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Annual fees can feel steep, especially when holding premium travel credit cards. But when you strategically leverage the benefits and credits your cards offer, those fees can be recouped — or even turned into a profit. One recent trip showcased exactly how easy it can be to make the most of credit card perks.

A Weekend Getaway Paid with Points and Credits

Recently, we took a spontaneous trip to Richmond, Virginia, and stayed at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump. The goal? Use up the various Hilton and travel credits offered by our credit cards before they expired. We had a stash of credits from multiple cards:

• Hilton Honors Aspire Card
• Hilton Honors Business Card
• American Express Business Platinum Card®

Each of these cards comes with quarterly or bi-annual statement credits that can be applied toward eligible Hilton resort charges (check the official Hilton Resort Credit Eligible Hotels list for details).

Between the two of us, we had $560 worth of Hilton-related credits to use.

Smart Redemption Strategy: Maximizing Every Dollar

Our final hotel bill came out to $394. While the on-site spa was unfortunately ineligible (as it operated separately from the Hilton), we were able to use credits on other eligible expenses like the steakhouse, bar, and room service. Here’s how we split the charges:

• $200 Hilton Aspire Card
• $84 of another Hilton Aspire Card
• $60 Hilton Business Card
• $50 Amex Business Platinum Hotel Credit

Everything was charged using tap-to-pay via Apple Wallet at the front desk. We told the hotel staff how much to charge on each card to ensure we utilized the available credits effectively.

Why This Matters: Recouping Annual Fees and Then Some

This trip is a great example of how travel credits can be used to your full advantage. If you stay organized and understand how your credits work, you can:

• Offset the cost of annual fees
• Enjoy luxury experiences at little to no cost
• Even come out ahead financially if you’re strategic

Many travelers overlook these credits, but with a bit of planning, you can enjoy upgraded experiences without spending extra cash.

Final Thoughts

Premium cards like the Amex Platinum and Hilton Aspire come with hefty annual fees. But with smart planning and usage of hotel credits, lounge access, and other benefits, they can easily pay for themselves. Whether it’s a relaxing weekend getaway or offsetting your next vacation costs, knowing how to redeem your credits is key to unlocking the full value of your travel cards.

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