Travel is for creating memories. And who doesn’t like a vacation that’s already been paid for? With travel rewards credit cards you can earn points towards your next vacation.

However, when it comes to redeeming your travel rewards, it can be an art in and of itself. Even the so called best credit card travel rewards online might fall short if you don’t know how best to utilize them. If you’re at a stage where you’ve saved up enough points to pay for a family vacation, or even a solo journey, this is the guide for you not only choose the best travel rewards credit card there is, but also reap its benefits!

1. Planning your trip with rewards points
Have a look at your credit card points online and have a look at the benefits you’re being given. This will give you an idea of how much, where, and when you can actually redeem your points. This will differ in each travel credit card rewards program. For instance, some rewards cards may be redeemable towards flights or hotel/resort stays only. However, the best travel credit card offers will generally offer you packages for both.

2. Consider travel partners
The best use of your points might be redeeming them with specific travel partners, which means they’re under the umbrella of packages offered under your specific card provider. Some credit card partners allow you to book through a similar loyalty program, adding further discounts. This is the case with most airlines and hotels, which both offer great opportunities to make the best use of your credit card travel rewards.

3. Convert points to money
Another way to make the most out of your best credit card travel rewards online is to use a system that allows you to convert points into cents or dollars in order to calculate if you have enough to redeem for a particular vacation package or destination. This works well with credit cards that offer a statement that lists your credit balance in dollars.

4. Consider cash back
When it comes to making your points work for your travel dreams, a travel rewards card that offers points in cash back will literally give you the returns you bargained for. This is because not all forms of travel extend well into travel rewards (i.e., road trips or cruises).