Picture this: three months from now, you’re kicking back in a cushy business class seat, sipping something cold, while everyone else is crammed in coach. Sounds dope, right? If you’re starting from scratch with no clue about credit card points, don’t sweat it—you can totally make this happen in 90 days or less. I’ve been down this road, and I’m spilling the beans on how to go from zero to flying fancy without losing your mind. Let’s break it into three chunks and get you rolling.
Month 1: Hit the Ground Running
First off, you need a card—your golden ticket. Don’t just grab any plastic, though. Look for one with points you can shuffle around to different airlines or hotels. The welcome bonus is your big win here—aim for 60,000 points or more. Check the annual fee; if it’s steep, make sure it’s worth it. And peek at the minimum spend—usually a few grand you’ve got to hit in the first three months to score that bonus. My go-to move? Start with Chase cards. They’ve got this 5/24 rule—open more than five cards in two years, and they’ll shut you down. Get in early.
Once you’ve got the card, it’s game on. Those first two weeks, pick one and apply. Then, the next two, focus on that minimum spend. Don’t go wild buying stuff you don’t need—just use the card for what you’re already spending. Groceries, gas, bills—run it all through there. Got a big purchase coming up, like a new phone or fixing your car? Time it right. Set up autopay so you’re not late, and check your progress. My cousin hit his $3,000 minimum just paying rent and grabbing takeout. No extra effort, just smart moves.
Month 2: Learn the Ropes
Now you’ve got points coming, so it’s time to figure out what they’re worth. Spend a couple weeks digging into the card’s transfer partners—think airlines like United or hotels like Marriott. Learn where you earn more points, like 3x on travel or 2x on dining, and see what’s better: redeeming for flights or saving up. Sign up for frequent flyer programs while you’re at it—they’re free and stack up perks over time.
Next, get your hands dirty. Spend weeks seven and eight playing with flight searches. Hit up airline sites, poke around their award calendars, and see when seats open up for points. It’s not rocket science, but some routes are trickier—direct flights are gold, connections can be a hassle. Compare what a ticket costs in points versus cash. I once found a $1,200 flight for 40,000 points—felt like stealing. You’ll get the hang of it.
Month 3: Seal the Deal
Here’s where it gets real. Weeks nine and ten, pick your spot. Where do you want to go? Beach vibes? City escape? Check what’s available with your points—some airlines are stingy, others are wide open. See how many points you’ll need and which one flies there best. I’d say start with somewhere doable, like a quick hop to New York or Miami if you’re in the States.
Then, the final push: weeks eleven and twelve. Transfer your points to the airline—don’t wait, some take a day or two. Book that flight, grab a seat (window for me, always), and maybe splurge on a lounge pass if you’re feeling extra. Done. You’re flying business class, legs stretched, and grinning like you cracked a secret code.
Don’t Trip Over These Rookie Moves
People mess this up all the time, so watch out. Don’t take cash back—it’s a trap, way less value. Skip booking through the card’s travel portal; you’ll bleed points. Track what you’ve got, or you’ll forget half your stash. Don’t ignore bonus categories—those extra points add up. And if there’s a transfer bonus, like 30% more to an airline, jump on it. Free boost.
Your 90-Day Cheat Sheet
- Snag a card with a solid bonus
- Set a reminder to pay on time
- Hit that minimum spend with normal stuff
- Scope out transfer partners
- Join some airline programs
- Mess around with flight searches
- Book that business class seat
Let’s Go – Business Class Is Calling Your Name
Ninety days sounds tight, but it’s plenty if you keep it simple. I did this last year—went from nada to a flatbed seat to LA in under three months. Pick your card, spend smart, and learn as you go. Where are you headed first? Drop me a line—I’ll cheer you on while you’re sipping that in-flight drink. You’ve got this!
Make sure you pick the right card. Our Recommendation? Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve stands out as a top-tier travel card, despite its high annual fee. What makes it especially attractive is the yearly $300 travel reimbursement, effectively reducing the cost of membership.
The rewards structure is particularly generous: After using your annual $300 travel credit, you'll rack up impressive points – 10X on hotel stays and rental cars booked via Chase Travel℠, along with 5X on airfare through the same platform. Regular travel and restaurant purchases earn 3X points, while everything else gets you 1 point per dollar spent.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below where you want to go.
Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.