit Union, or Tech CU, was established in 1960. It’s based in Silicon Valley and provides its members with no shortage of benefits. These include competitive rates, online banking, access to fee-free ATMs, free credit score monitoring, conference room space, and easy online appointment booking. To become a member, join Financial Fitness Association for only $8.
20. Veridian Credit Union
Veridian Credit Union was established in 1934. Most of its members are those who live or work in Iowa or certain counties of Nebraska. However, it’s open to anyone who is a registered user of Dwolla, a financial technology company. This means you can join as long as you sign up for a personal account at Dwolla.
You’ll also need to open a savings account and deposit at least $5. If you’re already a member of a credit union or bank but would like to switch to Veridian Credit Union, the switch kit may be helpful.
21. Harborstone Credit Union
Harborstone Credit Union’s roots date back to 1955, when it was known as McChord Federal Credit Union and served airmen on the McChord Air Force Base. In 1996, the credit union expanded its membership to anyone in the state of Washington and changed its name as a result.
As long as you live, work, or worship in Washington, you may join Harborstone Credit Union and enjoy a variety of financial products and digital tools.
22. NASA Federal Credit Union
NASA Federal Credit Union began in 1949 to serve NASA employees. Since then, it’s grown to more than 177,000 members. While the credit union is headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Massachusetts, there are 12 branches in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Its product lineup includes a simple checking account with no minimum opening deposit, a savings account with a great rate, and several CDs. You can also monitor your credit score and make deposits with the mobile app. If you don’t work for NASA, you can still join. Simply sign up for a one-year membership at the National Space Society (NSS).
Hanscom Federal Credit Union opened in 1953. The credit union has over 20 branches in and around Boston as well as one in McLean, Virginia. It offers fee-free checking accounts, savings accounts with rewards, credit cards, and loans.
To join, you’ll need to support one of its partner organizations, such as the Burlington Players, a volunteer theater group. In addition, you’ll be required to deposit $25 into a free primary savings account.
24. Pen Air Federal Credit Union
Pen Air Federal Credit Union was founded in 1936 to support civil service employees of Naval Air Station Pensacola. It has 16 locations in northwest Florida and southeast Alabama. You may be surprised to learn that you don’t have to be an active duty or retired military member to join.
You’ll be able to take advantage of Pen Air Federal Credit Union if you become a member of the Friends of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and deposit a minimum of $25 into a savings account. As a member, you can enjoy the Pen Air Platinum Mastercard, Share Savings account with the Round It program, and more.
25. State Department Federal Credit Union
State Department Federal Credit Union was founded in 1935. To join, you can become a member of the American Consumer Council for $8. This is a non-profit organization with a focus on consumer education and financial literacy.
The State Department Credit Union offers a long list of products and services, including basic, advantage, and privilege checking, a money market account, share certificate accounts, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), credit cards, and loans.
26. United Nations Federal Credit Union
United Nations Credit Union made its debut in 1947. As long as you join the United Nations Association of the United States of America, you can become a member.
UNFCU has a vast product lineup that includes a checking account, membership savings account, credit cards, debit cards, and loans, like car loans and debt consolidation loans.
Other membership perks include loyalty rewards, credit card rewards, and the member referral program.
27. Premier Members Credit Union
Premier Members Credit Union was established in 1959 for members of the Boulder Valley School District. You’re eligible to join if you make a donation to Impact on Education, a charity in the Boulder Valley School District, and open an online savings account or youth savings account.
As a member, you can expect perks, such as high interest rates on checking accounts, no monthly service fee, no overdraft fees, and free overdraft protection. The credit union also offers an extensive network of branches and ATMs for your convenience.
28. SRI Federal Credit Union
SRI Federal Credit Union is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. It was founded in 1957 and offers membership to anyone who joins the Financial Fitness Association for $8 per year.
The credit union’s account offerings include a checking and savings account, money market account, IRA, health savings account, and youth, teen, and gradate accounts.
29. United States Senate Federal Credit Union
United States Senate Federal Credit Union has been around since 1935. Its mission is to “improve the financial wellness of members throughout all stages and circumstances of life.” Its products are similar to what most credit unions offer.
As a member, you can enjoy access to a number of checking and credit union savings accounts, mortgage loans, personal loans, auto loans, Visa debit cards, and business advisory services. To join, you’ll need to become a member of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society for $65.
30. Wings Financial Credit Union
Wings Financial Credit Union was founded in 1938 by seven employees from Northwest Airlines. To date, it serves more than 320,000 members with more than $7.5 billion in assets. You can join if you donate $5 to the Wings Financial Foundation, even if you don’t work in the aviation industry.
