By Travel Sports Savings

The Goal:

Book a weekend hotel stay for a tournament — without spending a dime out of pocket — using credit card points and travel rewards.

Step-by-Step Blueprint:

Step 1: Open the Right Card

Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Current bonus: Earn 75,000 points after spending $5,000 in 3 months.

• Those points can cover up to 12 free Hyatt nights.

• Annual fee: $95.

  
  

Why this card? Chase Sapphire Preferred earns Ultimate Rewards points, which transfer 1:1 to Hyatt — one of the best hotel partners for value redemptions.

Step 2: Meet the Minimum Spend

Spend $5,000 in 3 months using expenses you're already paying for:

• Groceries

• Gas

• School and sports fees

• Insurance and medical bills

• Holiday or birthday gifts

  
  

Use the Chase app to track your spending.

Step 3: Transfer Points to Hyatt

Once the 75,000-point bonus posts:

1. Log in to your Chase account.

2. Open the Ultimate Rewards portal.

3. Click “Transfer to Travel Partners” and select Hyatt.

4. Link your World of Hyatt account.

5. Transfer points in 1,000-point increments.

   
   

Transfers are instant — only transfer when you're ready to book.

Step 4: Book Your Hotel

Go to hyatt.com and search for your tournament dates. Use the “Use Points” filter when searching for hotels.

Here’s what typical Hyatt redemptions cost:

• Category 1 Hotel: 3,500–5,000 points per night.

• Category 2 Hotel: 6,500–8,000 points per night.

• Category 3 Hotel: 9,000–12,000 points per night.

  
  

With 75,000 points, you can book anywhere from 5 to 15 nights, depending on location.

Real-Life Example:

• Destination: Gymnastics Nationals in Minneapolis.

• Hotel: Hyatt Place Minneapolis.

• Nightly Cost: $189+ with taxes.

• Booked with: 12,000 Hyatt points per night.

• Total Cost: $0 out of pocket for 5 nights.

• Breakfast included.

  
  

Savings: Over $1000 for just one event!

What to Avoid

• Do not carry a balance — always pay your statement in full.

• Do not transfer points unless you’ve confirmed hotel availability.

• Do not miss your minimum spend deadline (the Travel Freely app will remind you of important deadlines).

  
  

Extra Tips

• If you have a spouse or partner, they can open the card too — that’s double the points (don't forget to refer them for an additional points bonus).

• Use tools like Travel Freely to track cards and bonuses.

• Focus on Hyatt properties in major sports destinations for consistent value.

  
  

Maximizing Your Travel Savings

Understanding Credit Card Points

Credit card points can be a game-changer for sports travel. They allow you to turn everyday spending into valuable rewards. By strategically using a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can accumulate points quickly. This can lead to significant savings on hotel stays, especially during busy tournament seasons.

Planning Ahead for Tournaments

Planning is essential. Before the tournament season begins, make a list of potential events. Research the hotels near those venues. Knowing where you want to stay will help you maximize your points. It’s also wise to book early. Popular hotels fill up fast, especially during peak times.

Leveraging Promotions and Offers

Keep an eye out for promotions. Many hotels and credit card companies offer limited-time bonuses. These can include extra points for certain spending categories or discounts on hotel stays. Sign up for newsletters from your preferred hotel chains. This way, you’ll be the first to know about any special offers.

The Importance of Flexibility

Being flexible with your travel dates can lead to better hotel options. If you can adjust your plans by a day or two, you might find better availability or lower point requirements. Always check multiple dates when booking to find the best deal.

Utilizing Travel Apps

In today’s digital age, travel apps can be invaluable. They help you track your points, manage bookings, and even find last-minute deals. Apps like Travel Freely can simplify the process of managing multiple credit cards and their associated rewards.

Final Thought

You don’t need spreadsheets, hours of research, or perfect timing. You just need the right card, a simple plan, and a few minutes to set things up. This blueprint is how I started — and now we cover nearly all our hotel stays during sports season for free.

Let your everyday spending earn you real travel savings. Ready to try it for your next tournament or meet?