Travel credit cards offer incredible benefits—from lounge access and hotel upgrades to travel insurance and statement credits. But here’s the catch: with multiple cards in your wallet, it’s easy to forget which perk belongs to which card. A little organization can help you maximize those benefits and make your trips smoother (and cheaper).
Here’s a step-by-step guide to organizing your travel perks like a pro.
1. Make a Master List of Your Cards and Benefits
Start by writing down every travel-related card you have. Under each card, list the perks it offers. For example:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Priority Pass lounges, \$300 annual travel credit, trip cancellation insurance.
- Amex Platinum®: Centurion Lounge access, CLEAR® credit, Uber credits, hotel elite status.
- Capital One Venture X®: Capital One Lounges, annual \$300 travel credit, 10,000-mile anniversary bonus.
A simple spreadsheet or a note on your phone works perfectly, which is what I use. I also add the annual fee, so I know what I signed up for in case it changes down the road.
2. Use a Travel Wallet App or Notes
There are apps like AwardWallet, or you can use the notes section of your phone to keep track. Include:
- Which card covers baggage fees for each airline.
- Which lounge networks you can access.
- Which cards earn extra points for dining or travel.
Having everything in one place helps you avoid missing out.
3. Set Reminders for Time-Sensitive Perks
Some benefits reset annually or monthly (like Uber or airline credits). Set calendar reminders so you don’t forget to use them. For example:
- Use Amex Platinum Uber credits before the month ends.
- Book an airline fee credit before year-end.
- Redeem free hotel night certificates before they expire
Not enough people make use of their calendar on their phone. Make a note and have the alert set for a certain date. When it goes off, you can simply adjust the date again to remind you down the road. Very helpful for using the various credits or noting free night expiration dates.
4. Match the Right Card to the Right Purchase
When you book flights, stay at hotels, or rent cars, use the card that provides the strongest protections or credits. For example:
- Use Sapphire Reserve for trip insurance.
- Use Amex Platinum for Fine Hotels & Resorts perks.
- Use Venture X for earning 10x points on hotels and rental cars.
This is where some get overwhelmed. How to know which card to use. This is where the notepad on your phone comes in handy. After a while, it will become second nature. It just takes repetition.
5. Create a Quick Reference Guide
Make a small card-sized cheat sheet you can keep in your wallet with notes like:
- “Sapphire Reserve: lounge + insurance.”
- “Amex Platinum: lounges + Uber + CLEAR.”
- “Venture X: car rentals + hotel earnings.”
This way, you’ll always remember which card to hand over. This is old school, but it can be helpful for those who avoid tech or just don’t want to deal with their phone notes.
Final Takeaway
Your credit card perks are only valuable if you use them. By keeping a clear system—whether it’s a spreadsheet, an app, or a simple notes file—you’ll ensure no benefit goes to waste. A little organization can turn your cards into a powerful travel toolkit, making every trip more comfortable and rewarding.
✈️ Pro Tip: Revisit your perk list every 6 months. Banks update card benefits often, and you don’t want to miss out on new offers or changes.
Miles and Points Travel 
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