There are no fees on its basic banking accounts, including its checking and savings accounts, a money market account, and CDs. Its high yield savings and checking accounts offer competitive rates to help you grow your money.
31. Skyward Credit Union
Skyward Credit Union was chartered in 1941. It offers a share savings account with competitive rates, an aim higher checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, affordable mortgage and home equity loans.
It also offers online banking, a variety of insurance products, and access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Like most credit unions require membership, so does this one. To become a member, join the Kansas Aviation Museum.
32. San Diego County Credit Union
San Diego County Credit Union has been around since 1938 and has over 430,000 credit union members. It’s considered the largest locally owned financial intuition in San Diego.
As a member, you can enjoy a free checking account, secured and unsecured credit cards, a wide range of account options with no service fees, and access to over 30,000 ATMs without ATM fees. To join San Diego County Credit Union, become a member of the Financial Fitness Association.
33. Bellco Credit Union
Bellco Credit Union is a Denver-based credit union that opened its doors in 1936. You can join it even if you don’t live in Colorado as long as you donate at least $10 to the Bellco Foundation, pay a one-time $5 membership fee, and deposit at least $25 in a savings account.
Once you do, you’ll have access to several noteworthy products, like the Boost Interest Checking account, which offers a competitive interest rate, the Premier Money Market Account, and two, no-fee credit cards.
34. Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Bethpage Federal Credit Union was founded in 1941 and currently has over 30 branches across Long Island and New York City. It has a reputation for competitive rates on it money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs).
The credit union also offers three checking accounts, a few savings accounts, retirement planning services, IRAs, insurance, and more. You don’t have to live in New York to join if you open a $5 savings account. As a member, you may meet with credit union staff virtually and bank on the go with a handy mobile app.
35. First South Financial Credit Union
First South Financial Credit Union opened its doors in 1957 to serve those on the Millington base. Since then, it has become of the safest financial institutions in the U.S., as stated by independent rating agencies. While the credit union has locations throughout Tennessee and Mississippi, its online banking services make it a suitable option if you live elsewhere.
Like other credit unions, it offers a full suite of checking, savings, CDs, and IRA accounts. To join, become a member of the Courage Thru Cancer Association, which supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
36. Dow Credit Union
Dow Credit Union was founded in 1937 in Midland, Michigan. It provides numerous products, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), HSAs, deposit trust accounts, and loans.
Fortunately, you don’t have to work at Dow Chemical to take advantage of them. To join, make a $10 donation to the Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union Endowed Scholarship Fund.
37. Blue Federal Credit Union
Blue Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1951 as Warren Federal Credit Union. If you’re looking for a high-yield checking account, you’ll appreciate its Blue Extreme Checking Account with no minimum opening deposit or monthly service fees.
Other perks include a tiered membership rewards program and round-the-clock customer service. The easiest way to become a member is to donate $5 to the Blue Foundation and open a Membership Share Savings Account with $5.
38. Digital Federal Credit Union
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU), based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, was established in 1979. Today, it is known for its comprehensive range of financial products that includes checking and savings accounts, auto loans, mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, and wealth management services.
Perhaps one of DCU’s standout features is its commitment to digital banking, offering robust online and mobile platforms that compete with larger, nationwide banks. This makes DCU a fitting choice for those who prefer online banking, no matter where they live.
Membership is open to those who are a part of participating organizations or live, work, worship, or attend school in eligible communities. If you don’t fit those criteria, you can still join by becoming a member of a participating nonprofit organization, such as Reach Out for Schools, which requires a nominal donation.
See also: Best Nationwide Credit Unions of 2023
Bottom Line
Not all credit unions are created equal. Some have strict membership criteria, while others are more flexible. Before you join a credit union (or several credit unions) on this list, be sure to consider numerous factors.
You’ll want to look at eligibility requirements, branch location, monthly maintenance fees, accounts offered, interest rates, mobile banking, digital banking, reputation, and customer service. Best of luck as you explore the best credit unions and search for the perfect credit union.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can civilians join Navy Federal Credit Union?
Yes, civilians can join the Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), the largest credit union in the U.S. However, this is limited to immediate family members of service members in all branches of the armed forces. This broad eligibility criteria is one of the reasons why NFCU has grown to be the largest credit union in the country.
Can anyone join American Airlines Credit Union?
No, not anyone can join the American Airlines Credit Union. Membership is limited to those who work in the air transportation industry, including airlines, airports, and related businesses, as well as their family members. While this broadens the scope beyond just American Airlines employees, it still doesn’t include everyone.